MovieFreak.com - Nicholas Nickleby - Special Edition DVD Review

DVD REVIEW

Nicholas Nickleby - Special Edition (2002)

Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Christopher Plummer, Jamie Bell, Jim Broadbent, Anne Hathaway, Timothy Spall

Director: Douglas McGrath

Rating: PG

Distributor: MGM Home Entertainment

Release Date: July 22, 2003
Review posted: August 8, 2003

Spoilers: None

Reviewed by Dennis Landmann

Synopsis

This is a story of young Nicholas (Charlie Hunnam) and his family, who have enjoyed a comfortable life. That is, until Nicholas' father dies and the family is left penniless, and Nicholas, his sister and mother venture to London to seek help from their Uncle Ralph (Christopher Plummer). Unfortunately, Ralph's only intentions are to break up the family and exploit them, and Nicholas is sent to a school run by the cruel, abusive and horridly entertaining Wackford Squeers. Eventually, Nicholas runs away with schoolmate Smike (Jamie Bell), and the two set off to reunite the Nickleby family.

Critique

Aye, I confess I haven’t read Charles Dickens’ novel. But I have just seen the new film version directed by Douglas McGrath (also 1996’s Emma). Does that count for points? It should, because McGrath’s script seems to be in pretty good shape adapting the lengthy “Nicholas Nickleby.” First of all, the general feeling of the film is fitting. Secondly, the characters and introductions are handled quite well. Third, the apparent spirit of the novel, such as odd and quirky characters, funny and mildly dangerous situations, seems to be intact. And fourth, well, that’s something else to discuss later on.

So, Nicholas Nickleby obviously discards elements from the book to achieve a running time close to two hours. Mind you, there are some productions that run much longer than this film. I ask, how do six hours or more strike you? Those versions of Dickens’ novel must be exhausting, but nevertheless appear more whole. But it’s no serious matter to criticize Nicholas Nickleby in terms of leaving things out, because the script includes many different things, well, subplots and all that, to form a complete and moving story. In the film, characters are either good or downright bad. The poor are the good, the noble are the bad, which leaves one question—who is the ugly? Just kidding, hehe.

Consequently, Charlie Hunnam (Abandon) portrays Nicholas as good-natured, smart, and generous. He adds a certain charm to his role, which works well for his interaction and chemistry with Anne Hathaway (The Princess Diaries). He also forms a realistic and believable friendship with Jaime Bell (Billy Elliot). Less featured characters make fine entries and stick around for some good times, especially the ones portrayed by Nathan Lane, Timothy Spall, Jim Broadbent, Alan Cumming, Tom Courtenay (as a butler), among several others. And then there is Ralph, Nicholas’ evil uncle, portrayed excellently by Christopher Plummer. In fact, Plummer is probably the best thing about this film, making it much more enjoyable to watch. He’s just got great presence and energy, though the lines he delivers are just so clever, conniving, and humorous, and at some point all those things combined.

Though the previous statement is not to discredit Douglas McGrath and his ability to construct and execute scenes with great flair. It should be noted the film runs ten minutes over two hours, and the pace suffers somewhat. Additionally, there are so many scenes and characters going in and around, and so many things happening in one subplot after another, well, at a point this becomes a little too much to digest and begs the film to end sooner rather than later. Note also the film takes some 35 minutes to really get going, perhaps a little too long. Despite those little shortcomings, Nicholas Nickleby proves a good way to spend two hours. It’s an enjoyable film altogether.

The Video

MGM presents Nicholas Nickleby in both 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen and 1.33:1 pan & scan (on side B). The print image looks clean for the most part; some areas of the print inhabit specks. Compression artifacts or pixelation do not occur in this transfer, an obvious good thing. Colors are bright and clean, adding to the atmosphere, especially during most daylight scenes. Dark and low light scenes take on a subdued, cold look, which is appropriate. Color detail looks good. Dark tones and black levels are fine, though a little bit of grain is evident. The overall video presentation is accurate and very good.

The Audio

MGM presents Nicholas Nickleby in English 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound. Dialog scenes are clear and easy to understand. Rachel Portman’s music score comes alive as it enters the soundfield from all sides. Her music and the soundtrack make a general and good impression. Surround usage is evident, but limited, and much of the soundtrack is essentially located in the front. Still, the audio presentation presents loudness and is pretty good.

You can also choose to view the film in both French and Spanish Dolby Digital Stereo.

The Extras

Commentary by Douglas McGrath – Most of his comments are generous. McGrath does enter the production by explaining certain scenes. He’s also very soft spoken and explains the story to various degrees as the film plays out on screen. His comments continue into the end credits. Overall, it’s a decent track and serves good company to the film.

Creating a Classic: Making of Nicholas Nickleby (~30 mins) – This documentary divides into 11 chapters, each one devoted to a specific area of the production. For example, getting the cast together (like Charlie Hunnam and Jamie Bell), shooting the film, dressing up the characters, etc. Interviews are intercut with film clips and behind-the-scenes footage. Overall, this documentary plays out nicely and is a fun guide to the making of the film.

“The Cast on the Cast” (~17 mins) – This featurette is exactly what it sounds like. The actors talk up the film and give praise to their fellow cast members. Some of their comments are sarcastic, but it’s all in good fun. The interviews are pretty light, and overall this featurette is decent.

“View on the Set” Multi-Angle Feature – This feature allows you to view up to five scenes from multiple angles or as one composite. This is a neat extra and offers an interesting look at the filming process of the included scenes.

Rounding out the extras are three behind-the-scenes Photo Galleries and the film’s Theatrical Trailer, plus bonus trailers for Die Another Day, Evelyn, and Princess Bride. You can select to view the film with optional English, French, and Spanish subtitles. The DVD’s menus are interactive, but not animated. The 132-minute feature is organized into thirty-two chapters.

Overall

Nicholas Nickleby is an enjoyable, witty, and humorous film. The drama exists in there somewhere as well, but not predominantly. Performances are overwhelmingly positive and superb, and Douglas McGrath’s direction/writing is pretty darn good. The video/audio quality is pretty good as well, and the extras are worthy of a special edition label (not completely, but okay). Nicholas Nickleby is a recommended rental, while fans of the film or novel should pick it up as a purchase for a reasonable amount.

RATINGS SUMMARY