Customer Reviews
A Spoon full of pure delight ! - By: Felix Briant, 06 Feb 2008 
This film follows the character of Mary Poppins the nanny who's practically perfectin every way. This timeless classic has magical & unforgettable songs for the whole family to enjoy. And this special 40th anniversary edition has some brilliant extras from a new short story with Julie Andrews, cut songs & a documentary of the making of the film.
"Most delightful in every way" - By: T. Clarke, 22 Nov 2007 This 40th Anniversary Edition on Mary Poppins is a credit all the re-releases that have both boggled (with odd cuts/features) & enhanced our experiences. Packed with extras & the restored film, its a bargain!
The first thing you'll notice, if like me you've been stingy enough to stick to your VHS version when it was on TV, is that the sheer clarity makes it appear like it was filmed yesterday. Bright, bold colours, not a single defectin clarity, it could easily pass as a new release. Theirs no 'cell' shake like on original features too, were it would appear as if the screen was a bit shakey at times.
If you've taken an interest into this film (and you've never seen it) then it's likely you've gathered the storyline by now, so I won't pound on with what happens. But as far as Disneys go, this is on level with Bed Knobs & Broomsticks when it comes to superior technicality & animation.
I have to admit, this is the first time i've seen the film for over 10 years, & it's never looked so good. As a kid, we hammered the video it was so magical, & as an adult you only appreciate the work that's been putin it further. The merging of cell animation with the acting is truly seamless, & entertainingin its own right because is just so clever. Though this is actually a rare Disneyin that the animation is spread through the film - its only used for a few scenesin the first half of the film. And perhaps this allowed Disney to concentrate their time better on producing such tight & accurate merges with the actors, from Dick van Dyk seemingly dancing around the penguins (while they dance around him) to the incredible horse chase scene. Butin an of the instances, most credit goes to the actors for their sheer ability to percieve how they're going interact with the animation,in the latter stages of production. This must have been incredibly time consuming, but it was worth it, because this is something no computer generated film can copy. The combining of art & acting.
The dance scenes are perfect as usual -in time, & incredibly (almost cringingly!) impossible, as the chimney sweepers smoothly dart about all over the place. The musical score tiesin nicely, & gives the extra edge to the animated sequences.
Favourite scene? Has to be Berts (Dick van dyk) & May Poppins (Julie Andrews) jolly outing as they group enter the summery animated world. The way they interact with their surroundings is truly amazing, from Bert picking a bunch of cell animated flowers & giving them to Mary, to the general composition & landscape, to which both actors ramble aboutin the perfect directions that don't look un-real at all. You may think I'm hapring on about this theme, but it has to be seen, thought of, & the realised that this is film making at its creative peak.
This 2 disc edition contains fantastic extras that explainin great detail how the many wonderful effects were created, & a fab commentaryin the film too. I can't recommend this DVD enough. I had to laugh though at the only 1 star review for this film.. why not check it out for yourself!
The movie every kid on earth should wacth - By: Scala Antonio, 31 Oct 2006 Mary Poppins is undoubtedly among the most terrific stories ever told on celluloid for children. It has it all: comedy, music, values, colours, dreams all packedin 2 hours together with the beautiful Julie Andrews. If you wacthed it when you were young the memory will stay with you for the rest of your life, if you didn't you still have the chanche to come backin time & enjoy it for the first time. GO AND GET A COPY.
Someone wrote that they found it boring, lackingin plot & full of cheesy music. My opinion is that you would have liked it as a kid, but growing up you simply lost your capability of astonishment.
SuperWonderfullcalifragilisticExtraordinary - By: C. V. Vieira, 16 Apr 2006 I love Disney filmas a lot. Well I have Disneyin all my veins. Mary Poppins is a wonderful film. Well written, well acting, adn animated as well. The songas are among the best of Disney. What can I say more... Buy it!
A Disney classic - By: P. DATTA, 02 Mar 2006 Mary Poppins (40th Anniversary edition) is truly a classic movie & a real treat for Disney fans, to experience watching & reliving the magical moments of Disney at your home.
What make it a great movie? An all round cast featuring Julie Andrews & Dick Van Dyke (with his rather dodgy London accent). A great setting basedin a dark & gloomy London. Not forgettinng Disney's trademark of musical songs. Remember songs like A Spoonful of Sugar, that just a simple & nice worded song. A good mix of animation , which is pretty amazing. The extra featured are excellent with rare & exclusive interviews with Julie Andrews & Dick Van Dyke. For the kids, you can sang along to the songs featuredin the movie.
The perfect treat for Dinsey fans & a good collector item.
