Mary Poppins (DVD)

INTRODUCTION Mary Poppins has always been special for me. I’ve loved the film and known the songs for as long as I can remember. But back in 1979, I played Jane Banks in the World Stage Premiere of Mary Poppins, which was directed by David Pugh (now a big name in theatre), who also played Bert. I also got to meet Karen Dotrice (the film’s Jane Banks) and still look back fondly on those times. My kids love the film too, so when the 40th anniversary 2-disc DVD came out, I knew it was one to buy. It is full of extras, so this will definitely be a review of the DVD. I will add a brief outline of the plot for anyone who’s unfamiliar with it, but the ...  Read the complete review

It doesn't get much more old-school for me than Mary Poppins, the tale of a magical nanny who comes to look after the unhappy family of a rich banker in London. This is one of those children's films that is more accurately termed 'family' viewing, as it has just as much for parents to enjoy (if you are a light-hearted old soul) as the kids. The story is fun and imaginative, bringing creativity and fantasy to an old idea - that of the nanny coming to stay. There's a lighthearted tone to the whole thing, and the songs in it add to that. If you don't like corny musical-esque songs in films, then give this one a miss. There are a bunch of hits in here, ...  Read the complete review

Mary Poppins is one of those delightful family films that you can return to again and again. It is handy to have in the house when you need a pick me up or just fancy some good old fashioned fun. Most people know the story, of how a nanny comes from the sky to look after two children, so I shall not waffle on too much about the plot. There is actually very little in the way of plot, as the film is really just a series of musical numbers building to a moral at the end of the film. For its time, the film was way ahead in terms of special effects and some of the effects still look just as impressive today. There are such creative moments, that put a ...  Read the complete review

All week, I've had 'Let's Go Fly A Kite' in my head. It's due to having watched Mary Poppins for the first time in a long time at the weekend, with my son. He absolutely loved it. He's learning some of the songs in it for a performance at the end of term, and we wanted him to see them in the film. Mary Poppins is the magical tale of a nanny who answers an advert sent desperately by two children who are fed up with the constant strict and boring nannies they have had. Despite their father ripping up their dear little letter they want to send, it finds its way up to Mary Poppins, who comes in floating down with an umbrella to inject a little bit of magic and fun ...  Read the complete review

I took anther trip down Memory Lane this week, when I was reminiscing over all the films I used to love. I would spend hours in front of the TV watching videos, or the occasional edition on TV itself. Among the list with All Dogs Go To Heaven, Miracle on 34th Street and The Land Before Time was one very special film! This Disney classic is wonderful, it's magical, it's Mary Poppins! There are quite a few films which I would say are iconic to Disney, one most certainly being Mary Poppins! Although as a child I did love the animated Disneys (think The Lion King, The Aristocats...), I also adored the 'real people' films too! I never did own it on video though! ...  Read the complete review