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BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

post #1 of 32
Thread Starter 
Walt Disney

MARY POPPINS 45TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
A Timeless Disney Classic that Spans Generations
Celebrates its 45th Anniversary with More Magic and Music

Available on 2-Disc Special Edition DVD January 27, 2009

Packed with Hours of "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" Bonus Features,
including an all-new, exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the hit Broadway show

Burbank, California, October 31, 2008—Practically perfect in every way, the world’s most famous nanny touches down on rooftops everywhere when Mary Poppins: The 45th Anniversary Edition arrives on new 2-disc Special Edition DVD January 27, 2009 from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

Dazzling animation, groundbreaking special effects and award-winning music earned Mary Poppins five Academy Awards®, including Best Actress and Best Song. The new two-disc DVD features hours of captivating bonus material, including the all-new “Mary Poppins: From Page to Stage”, a fascinating feature that takes audiences backstage for an exclusive look at the making of the Tony Award winning musical, and “Step in Time,” a never-before-filmed musical number performed by the original Broadway cast—also downloadable as an MP3 audio file. Bonus materials also include the ultimate "behind-the-scenes" movie documentary and reminiscences of the film’s stars and legendary composer Richard Sherman.

With its revolutionary blend of live action and pioneering Disney animation, Mary Poppins became an instant hit and was nominated for the Best Picture Oscar®. The film stars the incomparable Dame Julie Andrews, who won the 1965 Best Actress Academy Award for her film debut, and Dick Van Dyke as Bert, the dancing chimney sweep.

Songwriting brothers Richard and Robert Sherman (Bed Knobs and Broomsticks, The Jungle Book, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) received Oscars for Best Song ("Chim Chim Cher-ee"), and Best Score, which includes such unforgettable numbers as "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," “Sister Suffragette," "The Life I Lead," "The Perfect Nanny," "A Spoonful of Sugar," "Jolly Holiday," "Stay Awake," "I Love To Laugh," "Feed the Birds," "The Fidelity Fiduciary Bank," “Step in Time" and "Let's Go Fly a Kite."

Based on the popular children's stories by P.L. Travers, Mary Poppins has won the hearts of generations of kids and their parents with its enchanting tale of a magical nanny who changes the lives of two rowdy but neglected kids with determination, discipline and “Just a Spoonful of Sugar.” Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews) takes Jane and Michael Banks (Karen Dotrice and Matthew Garber) on magical, musical outings including a play date with adorable animated penguins, a race through the country side on merry-go-round horses and a trip across the rooftops of London on a stairway made of smoke—and always gets them home in time for dinner! With her foolproof mixture of good manners and unpredictable fun, Mary not only introduces order to the chaotic Banks household, but brings the whole family together in the process.

BONUS FEATURES

Backstage Disney
Disney on Broadway

• Mary Poppins from Page to Stage —First a beloved children’s book, then a classic movie and now a smash hit Broadway musical! Fans can follow the story of Mary Poppins from page to stage as the creative team and cast prepare to take the long running show on tour.

• Step in Time—The Broadway cast of Mary Poppins performs the never-before-filmed
number “Step in Time” from the show.

• Step in Time – A downloadable MP3 featuring the Broadway cast of Mary Poppins singing “Step in Time,” featuring Ashley Brown as Mary Poppins and Gavin Lee as Bert.
• Video Intro By Scenic & Costume Designer, Bob Crowley

• Bob Crowley’s Design Galleries—Concept art, costume designs, set designs and set
models for the Broadway musical

• Audio Commentary—Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, Karen Dotrice and Richard Sherman recall the making of Mary Poppins.

• Poppins Pop-Up Fun Facts—Select this option and fun-filled facts about the creation of this classic film pop up during viewing.

• Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious: The Making of Mary Poppins—The definitive behind-the- scenes look at how this unique and beloved film came into being.

• Movie Magic—A look at the special effect techniques used to bring the magical world of
Mary Poppins to life.

• The Gala World Premiere—Footage from the Red Carpet.

• Dick Van Dyke Make-Up Test

• Trailers, Ads and More from the Original Release and Reissue of the Film

• Mary Poppins Still Art Galleries

Music & More

• Disney’s Song Selection—The whole family can sing along to “A Spoonful of Sugar,”
“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and any of the film’s other memorable songs as the lyrics pop up on screen. Each song can be selected separately or while watching the film.

• Magical Musical Reunion—Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke and songwriter Richard Sherman eminisce about making Mary Poppins and the music that makes it so special.

• A Musical Journey with Richard Sherman —A delightful magical journey through some of the film’s locations with co-composer Richard Sherman, who reveals surprising secrets about the music of Mary Poppins along the way.

Bonus Short
• The Cat That Looked at a King—Live action and animation bring a chapter of P.L. Travers’ Mary Poppins Opens the Door to life! Julie Andrews takes viewers into a magical animated world created in the style of the whimsical chalk drawings in Mary Poppins.

Deleted Song
• “Chimpanzoo”—A reconstruction of a song that did not appear in the movie using original storyboard and concept art, accompanied by a new rendition of the song performed by co- composer Richard Sherman.

Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition has a suggested retail price of $29.99 (U.S.) and $35.99
(Canada).

STREET DATE: January 27, 2009
PRICING US: $29.99 SRP /Canada: $35.99 SRP
Feature run time: Approx. 139 minutes
Rated: G

Technical specifications may only apply to feature
Aspect ratio: Original Aspect Ratio 1.66:1
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Languages: French and Spanish Language Tracks and Subtitles

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc™ and electronic distribution.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is a division of The Walt Disney Studios.
post #2 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

they should call it "the useless broadway promotional tie-in edition"
post #3 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

At only $13.99 on Amazon for the 40th version, it seems like a no-brainer to skip the broadway fluff and retain all the meat. I'd say this was a missed opportunity except that the last release was so good there really was no need to bother again.
post #4 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

Yawn. Disney dipping once again in the SD waters. No Blu-Ray = No Sale.
post #5 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

Quote:
Originally Posted by rich_d
Yawn. Disney dipping once again in the SD waters. No Blu-Ray = No Sale.
That's how I see it too. The next time I buy this title it will be on BRD. I don't need a third SD DVD release of Mary Poppins in my collection in 2009.





Crawdaddy
post #6 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert Crawford
That's how I see it too. The next time I buy this title it will be on BRD. I don't need a third SD DVD release of Mary Poppins in my collection in 2009.

I've never owned the film, but even I am taken aback that this isn't coming out on Blu-ray as well. It's interesting that some of us are really starting to hold back and we feel "what's the point of SD DVD-ONLY anymore".

"No Blu-ray = No Sale" is a good rule of thumb these days for popular films which you just know deserve a High Def release, and which are likely to see one in the near future.
post #7 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

A bit off topic but Mary Poppins is showing today in NYC at Lincoln Center (Walter Reade Theatre). A 2 for 1 with a David Fincher film as part of a David Fincher retrospective. Fincher hand selected films that had a significant influence on his work. Chinatown is playing on January 3rd.

Film Society of Lincoln Center

Separate from this retrospective, Playtime is showing in 70 mm on January 5th. I've seen this in 70 mm at the Walter Reade Theatre and can say it is spectacular.

Happy New Year Everybody!
post #8 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

This is a wasted opportunity for Disney, I guess we will have to wait for the 50th anniversary for BR.
post #9 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

However, if the 5.1 mix is an improvement over the DEHT abomination on the 40th anniversary disc, it may be worth the upgrade.
post #10 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stephen_J_H
However, if the 5.1 mix is an improvement over the DEHT abomination on the 40th anniversary disc, it may be worth the upgrade.
..and if it has only the same DEHT 5.1 mix, but does not also include the quite nice/actually listenable 2.0 mix from the previous release, that may be worth advising everyone we know to avoid it at all costs.

Regards,
post #11 of 32
Thread Starter 

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

This was a missed opportunity for Blu-ray. Would have bought
it immediately.
post #12 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken_McAlinden
..and if it has only the same DEHT 5.1 mix, but does not also include the quite nice/actually listenable 2.0 mix from the previous release, that may be worth advising everyone we know to avoid it at all costs.

Agreed, the 2.0 mix is quite fine. IIRC, this was one of the first Disney Enhanced Home Theatre mixes released. You think they would have paid attention to how it sounded. What a debacle. I can't imagine that anyone could listen to that mix and approve its release. It sounded like it was recorded through a rain gutter.

Hopefully the sound mixer and his supervisor responsible for the DEHT 5.1 mix are already trying other professions. Perhaps gutter cleaning.
post #13 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

Although I'm disappointed that there is no news of a blu-ray yet, I'm glad they will not release this last problematic print on blu. Considering the amount of restoration and care that went into the Sleeping Beauty blu-ray release, I think we can be fairly certain that Disney will do another restoration / rebuilding on the picture and sound for Mary Poppins before it gets an HD release.

Not only is the sound awful on the 40th Anniv, let's not forget about the color issues of the print versus the beautiful raw footage that was included in the extra features. It was rumored here a few months ago that Disney may be in the process of re-assembling the film from it's raw elements. That's something I've been hoping for ever since I saw how pristine and pure the original unedited footage is. All colors are perfect - no longer with a gray hue. The faces all look clean - no unusual brown make-up tinge. There is an especially dramatic difference in the Jolly Holiday scenes. Another good reason for rebuilding the film from the original elements would be to showcase Peter Ellenshaw's artwork in finer detail.
post #14 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Tassin
Although I'm disappointed that there is no news of a blu-ray yet, I'm glad they will not release this last problematic print on blu. Considering the amount of restoration and care that went into the Sleeping Beauty blu-ray release, I think we can be fairly certain that Disney will do another restoration / rebuilding on the picture and sound for Mary Poppins before it gets an HD release.

Not only is the sound awful on the 40th Anniv, let's not forget about the color issues of the print versus the beautiful raw footage that was included in the extra features. It was rumored here a few months ago that Disney may be in the process of re-assembling the film from it's raw elements. That's something I've been hoping for ever since I saw how pristine and pure the original unedited footage is. All colors are perfect - no longer with a gray hue. The faces all look clean - no unusual brown make-up tinge. There is an especially dramatic difference in the Jolly Holiday scenes. Another good reason for rebuilding the film from the original elements would be to showcase Peter Ellenshaw's artwork in finer detail.

I'm all for whatever can be done to improve things but if those rumors are the case and those efforts are not part of the 45th year edition, that would only make it more of a black mark on Disney. They should just wait and get it right.

As far as the featurette you are referring to, I would agree that some characters do look a bit odd in the feature film compared to the featurette but as far as the colors go I think the released feature film looks good, capturing the chalk drawing visual element well.

Featurette Horse



Feature Film Horse



Featurette Pond



Feature Film Pond


post #15 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

10:1 the transfer is the same as before. This seems like a pretty blatant re-packaging, not an actual new release.
post #16 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Tassin
Considering the amount of restoration and care that went into the Sleeping Beauty blu-ray release, I think we can be fairly certain that Disney will do another restoration / rebuilding on the picture and sound for Mary Poppins before it gets an HD release.

I'm sorry but I don't care what the BD transfer looks like when they screwed with the entire color scheme of the film and took artistic liberties like they did. The new Sleeping Beauty is a disaster and if you've seen comparison caps, fares much worse than the previous Platinum Edition release!
post #17 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

Quote:
Originally Posted by MarcoBiscotti
I'm sorry but I don't care what the BD transfer looks like when they screwed with the entire color scheme of the film and took artistic liberties like they did. The new Sleeping Beauty is a disaster and if you've seen comparison caps, fares much worse than the previous Platinum Edition release!
So Sleeping Beauty is a disaster and have you seen the Blu-ray presentation? Forgive me, if I don't agree with you nor those so-called film experts that back up their complaints with comparison caps, but without any actual historical data to support their claims except it doesn't look right to their eyes based on previous home video releases that might have been in error to begin with due to technological limitations.
post #18 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

I'm sure animation fans will forget all about the Sleeping Beauty 'disaster' when Pinocchio comes out and is quickly declared the worst atrocity in the history of humankind. Then whatever release follows that will be even worse, etc.
post #19 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

Ain't that just the way?
post #20 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

Quote:
Originally Posted by MarcoBiscotti

The new Sleeping Beauty is a disaster and if you've seen comparison caps, fares much worse than the previous Platinum Edition release!

I respectfully disagree. I thought the quality of the blu-ray Sleeping Beauty was gorgeous and a vast improvement over the Platinum Edition. It's not perfect, but I do think it's near.

Quote:
Originally Posted by rich_d

As far as the featurette you are referring to, I would agree that some characters do look a bit odd in the feature film compared to the featurette but as far as the colors go I think the released feature film looks good, capturing the chalk drawing visual element well.


Thanks for your comparison shots, Rich. That is not the featurette I'm referring to though. I'm talking about the features that show the raw unedited footage.

Here are some comparisons I've captured:



You'll notice that in the Jolly Holiday raw elements there are no artwork backgrounds of course. These would have to be re-assembled in a reconstruction:



In this next one you can easily see the difference in the look of skin tones and contrast on the faces. For some reason when they originally combined the elements together for the final film it took on a hard look. It looks awash with grey hues as well when compared to the raw footage :

post #21 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

In your last capture, of course it took on a slightly different look - it's an optical. However, the color in that shot is very true to the way the film looked on its original release - and that's as it should be.
post #22 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

The AR is incorrect on the current release. Some time back an actual 35mm frame was shown here and there is a fair amount of cropping.
post #23 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

Quote:
Originally Posted by rich_d
A bit off topic but Mary Poppins is showing today in NYC at Lincoln Center (Walter Reade Theatre). A 2 for 1 with a David Fincher film as part of a David Fincher retrospective. Fincher hand selected films that had a significant influence on his work. Chinatown is playing on January 3rd.

Film Society of Lincoln Center

Separate from this retrospective, Playtime is showing in 70 mm on January 5th. I've seen this in 70 mm at the Walter Reade Theatre and can say it is spectacular.

Happy New Year Everybody!

Under the Sign of Fincher - Film Society of Lincoln Center

Mary Poppins double featured with se7en ? Sorry I missed it . LOL.

It is obvious that the new edition is being released because the play is starting to tour in the US with the original Broadway leads. The DVD is being used to promote the tour. I am sure, as others have said, that the film itself will be the same transfer as the 40th
Anniversary release.
post #24 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

Quote:
Originally Posted by Garysb
Mary Poppins double featured with se7en ? Sorry I missed it . LOL.

They actually combined them into one film - it ends with Bert's head in a box...
post #25 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottR
The AR is incorrect on the current release. Some time back an actual 35mm frame was shown here and there is a fair amount of cropping.
The aspect ratio is correct, it's just the framing that is wrong.

Regards,
post #26 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

Quote:
Originally Posted by Colin Jacobson
They actually combined them into one film - it ends with Bert's head in a box...
Which is as it should be.
post #27 of 32

Re: BVHE Press Release: Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition

And why am I picturing that box being opened and the head of Dick Van Dyke (in full, beaming smile) reprises "I Love to Laugh?"

Some laugh too fast
Some only blast - hah!

Others, they twitter like birds...

Then there's the kind
What can't make up their mind....
post #28 of 32

Anyone hear of this mkovie being released on Blu-ray, lately rumuors have been poppins up and I was watching a CNN special report on electronics last week and they were talking about high-def Blu-ray and showed a bunch of clips, each about a second so very quick but Mary Poppins was one of them, as was Ben Hur and The Sound of Music so I wonder if they know something we don't?

post #29 of 32

I heard they were re-doing the opticals from the raw elements, recompositing them digitally. If this is true, they could REALLY improve the visual quality of those scenes. I just hope they don't go overboard with it like with that horrible "Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix" where they added all new foley.

post #30 of 32


Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuck Pennington View Post

I heard they were re-doing the opticals from the raw elements, recompositing them digitally. If this is true, they could REALLY improve the visual quality of those scenes. I just hope they don't go overboard with it like with that horrible "Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix" where they added all new foley.


I agree with you. I hate the home theater mixes. On one Mary Poppins DVD release they offered the original mix along with the home theater mix, I don't mind that, I listen to the original mix when I watch it.

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