Oliver Twist (2000)

In this extraordinary production, storyteller Alan Bleasdale broadens the scope of Charles Dickens' classic tale of an orphan in 19th century England—and the characters who influence his destiny.

Oliver's mother, Agnes, struggles against the tragic circumstances that ultimately leave Oliver a penniless orphan. At the Parish Workhouse, he is forced by other boys to ask for more food, and as a result, is sold as an apprentice to a miserly undertaker. He runs away and is taken in by master thief Fagin, who is in league with a murderous pair determined to see that Oliver never inherits the fortune he deserves. Life twists and turns again and again for Oliver, landing him in alternately dangerous and hopeful circumstances.

Oliver Twist is a drama of dark comedy, astonishing vivacity and soaring imagination, but ultimately, it is a story that celebrates the resilience and triumph of a little boy's spirit.

Special DVD features include: materials and activities for educators; a link to the Masterpiece Theatre Web site; closed captions; and described video for the visually impaired.

On three DVD5 discs. Region coding: All regions. Audio: Dolby stereo. Screen format: Letterboxed.

Oliver Twist

Another great Masterpiece Theatre production, along with a prequel not written by Dickens, but it could have been; it's that good!
June 23, 2008

Major Disappointment

Those purchasing this production and expecting to experience the classic tale of Oliver Twist are in for a major disappointment. The story line was altered to such a degree, I felt that it degraded a great classic. Several important characters in the novel are completely omitted, while several minor characters are completely changed or are given key importance in the story line. While viewing this DVD I couldn't comprehend the reasoning behind this other than it being an indication that the screenwriter was arrogant enough to feel that he could come up with a better story line than Charles Dickens.

Too bad that screenwriters weren't on strike for this production. I would have saved money that I felt was thrown down the drain. February 18, 2008

Worth a tuppence

Just wanted to add my 5 stars to say the DVD is worth the money. It is one of the best period pieces produced in recent times. November 10, 2007

great film

i'v seen oliver twist before,bur never so good and,whit great actors like this.fans off dickens must really see this one.and of corse Michael Kithen
in a brilliant rool,but he is a very good actor and my favorit May 23, 2007

supernal

Having no life, I make a point of trying to see every "Masterpiece Theatre" or BBC-type historical drama that I can.

And I would have to say, this is probably the best I've ever seen. It's just so shattering, so beautiful, so emotionally exhausting to watch. It's one of those movies that are so good that you forget you're really watching a bunch of actors, with lights, cameras, clapboards, etc. You find yourself totally immersed.

One thing you should know is that, whether you get this movie on DVD or on VHS, there are three parts, each about 2 hours.

Surprisingly, though, only the second and third parts are, strictly speaking, adapted from Dickens's novel. The first part is the prequel: in the novel, the exact circumstances of Twist's provenance are left murky. The first part of this series, made only for this "Masterpiece Theatre" production, is a two-hour spelling out of where he came from. They've definitely taken some license there.

But incredibly, the first part -- the one not based directly on Dickens's writings -- is for me the most gripping and well-written of the three! I can't believe how good it is. Fits right in and then some.

One other note: I'm probably not giving away anything by announcing that in the end, everything is set right and just desserts are apportioned to all. Yet so crushing and infuriating is the Hell through which the waif Oliver must pass, that one is left to wonder if, even though the bad guys do get what's coming to them, the horrors we have seen are really made up for.

To tell you the truth, notwithstanding my regard for this production, I find myself unable to sit through it a second time. The actors playing Monks, Bill, and Fagin do such a convincing, harrowing job of being evil to Oliver, that I simply can't take it, even though I know everything will be all right in the end. It's just too much for me.

I also find this true of the book. It's probably the only work of Dickens that leaves me with the feeling, when I put it back on the shelf, that the moral universe is still fundamentally out of whack. May 14, 2007

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