When Warner Home Video started the DVD bandwagon in early 1997, one of their initial offerings was the 1971 classic children’s tale Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Although the disc was a best-seller, it was – like most early DVDs – a somewhat disappointing disc for fans of the film. Four years later, for its 30th Anniversary, Warner has finally decided to give this film the proper treatment it deserves with a new Special Edition DVD called the 2001 Edition.

The classic story written by Roald Dahl has been a beloved children’s book for decades and was realized on the silver screen thirty years ago with a delightful performance by Gene Wilder as the eccentric candy mogul. The story is that of Charlie Bucket, a little boy with no money and a good heart, who dreams wistfully of being able to buy the candy that other children enjoy. Charlie enters into a magical world when he wins one of five “Golden Tickets” to visit the mysterious chocolate factory owned by the eccentric Willy Wonka and run by his capable crew of Oompa-Loompas. Once behind the gates, a cast of characters join Charlie and Grandpa Joe on a journey to discover that a kind heart is a finer possession than a sweet tooth.

No technical information on video transfer or sound format is available,
but it is likely the exsisting audio/video elements from the original
disc will either be directly ported to the new disc or remastered in
some way. Unlike the previous barebones disc, the new DVD will contain an audio commentary by the five Wonka kids, “Pure Imagination” – a making-of featurette in addition to a new original featurette, and several Sing-along Wonka songs.

Coming August 28th, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” 30th Anniversary Special Edition will be available from Warner Home Video. The disc will retail for $24.95 (unless of course you have a magical golden ticket).