Rating: 
Summary: Brilliant film, but what about some extras?
Review: This is great because it's in widescreen. The images are clear, the colours are bright, and this has the look of a restored version (or at least a good print). The R & R Sherman songs never date and you will find modern children all over England and America singing along to Chim Chim Cheree and A Spoonful Of Sugar just as their parents did. David Tomlinson is both stuffy and loveable as Mr Banks, and Glynis Johns is wonderfully scatty as his wife. The two children are probably the least irritating in cinema history and were something of a casting coup for Disney, when compared with the horrid child actors in most of their output. But it is Dick Van Dyke who makes the film the fun it is. You can imagine, say a Petula Clark or a Diana Rigg as Mary Poppins, but only Van Dyke could play Bert the way he does. Leave aside the dodgy accent, and you're left with a great song and dance man who could carry the film even without the co-stars. The one disappointment is that there aren't any extras on this disc (I don't call scene selection a feature!).
Rating:
Summary: A great movie for the entire family!
Review: I have watched this film many times, and highly recommend it
to anyone. They don't make them like this anymore. I'd give it 20 stars if I could!
Rating:
Summary: It's a Jolly Holiday With Mary!
Review: "Mary Poppins." Many film critics call it the best Walt Disney movie ever made... the crowning achievement from a studio that has brought us such timeless classics as "Fantasia," "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves," "Bambi," "Beauty and the Beast," and "The Lion King." For my money, Mary Poppins tops 'em all! This fabulous musical comedy, starring Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson, and Glynis Johns, and based on the best selling British children's books written by P.L. Travers, ranks as one of the two best children's movies ever made. (The other being "The Wizard of Oz.") Where to begin? This is such an extraordinary movie!! It has everything that a great kid's movie should have: a wonderful story that teaches strong family values; a brilliant cast; absolutely stunning special effects (even by today's standards); and wonderful music. Here are just a few of the things I like best about "Mary Poppins:" THE ACTING is absolutely brilliant! Julie Andrews won a Best Actress Academy Award for her portrayal of Mary Poppins. She imbues her character with the reserve so prevalent in British society during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. At the same time, she manages to convey a wonderful sense of joy, kindness, and compassion toward the children. Dick Van Dyke is superb as the carefree chimney sweep ans jack-of-all-trades, Bert. His relaxed comic style is perfectly matched to his character. And, while his Cockney accent doesn't quite deliver the goods accurately, it's nevertheless pretty good. (By the way, look for Mr. Van Dyke in a secondary role in this film. I won't tell you which one... but it's unlikely you'll miss him!) David Tomlinson is the third stand-out member of this fabulous ensemble cast. He's practically perfect as the pompous, stuffy martinet of a father, George Banks. Other cast members are excellent as well, especially Glynis Johns as Winifred Banks; and Ed Wynn in his hilarious role as the laughing man, Uncle Albert. THE WRITING: Screen writers Bill Walsh and Don Da Gradi adapted "Mary Poppins" from the series of British children's books authored by P.L. Travers (1899-1996) This is a tender story that addresses many family issues that were as problematic at the beginning of the twentieth century as they are today: responsibility, accountability, and the proper role of parents in the rearing of their children. In the Banks household, we find a family with many of the same problems that afflict today's families: two parents, each focused on their own interests, each so busy with their own lives that they have precious little time to forge and maintain loving bonds with their children. What are the possible consequences for the children? How can these problems be addressed and solved? The beauty of this story is that it's done in a way that's easy for kids, even younger ones (I'd say ages six and older) to understand and learn from. THE MUSIC: All of the music and lyrics in "Mary Poppins" are original... composed by Richard Sherman and his brother Robert. This film has some of the best songs ever to appear in a movie! Each song is in itself a classic: "A Spoonful of Sugar;" "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious;" (I think that's how it's spelled!); "Feed the Birds" (my personal favorite); Academy Award-winning "Chim Chim Cher-ee;" "Step in Time;" and "Let's Go Fly a Kite" are but a few of the magical, sometimes whimsical, but always "practically perfect" songs that make this film such a wonderful musical experience. And then there's THE MAGIC... the special effects! In its day, "Mary Poppins" was on the "cutting edge" of movie-making technology. Examples of these (what were then) ultra-modern special effects: this was one of the first films to use miniature robotics for animation. (That robin that lands on the window sill during "A Spoonful of Sugar" is a miniature robotic bird!) And, of course, this is also one of the first films to combine real-life actors and animation extensively (the entire sequence with Mary, Bert and the children inside the sidewalk chalk picture.) These special effects may seem a bit tame when compared with today's computer-generated graphics, but make no mistake: they're still eye-popping! Go beyond all the glitz and glitter of the film, and you'll find at the heart of "Mary Poppins" a simple story about family, with important lessons for all of us - children and adults alike - on how we can make our homes better and happier places to live. By today's standards, "Mary Poppins" may seem a little old-fashioned, even dated. But it's still a great kid's movie! With a well written, touching story, superb music, and outstanding special effects, it's at once brilliantly funny, poignant, joyous, carefree, and just plain marvelous entertainment.
Rating:
Summary: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Review: Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke did outstanding jobs in
this timeless Disney classic!Andrews is wonderful as the
kind-hearted yet strict nanny,and Van Dyke's performance
of Burt is very good;Van Dyke's Cockney accent is very well-
performed and convincing!The scenery is colorful and very
well-done,and the performers are superb!David Tomlisin is
perfect as the no-nonsense banker George Banks,and Reginald
Owen is wonderful as the elderly Admiral Boom!And who
can forget songs like the touching"Feed the Birds"or the
lively "Step in Time"?Young and old alike will be entertained
by this film.A must-have for any Disney collection!
Rating:
Summary: Mary Poppins... Practically Perfect in Evey Way.
Review: Walt Disney's crowning achievement, MARY POPPINS is one of the most fulfilling family films ever made. Combining a fun, episodic script with wonderful music, state-of-the-art special effects and beyond perfect casting, POPPINS seemed to be the culmination of Walt's filmmaking ideals. The story is based on the MARY POPPINS stories by P.L.Travers and the screenplay adapts several very unique chapters, all showing how Mary effects everyones life that she meets. The music by Disney favorites, the Sherman Brothers (Richard and Robert) could also be considered their best material ever. And they single handedly put the word 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' into the world's psyche. The visual effects combined masterful matte paintings (painted on glass) with live action, animatronics (used to great extents in the Disney parks), and animation (another Disney hallmark). But all of these elements would be lost if it weren't for the wonderful casting. Julie Andrews IS Mary Poppins, I can't think of a greater compliment. Very American Dick Van Dyke portrays very cockney british Bert as well as the bank Chairman Mr Dawes. His dedication and energies are so infectious that his on-screen appearances put a smile on your face. (Theres almost an unwritten unrequited love between Bert and Mary that rivals Hot Lips and Hawkeye in MASH) David Tomlinson is perfect as the father Mr Banks and Matthew Garber and Karen Dotrice are great child actors. Throughout the film are small roles, both live-action and animated that are hysterical. Chief amongst these is the amazing Disney favorite Ed Wynn as Uncle Albert. The one person who does not get much credit for this film is Director Robert Stevenson (His work is as valuable to the films success as Julie Andrews, yet he is always eclipsed by Walt... My caps off to him...)And so, we have an awesome film that leaves one question for us all to answer. Feed the Birds or Invest in the bank... What'll you do with your tuppence?
Rating:
Summary: Supercalifragilistic
Review: "It's as wonderful now as I remember it." Visual effects add to the story. Even though it is technologically dated, it doesn't matter. Teaches kids key lessons in a humorous way. "I hope we never get too old or too sophisticated to enjoy a family gem like this." Enjoyed it and wanted to watch it again..."over and over." Liked learning the lessons. "You have to take the good with the bad...a spoonful of sugar helps." "It's gonna be one of my favorites." "It was supercalifragilistic..." Ages 5-8, but good for all ages.
Rating:
Summary: Classic Disney musical score blends with great storytelling!
Review: "Mary Poppins" remains the ultimate Disney musical that both entertains and, in a lighthearted tone, sends a sweet message to children and grown-ups alike. This might sound melodramatic, but anybody who has gotten so deep into the "9 to 5" work routine to the point that they miss the "here and now" could totally relate to this fine work! Such a passionate statement rings true in almost any age; "Mary Poppins" is a wake-up call, a scathing assault on the mindless conformity that runs rampant in any modern society. I can't hum "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" without also thinking "Protagasubterfugerist et antiphlogistic!" Cheery tunes about nonsensical words indeed mix with angry Greek slogans demanding that the apathetic sloth we call society be energized with the inflammation that is the rising public anger latent in a hollowed culture. Credit for the swift delivery of prosaic force that drives home this angry attack on modern corporate society should go to director Robert Stevenson, who directed many popular Disney films. "Mary Poppins" is a departure for Stevenson; unlike his "nuclear family" hits like "Son of Flubber," this body of work reveals a brave soul letting out a Guajardian cry for help. This is most abundant in the melodic tune of discontent disguised as joy "I Love To Laugh," a symbolic parody revealing that laughing at jokes rife with dark humor spears our souls with a hallucinatory effect, delivering us to heights we may never return from, all while the impoverished starve and the farm animals sicken in the fields. Guajardian musical lyrics have never been better! I can't help but believe this film was a cathartic exercise for Stevenson. Unlike his feelgood movies, this is a focused and consistent work. There is only one other Robert Stevenson film I can think of where he seems to cut deep with his personal creative punch. That 1971 work parallels "Mary Poppins" with its upbeat sardonic songs, but also effectively utilizes surreal gothic imagery, chilling Wiccan chants and disturbing apocalyptic overtones. And while that particular film, "Bedknobs and Broomsticks," delivers an almost Warholian assault on fascism, "Mary Poppins" reigns proudly as the pinochle of Robert Stevenson's body of work.
Rating:
Summary: Disney did it again!
Review: Disney again places out a fantastic performance with an all star cast of the 50's and 60s Starring Dick Van Dyke as both Bert and Mr. Dawes Sr.; David Tomlinson who starred in many Disney films of the time including Bednobs and Broomstiks stars as Mr. Banks also in the movie are Ed Wynn Karen Dortice and Matthew Garber and of course keeping in the Disney Tradition the Magic continues in this movie. Walt had such a wonderful imagination to make this wonderful book come to life and all the great special effects were wonderful especially for 1964! The scene where they go into the paintings where we here Jolly Holiday and Supercalifragilisticexpialidcious where Bert and Mary dance with penguins and other characters in an all animated villiage too bad this site doesn't allow for 10 stars because it so much more deserving than a 5 star rating!
Rating:
Summary: Best in kid-flicks
Review: This is the rare children's film which I found to be just as delightful today as when I sunk into the plush seats of Radio City in 1964. Julie Andrews' glorious voice, and hilariously ironic, deadpan portrayal of the magical nanny, have boundless appeal. Other characters are no less engaging: the troublesome Jane and Michael, Glynis Johns as the suffragette who deals with the Edwardian "age of men" on the home front, Ed Wynn bringing "class" to a tea party on the ceiling. Dick Van Dyke would make anyone hope to turn the corner and meet Bert - the stage performance would top that of the West End. The story is great fun, acting and music first rate, and the situations the type that make one wish one could join in, popping into pavement pictures for sheer enjoyment.
Rating:
Summary: The first and best movie I have ever seen.
Review: My mom took me to see this when I was just a lad, and it was one of the best times that I had ever had. Last month my wife and I, we watched it with our kids, and they enjoyed it just as much as we ever did. Oh, supercalifragilisticexpialidoscious, even though the sound of it....
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