Blu-ray Review: Great Release of ‘Mary Poppins’ Tied to ‘Saving Mr. Banks’

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Disney knows how to cross-promote better than anyone in the business. With “Saving Mr. Banks” hitting theaters and earning Oscar buzz for Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson, it makes total sense to re-release “Mary Poppins” on Blu-ray. If you’re not familiar, “Banks” is the story of the making of “Poppins” and fans of the new film will love the opportunity to check out what resulted from this mostly true story.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

With or without “Saving Mr. Banks” to tie it in with, “Mary Poppins” has held up remarkably well. It’s a beloved family classic that has been given the full HD upgrade from Disney. It looks better than ever with a perfect HD polish. The special features are nice, especially the new ones and the ability to sing along with your favorite songs, but it’s the quality video and audio on the movie itself that’s most notable. One of the great things about the HD revolution is how much it has helped restore classic films like “Mary Poppins” to a viewing quality that hasn’t been seen in decades. And “Mary Poppins” is a film that can be appreciated and admired for decades to come. Hand it down to another generation this holiday season.

Mary Poppins was released on Blu-ray on December 10, 2013
Photo credit: Disney

Synopsis:
Released from the Disney Vault in celebration of its 50th Anniversary this beloved classic shines like never before on Blu-ray with an all-new digital restoration. Winner of five Academy Awards (1964), including Best Actress (Julie Andrews), Best Song (“Chim Chim Cher-ee”) and Best Special Visual Effects, Mary Poppins is a movie experience your family will enjoy over and over again.

“Practically Perfect In Every Way” Mary Poppins flies out of the windy London skies and into the home of two mischievous children. With the help of a carefree chimney sweep named Bert (Dick Van Dyke), the spirited nanny turns every chore into a game and every day into a “Jolly Holiday.” Share the music, the magic, and the joy of Mary Poppins with a whole new generation for the first time on Disney Blu-ray.

Special Features:
o All new Becoming Mr. Sherman - Enjoy a conversation between legendary composer Richard Sherman and actor Jason Schwartzman (Who plays Richard Sherman in Saving Mr. Banks) about writing songs for Mary Poppins
o All new Mary-okie Sing-Along
o Deleted scene - “Chimpanzoo”
o A Magical Musical Reunion with Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, and Richard Sherman
o Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious: The Making Of Mary Poppins

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com