Mary Poppins

Glenn Kenny (of Premiere Magazine) wasn't kidding when he said that this DVD was one of the best anniversary editions he'd ever seen. I've loved my VHS tape to death, and when I read his review I knew I had to buy the disc. The movie itself is still marvelous after all these years -- great for kids and youth, with enough sparkle, wit and artistic style to keep any adult captivated. And the extras! A delightful deleted song, a musical reunion with Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke and Richard Sherman (the co-composer of the music), world premiere parties (heavens, did things look so very different 40 years ago?), and tons more. There is a lot of Walt Disney lauding, but what do you expect? And a bit of repetition, but it's all engaging. Best of all is watching the young Dame Andrews ham it up. Having built her acting career on being prim and proper it's a shock to the system to see how silly she could be. And this is the second time I'd heard that she would ruin many a take by flying off in a fit of giggles. She's also a wonderful commentator, remembering so much and relating it in such a sensible, no-nonsense Mary Poppins style.

year: 1964
length: 140 min.
rating: 3.5
IMDB link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058331/combined