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Buena Vista Home Video

Region 1 - NTSC

1.66:1 Original Aspect Ratio

16X9 enhanced
Average Bitrate: 6.51 mb/s
NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s

1.66:1 Original Aspect Ratio

16X9 enhanced
Average Bitrate: 6.75 mb/s
PAL 720x576 25.00 f/s

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.

Buena Vista Home Video (40th Anniversary Edition)

Buena Vista (Denmark) (40th Anniversary Edition)

5.1 Dolby Digital English, 5.1 Dolby Digital Danish (dub), 5.1 Dolby Digital Norwegian (dub), 5.1 Dolby Digital Home Theatre English

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 1.66:1

Edition Details:
• Commentary by actors Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, Karen Dotrice, composer Richard Sherman, and archival recordings from others including Walt Disney
• Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious: The Making of Mary Poppins - new 50-minute documentary
• Poppins Pop-up Fun Facts Viewing Mode
• A Musical Journey with Richard Sherman
• A Magical Musical Reunion with Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke and Richard Sherman
• Sing Along Songs
• Deconstruction of a Scene: 'Jolly Holiday' & 'Step In Time'
• Movie Magic - Special Effect featurette
• Dick Van Dyke Make-Up Test
• The Gala Movie Premiere, trailers, stills, publicity & art galleries
• 'I Love to Laugh' Set Top Trivia Game
• Poppins Pop-up Fun Facts Viewing Mode
• Number of discs: 2

DVD Release Date: December 14th, 2004
Double Slim Keep Case

Chapters 20
 

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 1.66:1

Edition Details:
• Commentary by actors Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, Karen Dotrice, composer Richard Sherman, and arch
• Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious: The Making of Mary Poppins (50:40)
• Poppins Pop-up Fun Facts Viewing Mode
• A Musical Journey with Richard Sherman (17:20)
• A Magical Musical Reunion
• Sing Along Songs
• Deconstruction of a Scene: 'Jolly Holiday' (13:00) & 'Step In Time' (4:50)
• Movie Magic - Special Effect featurette
• Dick Van Dyke Make-Up Test
• The Gala Movie Premiere, trailers, stills, publicity & art galleries
• 'I Love to Laugh' Set Top Trivia Game
• Poppins Pop-up Fun Facts Viewing Mode
• Number of discs: 2
 

Chapters 25

NOTE: One flaw in my Region 1 release is that I cannot seem to be able to turn off the subtitles during the "Songs Only" portion of the Extra features. There is a button to do so, but it simply takes me back to the start of the film. I have tried on multiple machines. I hesitate to mention it as I assume it might be a problem with my disc only.

Gary Tooze

Next to the VHS and Laserdisc, the image of this restored DVD edition is simply a revelation. Artifacts are none existing, and while some frames may appear to have minor mosquito noise or colour banding, it may just as well be contributed by the grain. All in all, this is one impressive presentation.

The differences in colour and tone may be contributed to the various tricks employed, like two-strip sodium processing. It is also heartwarming to see it presented in its originally OAR of 1.66:1 (16x9).

There is a possible 16x9 glitch on the Danish edition, as when viewed in 16x9, only the left black bar is visible.

Comparing the the two editions, R2 has 0.75% more frame information top (at 800px width 6px top), and apprx 1.0% more left/right.

The biggest difference between the two editions is the sound. While the R2 only has the new 5.1 Dolby Digital track, and for this DVD specially made 5.1 Dolby Digital Home Theater mix, the R1 has included the original 2.0 Stereo mix and chosen to enhance this and the 5.1 Dolby Digital for Home Theater. As the 2.0 track is preferred by most Disney enthusiasts, this makes the R1 the one to go for. The advantage of the R1 Danish edition is, that it has Danish and Norwegian dubs. So if you buy this for the kids, go for the dub, but if you buy this for yourself, go for the R1.

The Additional material is the same on both editions and it is all you can ask for. A wonderful commentary track, a making of, a reunion, deconstruction of scenes, musical featurette. While there is a sing along and game for the kids, this is an edition made for adults and Disney fans.

Henrik Sylow