The best adaptation?

If it's accuracy you're after, I would recommend the 1985 BBC mini-series version (with Eric Porter as Fagin).

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Oliver-Twist-Lysette-Anthony/dp/B00008T2ZS/ref =sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=video&qid=1205157554&sr=1-2

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Oliver-Twist-REGION-PAL-Dutch/dp/B000UWDNGG/re f=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1205157861&sr=1-12

It sticks very closely to the book, and takes the time required to tell the *whole* story (it's the only adaptation I remember seeing that Harry Maylie actually appears in!).

It might look a bit dated now in terms of film technology etc (as most 1980s BBC TV does), but putting that tiny aspect aside, the acting and the sets etc are very good, IMO.

The downside is that it's not readily available to buy from the shops/amazon etc (not for Region 2, anyway, you may be able to get the DVD for Region 1), so you'll probably need to try eBay or the amazon marketplace etc to track it down.
But you *can* get it on either Region 2 DVD or VHS if you look around enough (some region 2 DVD copies have pre-set Dutch subtitles, but they are easily removed).

(I emphasise that it's the *1985* BBC version I'm referring to, not the new one that was shown just last christmas (which I didn't like at all!).)

Same, the David Lean one is the best.

"This is Fu Manchu. Once again the world is at my mercy."

Alec Guinness is great but I felt Polanski's was superior to Lean's. Lean's drags in parts and rushes the ending. Polanski's film is much better paced and focused on all the right dramatic elements and includes the very important final scene with Oliver and Fagin. I also actually liked Kingsley's Fagin better - I thought he was absolutely perfect for the role.

this movie was really great one of the best movie I've seen .