Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2980 in DVD
• Released on: 2002-07-22
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English, German
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 133 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Angela Lansbury plays a good witch who uses her powers against the Nazis in World War II and is aided by three children in the effort. This 1971 movie directed by Disney stalwart Robert Stevenson (Mary Poppins) was never up to the studio's best efforts--the music isn't all that good and the idea just doesn't quite catch on. But Lansbury, David Tomlinson and the late Roddy McDowall are good and there are some clever sequences blending animation and live action, most memorably a soccer game between the kids and some cartoon animals. --Tom Keogh

DVD Description
DVD Special Features:
Two short cartoons: "Magical Mickey" and "Trick or Treat".
A reconstruction of the deleted musical sequence "A Step in the Right Direction".
Recording the song "Portobello Road".
Bedknobs and Broomsticks Scrapbook.

Synopsis
In England during World War II, three young kids are forced to evacuate their home and move in with the eccentric Eglantine Price (Angela Lansbury). At first the youths are unhappy--until they discover that Eglantine is studying to become a witch. Eglantine teaches the children magic, using her new powers to take them on fantastic, fun-filled adventures, all of which they experience on a flying bedframe. But when the neophyte witch decides to use her powers to help the Brits win the war, will she succeed...or will she just create more havoc

Customer Reviews

Not Just For Kids
It's surprising that a film such as this can appeal as much to adults as children.
Perhaps it's the clever blend of a serious subject like a war being intergrated effortlessly with the magical songs, but this is one film that any age will find difficult not to enjoy.
Standout moments are, for me, the 'Portobello Road' dance sequence and the 'Substitutiary Locomotion' scene for it's comic genius.
Angela Lansbury shines as ever and every other member of the cast shines individually. In my (probably biased) opinion, one of the best Disney films ever made.

perfection
As a child I grew up with the book, but found (through Amazon) the film in 2003. For someone who enjoyed for example Mary Poppins, it provides the same magic and enjoyment. Skillful combination of real acting blended with animation. Our toddler loved it, but now he's 2 years older, he likes it better!

Classic Film - Terrible Edition
Another childhood favorite, Bedknobs and Broomsticks is as fascinating now as what it was when I was growing up as a child. By chance I looked on Amazon to see how expensive it was, and was amazed to see it so cheap (in comparison to other Disney classics). So as ever, it was in the basket!

Because of the sheer diversity in the plot and length of the film, I would imagine those that haven't seen this film to be deeply confused by all the talk of Witchcraft and so forth, so I'll try my best to consolidate the main themes...

It's 1940 and three young children have been evacuated to Scotland in search of a home. Grudgingly for a dashing Angela Landsbury, the kids are handed over to her, and so they must put up with the different way of life. Though they soon find out that the strange antics of this woman are because she is training to be a witch! And has been ever since signing up to a mailing list for spells and tricks. However, she fails to receive her last newsletter, and so must find the man who is head of this 'organization'. Let it be known however that this is merely the beginning...

One of the obvious talking points we always talk about with this film are the splendid animation scenes, shot quite flawlessly. In a day and age of tiresome computer graphics, it's fascinating to watch our live characters swim through a whole sea of painted drawings, and trek in a island that seems it could gape forever (thanks to the size of the massive stages used). Theirs also "that" scene were a whole army of ancient battle-dresses get up and fight the Germans... But without people inside them! As a kid, I was laughably scared of this scene because it's so darn real - even once you know how they did it, you can't fault the production and editing.

An interesting apsect of Disney films around this era is the hybrid between 70's culture and the intended WW2 theme. The haircuts of characters typically out-grown for the time.. The wierd and wacky nature of the Hastings/Medevil title sequence.. The charisma of the animals on the island, very similar to the latter Robin Hood (as is the animation). This is certainly a film you can sit down and really analyze - their are more themes going on than you actually think.

Sadly however, the 'product' in question isn't as perfect as the film. 2hrs 15mins later, I witnessed a re-edited, ADR'd (After-dubbed-recording) and poorly mastered film that most likely proves why it's so cheap in comparison to other Disney classics. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for film studio's wanting to revitalise old cans of film and presenting them, but it should be an option. The final product, in my own opinion, is too drawn out in sections where there were no need to tamper scenes. Most poorly of all, there were scenes where the voices had been over-dubbed! And on many occasions, out of sync with the lips. This is not a DVD problem - scan Google and you'll find that many, many people are voicing the same problems as myself.

Even when it was originally released, Disney shortened the film to that of it's premiere showing to make it more suitable for cinemas. I fear in these times that many kids may not have the patience to sit through such a film, which would be sad but it's a genuine reality that (dare I say it...) 'brats' enjoy - Joke-a-minute CGI movies with little human interaction.

But let it be known, the frames have all been squared off nicely which is a joy to see on a large TV, and the general cleaning up is great. I believe their was only one scene that needed computer-colorization, and that was a part of the Portobello Road dance/song sequence (which again, didn't need editing).

You're probably thinking "This is all nice, but is he being too critical?". If you've never watched this film, then do get it - No-one can deny it's a wondrous film. I just can't help but raise the issues above as someone who's watched this film hundreds of times since I was younger, so all I can suggest is if you're a "true" Disney enthusiast, consider one of their more sought after special editions. If you're not a deep analyst like moi, then consider buying this while it's cheap!