This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
A common theme and sentiment in 90s movies for children appeared to be “kids rule, parents drool.” Parental figures were like big toddlers, ambling around aimlessly, until their children, through hijinks, pointed them in the right direction. This direction might have been towards a new romantic partner, ditching an evil business partner, or even finding the right city to move to. These films often had a real darkness and harsh reality to them, and they didn’t condescend to the kids watching them. Matilda (1996), directed by Danny DeVito and adapted for the screen by Robin Swicord and Nicholas Kazan, was no different.
Now, everyone is familiar with the dark subject matter Roald Dahl would often write about in his books, so Matilda’s source material wasn’t exactly sunshine and rainbows to begin with. The titular character of Matilda (Mara Wilson) is a six and a half year old brilliant, young girl who reads everything she can get her hands on. She uses learning and reading as a means of escape from her less than ideal home life. Her parents, Harry and Zinnia Wormwood (Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman) are neglectful, verbally abusive, and self-absorbed. Matilda’s older brother Michael (Brian Levinson) is, unfortunately, not much different from their parents. To make matters worse, she is sent to a school run by an abusive, sadistic principal, Miss Trunchbull (Pam Ferris). Luckily, Matilda’s teacher is Miss Honey (Embeth Davidtz), who is kind, patient, and genuinely excited about her job–when Trunchbull isn’t darkening her doorway, that is. Matilda soon loves school not only because of her teacher but also her classmates; not long after starting school, she realizes she might be like one of the characters from her favorite books for real–special and powerful in her own way.
The development and production of this film all came together at just the right time; it was like lightning in a bottle. The entire cast, right down to the minor parts and background extras, were superb, and the production design added whimsy and a kind of magic that was the perfect balance to the dark subject matter. The end result is a warm and beautiful story that is not over saccharine; its messages and themes do not ring hollow. Even a scene where there is a significant chance a child might be impaled on a sharp fence turns into a whimsical moment of relief. Sure, some of the special effects are more noticeable now and slightly cheesy, but because they are mostly practical effects, they have aged remarkably well and are not distracting.
Under DeVito’s careful direction, all of the actors shine, particularly Mara Wilson as young Matilda. Her performance easily moves from completely endearing to heartbreaking at times. Matilda is withdrawn for a large part of the film until she meets Miss Honey and her classmates. It is gut wrenching to see how hesitant and distant she is around her family at the mere age of six and a half. She already knows how little interest her parents have in her as a person, and the audience can gather how much she has been punished or ignored in the past for speaking her mind or asking questions. Her father even refers to her as “a mistake.” She is quite good at standing up for herself and working through ethical and moral quandaries, though, and calls out Harry Wormwood for being “a crook” after he shows Matilda and her brother “the family business” of fixing up cars with cheap or stolen parts and then selling them at expensive prices.
Once Matilda meets Miss Honey, it’s like a breath of fresh air. The chemistry between Wilson and Davidtz on screen is almost overwhelmingly heartwarming. After warily entering the classroom following a frightening introduction to the school principal, Miss Trunchbull, Matilda’s face and eyes immediately light up after watching Miss Honey interact with her classmates for only a few seconds. She realizes children are not a burden or annoyance in this classroom, and she is finally seen for the first time. Her teacher looks at her with amazement as she easily answers an off the cuff multiplication problem involving larger numbers. From that moment on, Miss Honey tries her best to encourage Matilda’s passion for learning and reading.
The film explores a common issue in life specific to children. They don’t really have a voice or agency in our (western) society. They are often used as bargaining chips in the political arena, and their fears and anxieties are constantly invalidated and dismissed. Parallel to this, is the theme of child abuse, which is displayed through several different layers in the narrative structure. Because Matilda does not shy away from the more scary parts of life, it helps give a name to kids’ anxieties that they may have difficulty expressing. Parents who yell at you and principals that throw children out windows are terrifying, but the kids in this film are able to say that these situations do not feel right. They are able to punish the bad adults. No one tells them that they are overreacting; the story itself believes them.
After Matilda begins attending school, she starts to recognize a special power within herself–in her case, telekinetic powers. This makes her braver than the rest of the other children. She is able to stand up for some of them against Trunchbull in small ways that offer them another perspective. They realize that they don’t have to wait around for their parents or other adults who don’t believe them to stop the abuse and bullying that occurs on a daily basis. Their friend and peer believes them, and it is enough to start a change.
Along with validating children’s experiences, the film also shows how much kids flourish when their emotional needs are met in ways specific to each child. It is likely that Miss Honey began teaching to protect children from Trunchbull and people like her and subconsciously, to heal her own inner child and personal trauma. She makes the dark school days brighter and less scary and shows kids what Matilda soon learns: life can be fun. By the end, Matilda is absolutely thriving because of Miss Honey. Both of these characters learn together that they are not inconveniences like their guardians once made them believe; they are both deserving of love.
Even with all the hijinks common to kids’ movies, Matilda shows restraint and does not go overboard with them. Yes, Matilda can move objects with her mind, but despite that, this film stays grounded in reality, and it has real stakes. This is something that feels less common in kids’ media today, which oftentimes feels empty. When there actually is a story involving kids that does have soul and real stakes (i.e. Stranger Things), it is usually geared towards adults instead of children. The fact that Matilda centers around a little girl was revolutionary then and, unfortunately, still is a bit today. A single girl changes the trajectory of an entire school full of kids’ lives, including her own and her teacher’s, instead of being dismissed. The film itself takes her seriously.
Even though the film might sound like it’s all doom and gloom, that is far from the case. There isn’t a single frame that is lacking; each one contains something of interest and is never boring. The production design and score are something akin to what you might find in a Tim Burton film, which is probably the best aesthetic for a story like this. It’s a lot of fun packed with both dark, edgier humor and lighter humor. Plenty of jokes are only something adults will catch, but this makes it a film that can grow with you as you age. There is something new to glean and appreciate with each viewing at different stages of a person’s life.
Matilda pushed boundaries when it was released in 1996 and continues to do so in a lot of ways today. What a revolutionary idea that kids should be able to tell an adult they’re being cruel and do something to stop them! The story gives children a voice and agency while also showing them that they are deserving of love and safety. The film effortlessly balances the darker edges of life with the lighter ones, making the important messages it contains more accessible and palatable to a younger audience. It is practically bursting at the seams with heart and is not just a silly little kids’ movie that should be dismissed by adults. Feeling safe and loved isn’t just an emotional need relegated to kids, and you might find that watching this film soothes and heals your own inner child–even if it’s just a tiny bit.
The following technical assessment of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release is conducted by my colleague Dillon Gonzales.
Video Quality
The new 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Matilda offers a winning uptick in quality over the already gorgeous Blu-Ray released 10 years ago. The new release may not be a night and day improvement, but it does allow the feature to look like the very best version of itself. The new disc comes in its original 2.40:1 aspect ratio in 2160p/Dolby Vision derived from a 4K scan of the Original Camera Negative. The Dolby Vision allows for luscious, nuanced colors throughout, especially when it comes to elements of the whimsical production design, the clothing and certain environments. Highlights are resplendent with greater stability as it avoids blooming. Black levels are tremendously deep and allow the picture to maintain an excellent amount of depth and detail in darker environments.
This presentation delivers the perfect amount of natural film grain which resolves impeccably and never fluctuates in any off-putting or unnatural manner. Throughout the viewing experience you are treated to consistently grand texture and detail within each environment which allows it to feel more lived-in overall. Skin tones look crisp and natural, and the clarity of the transfer gives you a great amount of distinct detail including the facial hair on Danny DeVito. There is absolutely no signs of print damage or other such blemishes that would hinder the appearance of this title. This transfer is a grand slam for fans of this family classic. Sony has delivered another 4K UHD gem for physical media enthusiasts.
Audio Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc features a new Dolby Atmos track while also including the original DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track for the purists. The Atmos track delivers an all-encompassing and immersive soundscape that really brings the film to life. The sound design is exciting when it comes to the magical elements such as objects flying around the room. Dialogue primarily stays planted in the center channel, but activity extends into the surrounds, rears and overhead speakers when it comes to these special environmental elements. The sounds up above are not carrying the main load, but they add a sense of immersion, space and texture which only benefits the story. These channels really come alive when Matilda is testing out her powers.
The film shines when it comes to the emotional score and soundtrack, as these elements establish a heartfelt response which comes through with great fidelity. Dialogue is perfectly clear without ever getting overshadowed by the competing elements. The low end effects are surprisingly active during the more fantastical thrills. Directionality is always precise when it comes to atmospheric effects. There are no notable flaws that would detract from the legacy of this track. Sony has once again made longtime fans overjoyed.
Special Features
Sony has provided Matilda with a sleek new SteelBook featuring artwork that is truly lovely in person. The front artwork features Matilda surrounded by key characters from the movie with items spinning through the air by magic, and the rear features Trunchbull addressing the students on the steps of the school. The interior sports a series of arty squares showcasing characters and key items from the film. Photos of the SteelBook can be found at the bottom of this review.
4K UHD Blu-Ray
- Audio Commentary: Director and star Danny DeVito provides a newly recorded commentary track in which he takes you scene by scene through the movie as he discusses how he came to this story, his motivation behind each scene, working with the young performers, his desire to employ as much practical filmmaking as possible, and much more you will not want to miss.
- Trailers: The two-and-a-half minute trailer is provided here.
Blu-Ray
- Afternoon Tea, A Matilda Reunion: A delightful 21-minute reunion conducted for the film’s Blu-Ray release in 2013 featuring actors Mara Wilson, Rhea Perlman, Pam Ferris, Brian Levinson, Kiami Davael, Jacqueline Steiger, Jim Karz, Embeth Davidtz, Tracey Walter, Leor Hackel, Sara Magsalin, and Danny DeVito; Casting Director David Ruben; Composer David Newman; Producer Michael Peyser; and Costume Designer Jane Ruhm. Not only is it so much fun to see all of the kids grown up, but they deliver some nice recollections from their time filming, how it impacted their lives, their favorite moments and more.
- Matilda’s Movie Magic: A 16-minute piece in which the cast and creative team break down the creation of various scenes through special effects and other bits of movie magic.
- A Children’s Guide To Good Manners: A humorous three-minute guide to good manners as (not) displayed in the film.
- Escape To The Library: A six-minute video that promotes the benefits of libraries.
- My Movie About Making Matilda by Mara Wilson: A nearly seven-minute “documentary” created by star Mara Wilson who takes you on tour of the set featuring candid moments with the cast and crew.
- Previews
Final Thoughts
Matilda is one of the great family films to come out of the ‘90s. This is not simply due to any sense of nostalgia wrapped up in the film, although there is an enduring love we have had since first catching it in theaters. This movie works remarkably well through a modern lens, especially since it is one of the handful of movies to feature a fully realized portrayal of a young girl who conjures magic through her intellectual curiosity. The bond she forms with Ms. Honey is also one of the most heartwarming mother-daughter adjacent dynamics we have seen on film. The film has a wicked sense of humor that appeals both to adults and children alike. It would be a magical movie even without any actual magic on screen, but that just adds a bit more fun to the proceedings. This film is a cinematic manifestation of joy and love. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray featuring a tremendous A/V presentation and some great new and archival special features. Fans of the film will be thrilled to have this one treated so well. Essential
Matilda is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray and Digital.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
When I’m not busy daydreaming or having an existential crisis, I can usually be found watching a movie or TV, listening to music or a podcast, or with my nose in a book.