It is odd that two of my all time favorite films would happen to star Julie Andrews. I don’t know if it was simply fate that cast her in these two films, but they both undeniably belong way up on the list. The first, ‘The Sound of Music” has already had its definitive DVD release, and I knew it was only a matter of time before the other one would find its way to a Special Edition set. I find it a little hard to believe that “Mary Poppins” is forty years old. I’m only a year older, and I’m showing my age far more than this particular gem of a movie. With its stars, Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, this film is easily still the favorite amongst children of all ages. It deservedly claims the title of ‘classic’ as far as I’m concerned. I’ve seen it a million times (slight exaggeration…but only slight…), and it never wears out its welcome. The songs are some of the best and most memorable ever created for a movie, and there is not a weak one in the entire film. I challenge anyone to name a movie more fun and family friendly than “Mary Poppins.”

I could go on and on, but I’m sure most of you have seen “Mary Poppins” at one point or another in your life, so you already know how great it is.

What I need to do is tell you a little about the new DVD release that Disney is promoting. Touted as a ‘40th Anniversary Edition”, this 2-disc set is exceptional in its presentation of the film itself, as well as the inclusion of some terrific extra features. The first and most noticeable is a commentary by Andrews and Van Dyke. Hearing these two together again after so many years, is like music to my ears. They carry on like two old friends as they reminisce about the experiences making the film, and comment on some of the scenes themselves. This alone was worth the price of the set. You can also choose to watch the film with a ‘pop-up’ trivia feature, or sing along ‘karaoke’ style with many of the songs. That’s just on the first disc

Once you get to the 2nd disc, you’ll find a continuation of the wonderful reunion of Andrews and Van Dyke, who join co-composer Richard Sherman around a piano in a little impromptu trip down memory lane. This wonderful little feature winds up with the three of them singing together. You can also hear Sherman sing the previously deleted song “Chimpanzoo”, followed by a featurette where he takes the viewers on another little “Musical Journey.”

You’ll also find some great behind the scenes extras, including a look at one of Van Dyke’s makeup tests and footage from the 1964 world premiere. And if that isn’t enough, my absolute favorite feature is a brand new documentary on the making of the film that runs just under an hour. There’s a wealth of back story to be found in this documentary and it’s a must watch. Animation fans will love the new short, “The Cat That Looked at a King.” Hosted by Andrews, this little story is featured in P.L. Travers book, “Mary Poppins Opens the Door.” Add to this some extensive still galleries and theatrical trailers and you have an extremely well-rounded DVD release.

Again I’ll say that “Mary Poppins” still stands as one of the greatest live action films ever produced by Disney and this DVD release is long overdue. I only wish it were still possible for any studio to make a film as family friendly and magical as this one, devoid of all the trappings today’s supposedly ‘kid friendly’ films. It delivered a good, clean story without becoming remotely schmaltzy. I can guarantee when my baby girl is old enough to enjoy watching (and understand) a feature film with me, “Mary Poppins” will be the first.

Directed by: Robert Stevenson
Starring: Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson, Glynis Johns, Hermione Baddely, Karen Dotrice, Matthew Garber, Elsa Lancaster, Arthur Teacher, Reginald Owen and Ed Wynn
Extras: Audio Comnentary by Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, Pop-Up facts, All New Animated Short – “The Cat Looked at a King”, Musical Reunion with Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke and Richard Sherman, Disney’s Song Selection – Sing Along to “A Spoonful of Sugar”, “Jolly Holiday” and More, Never Before Heard Deleted Song – “Chimpanzoo”, A Musical Journey with Richard Sherman, “Supercalifragilisticexpialadocious: The Making of Mary Poppins”, “Movie Magic”, “I Love to Laugh” Set Top Game, “Deconstruction of a Scene”, Dick Van Dyke’s Makeup Test, A Look at the 1964 World Premiere, Still Galleries, Theatrical Trailers and Teasers.
Specifications: Widescreen (1:66.1), 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix, 2.0 Theatrical Mix
Studio: Disney
Release Date: 12/14/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: G
Website

We'll give Mary Poppins: 40th Anniversary Edition an A+.