'Charlie' is sweet treat on screen

Movie director Tim Burton has done it again.

His latest movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, (based on the Roald Dahl book) was released Nov. 8 on DVD.

As an avid Burton fan, I felt compelled to see it when it was released in July. What I found was a visually stunning film with a wonderful story filled with memorable characters, elaborate sets, and brilliant music. Now that it's on DVD, those who did not see it have a chance to enjoy the magic.

The movie is about candy-man Willy Wonka (Johnny Depp) hiding five Golden Tickets in five random chocolate bars. The five children who find these tickets get to tour his factory. We meet Charlie Bucket (Freddie Highmore) and four other children as they tour the factory and get into all sorts of adventures.

Beyond being a beautiful film, the movie is a lot more faithful to the book than the 1970s version, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Mr. Burton's version strays only once from the book: it added a back story for Willy Wonka. It even used the songs that Mr. Dahl wrote for the book, while the 1970 version included its own music. With a soundtrack by Danny Elfman, a longtime Mr. Burton collaborator, this is marked as one of Mr. Burton's most memorable films.

The two-disc special-edition DVD has many wonderful features, including games, behind-the-scenes moments such as how they trained the squirrels for the Nut Sorting Room, and interviews with cast and crew.

Any fan of Mr. Burton, Mr. Dahl, or anyone who enjoys fun movies will love this one.

Lauren Ellis, 14, is a home-schooled freshman

Home screening

What: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory starring Johnny Depp

When: Now on DVD

Rating: PGGrade: A+