Wonka – 4K UHD Blu-ray Review
Commissions Earned
Film Title: Wonka (2023)
Release Date: 2024
Rating: PG
Runtime: 116 minutes
Region Coding: Region Free
Studio: Warner
Audio Format: Dolby Atmos
High Dynamic Range: HDR10, Dolby Vision
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Version Reviewed: 4K UHD Blu-ray
Release Date: 2/27/24
Director: Paul King
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Tom Davis, Olivia Colman, Calah Lane, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, Keegan-Michael Key, Freya Parker, Jim Carter, Rakhee Thakrar, Natasha Rothwell, Rich Fulcher, Rowan Atkinson, Sally Hawkins
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Movie | Video | Audio | Bonus | Closing | Screenshots
Full 4K Tech Specs found at the bottom
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The Movie
“Wonka” is a 2023 prequel [or rather “companion piece”] to “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory” (1971). The film was directed by Paul King, best known for also directing the TV series “The Mighty Boosh” (2003), along with the films “Paddington” (2014) and “Paddington 2” (2017). The story, based on the original characters created by Roald Dahl, was also written by Paul King. He then adapted (co-wrote) the screenplay with Simon Farnaby, known for co-writing on “Paddington 2” (2017) and for co-creating and co-starring in the British TV series “Ghosts” (2019).
The film is an origin story, right after “Willy Wonka” (Timothée Chalamet) has traveled the world, became an expert chocolatier, and returns home to an unspecified town in England. It’s here (in this town) where one Mr. Willy Wonka sets his heart on starting his own chocolate company. To start his chocolate empire, Willy attempts to start his career at a premiere storefront alongside the likes of the town’s three leading chocolate makers “Slugworth” (Paterson Joseph), “Prodnose” (Matt Lucas), and “Fickelgruber” (Mathew Baynton). These men are less than welcome to the idea of this young man being a competitor and do their best to prevent him from getting a proper start with the aid of the local police, specifically the “Chief of Police” (Keegan-Michael Key).
All the while, Willy has managed to find a not-so-nice place to stay through the likes of a man named “Bleacher” (Tom Davis) and “Mrs. Scrubitt” (Olivia Colman). You’ll learn where Willy found out the hard way to read the fine print of a contract, as he ends up having to work off his debt to Scrubbit & Blecher. It’s here where he meets a young orphan girl named “Noodle” (Calah Lane), as well as some other people working off their debt including “Abacus Crunch” (Jim Carter), “Piper Benz” (Natasha Rothwell), “Larry Chucklesworth” (Rich Fulcher), and “Lottie Bell” (Rakhee Thakrar).
At a very young age, Willy was inspired to love and make chocolate by his mother (Sally Hawkins) and he’s held onto accomplishing that dream. The competition is fierce and the odds are against him, but Willy will do his best to create his own chocolate company — no matter what.
Movie Rating: 4.25 (out of 5)
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Video Quality
“Wonka” on 4K UHD Blu-ray is presented in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio with HDR10 and Dolby Vision forms of high dynamic range. This was shot digitally at 4.5K resolution using the Arri Alexa LF and Arri Alexa Mini LF cameras, using anamorphic lenses. It then received a 4K DI (digital intermediate) master.
Next, let me get technical, for a bit, regarding the 4K UHD Blu-ray Disc itself here. This release uses a BD-100 (100 gigabytes) disc, 84.37 gigabytes total, and 66.4 gigabytes itself for the film. Based on my observations via my 4K UHD Blu-ray player, this seems to be running an average (roughly) of anywhere between 65.7 and 73.2 Mbps in the HEVC (high-efficiency video coding) codec, hitting peaks as high as 90.6 and 96.1 Mbps at times. According to info on the PC side, this seems to have an overall video bitrate of 71.5 Mb/s average.
Visually, the movie boasts the rich, vibrant color palette you’d expect from anything related to “Willy Wonka.” Thanks to the high dynamic range, the colors truly pop at times, courtesy of the impeccable set design, props, and stunning costumes. The solid black levels enhance the shadows in darker scenes perfectly, offering a feast for the eyes. This film serves up plenty of eye candy, utilizing a 4K OLED display to its fullest potential. Each scene is packed with impressive detail, although some stand out more than others.
While this film may not hit the highest bitrates or require the most storage for a 4K UHD Blu-ray, its runtime of only 116 minutes should be taken into consideration. The bitrates suffice and never seem to compromise the viewing experience. While not as visually bold and over-the-top as its predecessor, “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory” (1971), it seamlessly fits into the same universe, delivering a visually stunning origin story with a touch of realism. Overall, the 4K video presentation is sure to leave viewers satisfied. I deem it worthy of a solid 4.5 rating for video quality.
Video Quality Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)
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Audio Quality
“Wonka” arrives on 4K UHD Blu-ray with Dolby Atmos sound. This includes a Dolby TrueHD 7.1 core for those unable to decode the Atmos format, as well as Dolby Digital for those unable to decode the lossless format.
Let me first state upfront that this is a musical. The fact that this film is a musical will be important to remember, as the music plays a large part in this film and the mix. The iconic musical score sets the stage, utilizing the rear channel speakers brilliantly in the opening sequence. Vocals, particularly during musical numbers, and dialogue are primarily delivered through the center channel speaker, lending them a distinct presence. The majority of the music and sound effects emanate from the front left and right channel speakers, while the height and rear channels add depth and intensity to the musical numbers and pivotal scenes as the film progresses.
This Dolby Atmos mix may not push boundaries, but it certainly gets the job done. The original musical Score (composed by Joby Talbot) and the musical numbers shine in Atmos, leaving a lasting impression. Overall, it earns a respectable 4.5 rating for audio quality.
Audio Quality Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)
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Bonus Materials
A Digital Code (copy) of the film is included that is compatible with Movies Anywhere. This means you can redeem it across all services such as AppleTV, Vudu, etc.
Bonus materials are all included on the 4K UHD Blu-ray and are listed below.
- “Unwrapping Wonka: Paul King’s Vision” (12 minutes, 28 seconds – HD) includes loads of on-set footage and interviews with David Heyman (producer), Matt Lucas (“Prodnose”), Alexandra Derbyshire (producer), Paul King (director), Keith Ferris (propmaker), Jim Carter (“Abacus Crunch”), Keegan-Michael Key (“Chief of Police”), Timothée Chalamet (“Willy Wonka”), Mathew Baynton (“Fickelgruber”), Tom Davis (“Bleacher”), Rich Fulcher (“Larry Chucklesworth”), and Rakhee Thakrar (“Lottie Bell”).
- “The Whimsical Music of Wonka“ (6 minutes, 1 second – HD) includes some behind-the-scenes footage of the orchestra, recording the original Score at Abbey Road. This also features on-set footage and interviews with Paul King (director), Alexandra Derbyshire (producer), Neil Hannon (songwriter), James A. Taylor (music supervisor), Natasha Rothwell (“Piper Benz”), Joby Talbot (composer), Timothée Chalamet (“Willy Wonka”), Christopher Gattelli (choreographer), Jim Carter (“Abacus Crunch”), Keegan-Michael Key (“Chief of Police”), and Mathew Baynton (“Fickelgruber”).
- “Welcome to the Wonka Land” (10 minutes, 51 seconds – HD) features on-set footage and interviews with Paul King (director), Alexandria Derbyshire (producer), Timothée Chalamet (“Willy Wonka”), David Heyman (producer), Lee Sandales (set decorator), Nathan Crowley (production designer), Keegan-Michael Key (“Chief of Police”), Tom Davis (“Bleacher”), Matt Lucas (“Prodnose”), Paterson Joseph (“Slugworth”), Rakhee Thakrar (“Lottie Bell”), Natasha Rothwell (“Piper Benz”), Jim Carter (“Abacus Crunch”), and Cala Lane (“Noodle”).
- “Hats Off to Wonka“ (6 minutes, 47 seconds – HD) focuses on the costumes, includes a good bit of on-set footage, and features interviews with Alexandra Derbyshire (producer), Paul King (director), Timothée Chalamet (“Willy Wonka”), Lindy Hemming (costume designer), David Heyman (producer), Paterson Joseph (“Slugworth”), Mathew Baynton (“Fickelgruber”), Matt Lucas (“Prodnose”), Keegan-Michael Key (“Chief of Police”), and Calah Lane (“Noodle”).
- “Wonka‘s Chocolatier” (8 minutes, 51 seconds – HD) focuses on lavish treats and is hosted by chocolatier Gabriella Cugno who made all the chocolates in the movie. Yes, they were not props. These were real edible candy. You’ll get to see how she made the “hoverchoc” chocolates step-by-step and perhaps you’ll become a chocolatier, yourself and decide to try this at home. The other candies “Bight Night Out,” “Silver Livings,” “Blue Flower,” and the “giraffe milk macaroon” are all covered as well, in a step-by-step design. This made me very hungry for chocolate just watching.
- “Musical Moments” (30 minutes, 40 seconds – 4K) allows you to pick individual songs from the film or use a “play all” function. This also features Dolby Vision or HDR10 form of high dynamic range and the Dolby Atmos sound mix. It’s essentially skipping to the chapters in the film, based on the song. If you’re like me and enjoyed the music in the movie, this is a pure delight.
Overall, the bonus materials here prove to be pretty thorough and are both informative and entertaining. You get roughly 40 minutes of original content, not including the “musical moments” playback option. That’s a pretty good set of extras for a new film.
Bonus Materials Rating: 3.5 (out of 5)
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Closing Thoughts
“Wonka” is a thoughtful prequel that takes creative liberties to tell an origin story. The film’s director (Paul King) did a good job of taking the original characters created by Roald Dahl. Timothée Chalamet performs well, embodying the character and eccentric but lovable mannerisms that the late great Gene Wilder best made known in his original portrayal (back in 1971). The entire cast here gives memorable performances, even Rowan Atkinson and Hugh Grant in two smaller parts manage to bring some memorable laughs.
Regarding video quality, this comes from a 4.5K digital source and received a 4K master. Visually it offers a lot of detail, beautiful cinematography, and rich vibrant colors that high dynamic range allows to pop. It’s an impressive 4K video presentation for a modern film.
In terms of audio quality, this Dolby Atmos mix helps the musical side of the film shine through. The musical numbers feel large and make nice use of both the height and rear channels, which will fill the room. There’s a nice amount of LFE to be felt via the subwoofer and the dialogue and vocals are distinct. This sound mix never misses a beat, proving to be rather remarkable.
The bonus materials here prove to be good and give you a pretty nice glimpse at the making of the film. They are for sure worth watching after the movie. All in all, this movie and 4K UHD Blu-ray release come as Recommended. It’s a delightfully delicious treat for fans.
In terms of 4K UHD Blu-ray release, this gets:
4.5 (out of 5) for video quality
4.5 (out of 5) for audio quality
3.5 (out of 5) for bonus materials
Overall Verdict:
Recommended
Available As:
2024 4K UHD Blu-ray Release
2024 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook [Warner]
Walmart Exclusive SteelBook
Commissions Earned
4K UHD Blu-ray Screenshots:
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Standard Packaging:
4K UHD Blu-ray Technical Specifications:
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Exact Runtime(s): 1:56:16
Audio Format(s): English Dolby Atmos (with a Dolby TrueHD 7.1 core), Dolby Digital 5.1
Languages: English, French, Spanish
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision
Disc Size: BD-100
Disc Use: 84.37GB total / 66.4GB for the film
Video Bitrate: 71.5 Mb/s