Mary Poppins

50th Anniversary Edition

“Mary Poppins” is one of that select group of films that can truly be called ‘Classic’, a project conceived in love and filled with so much child-like wonder that it will never grow old or ‘out-of-date’. Certainly the crowning achievement of Walt Disney’s remarkable career, both story-wise and technically, the film remains an unsurpassed achievement!  I don’t think it’s possible to meet someone who hasn’t seen Mary Poppins, it’s one of those necessary movies that you see during your childhood.  It just lifted your mood with it’s cheery songs, beautiful lead actress Julie Andrews and her lovely voice and was just a magical film. But does it stand the test of time, that as adults we could still watch it with that same feeling of being a child? Oh, yeah! I still watch Mary Poppins to this day, how could you resist this wonderful movie? And thankfully I just got a chance to check out the 50^th anniversary Blu-ray.  What did I think of that?

First a brief synopsis:

Spoiled and bored upper crust Edwardian English family has their world turned upside down by an all nonsensical nanny who teaches them how to enjoy life. This movie is a musical and has both comedy and pathos and lots of imaginative scenes that are wonderful for adults and children alike. You’ll be singing along in no time…”in the most delightful way!”  That is all I’m going to write because if you haven’t seen it, you need to now!

It’s easy to love this movie for so many reasons – Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, Stevenson’s direction, Disney’s perseverance and guiding hand, the Sherman Brothers’ playful songwriting, or the whimsy and fanciful delights of the Banks family’s rejuvenation.  It’s a simple film, easy to digest filled with heart and imagination.  It is a truly timeless film (a word I don’t throw around often).

On to the Blu-Ray. 

The visuals here are so amazing that I couldn’t believe that this print was 50 years old.  Unless you are an absolute expert you will not pick up one thing wrong with the new transfer.  Did I mention that the audio here is even better than the visuals?  Yep.  A 7.1 lossless mix is so clean and perfect for the Sherman Brother’s songs. We are also treated to a great set of special features including a behind the scenes look at Richard Sherman with Ben Schwartzman.  We also are treating a super fun (not going to lie I used this alone in my apartment last night) karaoke versions of some of the best songs from the movie.  We are also treated to all the special features included in the DVD: the audio commentary, a documentary about the Broadway musical, tons of featurettes, a musical retrospective and the amazing short The Cat That Looked At The King.

Mary Poppins is a classic family film that I cannot wait to show my children one day. I still go crazy with energy when “Steppin’ Time” comes on the screen, what a great dance number, so filled with life and gives you the best time.  I really have no complaints about the movie; it is a perfect family film that anyone could fall in love with at any age. Plus it’s against the law if you do not let your children watch Mary Poppins, it’s a necessary children’s movie.

Ratings are based on a 5-star scale

Overall: 5 spoonfuls of sugar out of  5

Review by Bro “B” – Ben

We received a copy of this blu-ray for our review. All opinions are our own

Mary Poppins: 50th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) is available on Amazon.com and other DVD retailers.