Matilda

Danny Devito directs this blisteringly funny adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic story about an unwanted and ignored child named Matilda (winningly played by Mara Wilson) who decides to combat the neglect and idiocy of her parents by marching down to the local library and reading every book she can get her hands on. As Matilda's mind expands, so does her sense of right and wrong and--before long--she's getting back at her abusive parents (DeVito and his wife Rhea Perlman) and a tyrannical teacher (a wonderfully monstrous creation by Pam Ferris). One of the best films of the year--children's or otherwise. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (R. Pitman)[DVD Review--May 17, 2005--Sony, 98 min., PG, $19.95--Making its second appearance on DVD, 1996's Matilda: Special Edition is still in a disappointing pan and scan version, with DVD extras including “Matilda's Movie Magic” on the special effects (17 min.), “My Movie About Making Matilda” by star Mara Wilson (7 min.), an “Escape to the Library!” featurette which is a nice plug for libraries (6 min.), “A Children's Guide to Good Manners” short clip (3 min.), games (including “The Spelling Bee and the Math Game,” “A Truly Terrible Test,” “Make Magic with Matilda,” “Terrify the Trunchbull,” and the trivia game “Get Rid of Mrs. Trunchbull”), a read-along story, character galleries with bios, and trailers. Bottom line: fine extras, but "special edition" and "pan and scan" are all but contradictory terms.][Blu-ray Review—Dec. 3, 2013—Sony, 98 min., PG, Blu-ray: $19.99—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1996's Matilda sports a fine transfer and DTS-HD 5.1 audio. Extras new to this edition include “Afternoon Tea: A Very Magical Matilda Reunion” and a bonus UltraViolet copy of the film. Extras carried over from the previous release include “Matilda's Movie Magic” on special effects (17 min.), “My Movie About Making Matilda” by star Mara Wilson (7 min.), an “Escape to the Library!” featurette (6 min.), “A Children's Guide to Good Manners” short clip (3 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a wonderful family film makes a welcome debut on Blu-ray.]