Is there really much new to say about this classic Disney film that helped launch the movie career of Julie Andrews? Probably not, but for the handful of people who haven't seen this film, this DVD is a must-buy. Strangely enough, Disney is not releasing a Blu-ray version just yet, so this edition will have to tide over video buffs until that occurs. The 1964 classic is based on the books of P. L. Travers, with a few Disney liberties thrown in. Travers' nanny, Mary Poppins, is somewhat more harsh and unpleasant in the books than in the film version. However, it is obvious that she is hiding a heart of gold inside and that she truly does love the children she takes care. Two of the children did not make the transition from the book, but they are definitely not missed. Julie Andrews is able to bring out the many facets of Mary Poppins without compromising the character, and of course her voice is legendary. The Sherman Brothers whipped up some of their most memorable tunes including "Jolly Holiday," "Spoonful of Sugar," and "Let's Go Fly a Kite."
In a nutshell, the story is about a magical nanny who swoops in to take care of the Banks children, Jane & Michael, and also help their father realize what he is missing by ignoring them the way that he does. Along the way she treats the children to adventures with a street performer/chimney sweep, Bert (Dick Van Dyke) as well as her Uncle Albert (Ed Wynn) who loves to laugh. One of the most memorable and touching sequences is the "Feed the Birds" numbers, with veteran actress Jane Darwell making her final screen appearance. One of Walt Disney's favorite songs, it is sure to bring a tear to many eyes.
For those that have Mary Poppins (40th Anniversary Edition), here's what's missing on this edition:
* Deconstruction of a Scene: Jolly Holiday & Step in Time sequences are examined thoroughly.
* "I Love to Laugh" Game (not a big deal for me!)
Here are the extras that ARE included:
Backstage Disney
* Disney on Broadway (All New to DVD)
- "Mary Poppins from Page to Stage": The story of Mary Poppins from book to Broadway as the creative team and cast prepare to take the long running show on tour. A very well-done documentary on the stage production of "Mary Poppins," detailing almost every aspect of the production that began in London. Especially interesting is how P.L. Travers did not want any "Americans" involved in the stage production, as she was truly not happy with what Disney did with her books. This feature takes you all over the globe: interviews with the 2 leads are held in NYC at Sardi's restaurant; an interview with one of the Sherman Brothers is filmed in Beverly Hills; interviews with the stage productions composers George Stiles & Anthony Drewe are held in England (they did a fantastic job of blending their compositions seamlessly with the Sherman Brothers' songs from the film). You'll also hear from Bob Crowley, the scenic and costume designer, detailing how he came up with the sets (inspired by the book's illustrations) and changes he made for the touring production. All in all, a very fascinating extra!
- "Step in Time": The Broadway cast of Mary Poppins performs the number "Step in Time" from the show. This is a nice glimpse into the stage production. Although it doesn't quite have the pizzazz of the filmed number (what a tough act to follow), the choreography, sets, and costumes work together to create a fantastic production. Especially effective is the use of costumes and make-up to create the illusion of the chimney sweeps are in black and white, making Mary Poppins in her red dress stand out even more.
- Step in Time - Downloadable MP3 featuring the Broadway cast of Mary Poppins singing "Step in Time," featuring Ashley Brown as Mary Poppins and Gavin Lee as Bert.
- Video Intro By Scenic & Costume Designer, Bob Crowley
- Bob Crowley's Design Galleries: Concept art, costume designs, set designs and set models for the Broadway musical
* Audio Commentary: with stars Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, Karen Dotrice and songwriter Richard Sherman. There are a few archival comments included from Walt Disney and others. Fantastic track that really adds to the enjoyment of the film. Especially interesting is the "Feed the Birds" number, where Sherman talks about Mary Poppins instilling social responsibility into the children by planting the idea of feeding the birds with tuppence, thus setting off the important string of events at the end of the film. It is refreshing to hear that so many years later, both Andrews & Van Dyke (as well as Dotrice) still have a fondness for this film and the experience of making it.
* Poppins Pop-Up Fun Facts: View fun-filled facts about the creation of the movie during viewing. Mirrors some of the information from the commentary track, but still enjoyable to learn some of the behind-the-scenes info as you are watching the movie.
* "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious: The Making of Mary Poppins": The definitive behind-the- scenes look at how this unique and beloved film came into being.
* Movie Magic: A look at the special effect techniques used to bring the magical world of Mary Poppins to life. This one is interesting, but appears to be geared more towards the young ones and early teens. Doesn't really go very deep.
* The Gala World Premiere: Footage from the Red Carpet. What a feast this is; a few different rolls of film (mixing bw and color) have been edited together to recreate as much as possible of this magical evening. See Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Ed Wynn, Cesar Romero, and so many more classic stars. Even Walt & his wife are on hand (it even appears that Walt is gently chastising the costumed Mickey character at one point).
* Dick Van Dyke Make-Up Test for his role of the elder Mr. Dawes. On the commentary track, Karen Dotrice (Jane Banks) admits that during filming, she was not told that Dick Van Dyke was playing the elder Mr. Dawes. She thought it was just some old smelly man who was close to death!
* Trailers, Ads and More from the Original Release and Reissue of the Film
* Mary Poppins Still Art Galleries
Music & More
* Disney's Song Selection: Sing along to "A Spoonful of Sugar," "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" and any of the film's other memorable songs as the lyrics pop up on screen. Each song can be selected separately or while watching the film.
* Magical Musical Reunion: Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke and songwriter Richard Sherman reminisce about making Mary Poppins and the music that makes it so special.
* A Musical Journey with Richard Sherman: A delightful magical journey through some of the film's locations with co-composer Richard Sherman, who reveals surprising secrets about the music of Mary Poppins along the way.
* Bonus Short: "The Cat That Looked at a King": Live action and animation based on a chapter from P.L. Travers' sequel "Mary Poppins Opens the Door." Julie Andrews hosts this short done in the style of the whimsical chalk drawings from the movie "Mary Poppins." Vocal talents of Sarah Ferguson, Tracey Ullman, and David Ogden Stiers.
* Deleted Song: "Chimpanzoo": A reconstruction of a song that did not appear in the movie using original storyboard and concept art, accompanied by a new rendition of the song performed by co- composer Richard Sherman. Personally, I agree with the deletion of this number!
Specs: Video is original aspect ration of 1:66:1, and audio is 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound with French & Spanish language tracks & subtitles. The picture, as in the 40th release, is fantastic. Colors bright, image sharp. The 5.1 mix is fantastic, especially during the musical numbers--all of your speakers will get full use! I read another review on here that only seemed to get front-speaker action, but I clearly heard music and effects loud and clear from my rear speakers, giving a very nice surround effect.
There are also sneak peaks into the next Tinker Bell installment as well as other upcoming DVD/Bluray releases (Monsters Inc and Pinocchio this Spring and Beverly Hills Chihuahua).
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From the manufacturer
Mary Poppins: 50th Anniversary Edition
Released from the Disney Vault in celebration of its 50th Anniversary, Walt Disney's beloved classic Mary Poppins shines on DVD with an all-new restoration.
''Practically perfect in every way,'' Mary Poppins flies out of the windy London skies and into the home of two mischievous children. With the help of a carefree chimney sweep named Bert, the spirited nanny turns every chore into a game and every day into a ''Jolly Holiday.'' Also starring David Tomlinson, Glynis Johns, Ed Wynn, Jane Darwell, Karen Dotrice and Matthew Garber. Directed by Robert Stevenson with songs by Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman. Share the music, the magic, and the joy of Mary Poppins with a whole new generation with Disney's special 50th anniversary edition!
Tech Specs:
- DVD feature + bonus
- Digital copy of feature
- Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1
- Dolby Digital 2.0 Original Theatrical Mix, French Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
- Language: English, Spanish, French
- Running Time: 139 minutes
- DVD: For Region 1 use (US and Canada) only
One of the best movies of all time!!
Our family loves this old jewel. I would focus on the digital part of this blu-ray purchase since the description does not state clearly. This blu-ray comes with blu-ray (of course), dvd, and the digital movie code. This code can be redeemed on Disney's movies anywhere then it would immediately show up on iTunes or Vudu or whatever service you linked with Disney movies anywhere service. As of today the digital movie code included in the package works fine.
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2009
- Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2025
- Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2001
- Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2024
Top reviews from other countries
- Discerning CustomerReviewed in Canada on February 21, 2025
Best of Disney
The best thing Disney has ever made, in my opinion. The timing was right for this movie. Imagine that Walt Disney wanted to make this movie as early as 1941. But 1964 was the perfect year for it, with Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. Great songs from the Sherman Brothers (their all-time best) and stellar dancing. The Mary Poppins character makes her "omniscient, narcissistic personality disorder" almost charming.Discerning CustomerBest of Disney
Reviewed in Canada on February 21, 2025
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Dolores IglesiasReviewed in Mexico on October 30, 2022
Excelente película
Está es una de mis películas favoritas, se ve súper bien, el envío fue muy rápido y llegó súper bien.Dolores IglesiasExcelente película
Reviewed in Mexico on October 30, 2022
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