Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #156 in VHS
• Released on: 1995-05-23
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, PAL
• Original language: English, German
• Number of tapes: 1
• Running time: 112 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

Synopsis
The magical and amusing tale of an amateur witch doing her bit for war-torn Britain. Based on the book by Mary Norton.

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!

Rip off!
As wonderful as this movie is, your better off getting the original dvd to get your money's worth. This is the original 1971 version, many scenes were cut and one wonderful musical scene from David Tomlinson "With a flare". When it says its a special edition, the real extra is "the wizards of waverly place" special effects clip, which personally is not worth the time as it seems as if disney really could not be asked to make a proper documentery.

It really breaks my heart that disney would recut a wonderful film just to put some tacky extras on just to make extra money.