Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #311 in DVD
• Released on: 2003-11-10
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Number of discs: 2
• Formats: PAL, Special Edition
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 136 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
This re-mastered, pan-and-scan 30th-anniversary edition of that kiddie-car caper is flawed but solid family fare. It retains a quaint charm while some of the songs--including the title tune--are quite hummable. A huge plus is Dick Van Dyke, who is extremely appealing as an eccentric inventor around the turn of the century. With nimble fingers and a unique way of looking at the world, he invents for his children a magic car that floats and flies. Or does he? The special effects are tame by today's standards, and the film is about 20 minutes too long--but its enthusiasm charms. The script was cowritten by Roald Dahl and based on the novel by Ian Fleming, best known for his James Bond adventures. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Amazon.co.uk Review
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang entranced and thrilled children and their parents when it puttered into the cinema in 1968. More than three decades later, and despite the eventual arrival of a stage version that throws the full weight of blockbuster effects at the story, the original remains the real thing for fans of all ages. The flying car is the star and it's impossible not to feel a surge of thrilling relief as the wings kick in when she plunges over the cliff and soars off on her great adventure. The songs might not be the greatest in musical history, but they are delivered with great charm by Dick Van Dyke as Caractacus Potts (a toned-down version of his infamous Bert in Mary Poppins), Sally Ann Howes (Truly Scrumptious) and the children.

And then there is Robert Helpmann's child catcher, a terrifyingly sinister figure who exudes a pungent whiff of undiluted evil unmatched by any character since Dorothy squared up to the witch in The Wizard of Oz. Cameos from British character actors abound: Benny Hill, Lionel Jeffries, Anna Quayle, James Robertson Justice and Max Wall all put in appearances that add some fibre to the overall sweetness of the story. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is the ultimate nostalgic confection for family viewing.

On the DVD: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Special Edition comes to DVD in widescreen format with a Dolby soundtrack to recreate the authentic cinematic experience for everyone who remembers it from the first time round. The picture quality is robust, revealing some rather homespun aspects to the special effects. Extras are dominated by Dick Van Dyke remembering his time on the film, plus a short item on the origins of the car itself and various trailers. --Piers Ford

Special Features
Disc 1 (Feature) – Technical Information:

• Original 16.9 Widescreen format
  
• High definition digital transfer with 5.1 audio

Disc 2 – Extras:

• Remembering "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" with Dick Van Dyke
  
• A Fantasmosgorical Motor Car featurette
  
• Vintage featurettes:
  The Real Caractacus Potts
  Original Dick Van Dyke press interview
  The Potts children
  Advertising gallery
  
• Read along and sing along with Chitty
  
• Original Sherman Brothers demo
  
• Photo gallery
  
• Interactive games
  
• Region 2 exclusive – behind the scenes at the West End musical

Customer Reviews

A delight for the family, and for the kids again and again
My parents are rather old-fashioned sorts, and when I suggested they buy the kids a DVD for their birthday... I was completely taken a back when they bought what I considered to be a relic from the past: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

I can only say now that I was pleasantly surprised when we all sat down and thoroughly enjoyed the whole film. The kids were glued to it and now love it so much that they know almost all the words to all the songs and is still (after 12 months of it being on the DVD shelf) being played week in, week out.

Its lasting appeal to all generations in recent years has been competely forgotten in my opinion and great films during one generation, always survive with such vigour as indeed my kids keep reminding me.

After more than 50 playings, it is still going strong and dare say it will contrinue to do so in the years to come...

Oh you Pretty Chitty Bang Bang
This was always one of my faves as a child and its lost none of its appeal. The story is truly magical as Proffesor Potts ( the ever chirpy Dick Van Dyke ) restores an old banger into a flying machine that takes him, his children, Jeremy and Jemmima and newly acquired lady friend Truly Scrumptious on a fantastic adventure to rescue his dad who has been carried away to a stange castle near Bavaria where children are not allowed and the people live in fear. The songs which are catchy and very hummable include Toot Sweets, Youre my Little Choochy Face, the title song Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Hushaby Mountain. With a flying car, a character called Truly Scrumptious who's dad owns a sweet factory and Benny Hill as a toymaker you can't fail really. Those of the cowardly variety may want a cushion or handy sofa to hide behind when the Childcatcher makes his appearances. I may be grown up now but when I see that nose and that hair I still go all shivery!

Addictive
I went and saw the stage version of Chitty and loved it, but whilst I have been off school ill this week I watched the movie and can't stop watching it. Call me sad, but I am addicted to it!
I was really annoyed when I read a review on the movie last which said ' Sally Ann Howes (aka Truly) was supposed to be the Julie Andrews of the movie, but she can't act or sing as well as Julie herself!' All I can say is, if Sally was meant to act and sing like Julie, then the producers would have taken Julie on board instead of Sally. Sally is Sally and not Julie. She can act and sing nearly, if not better, then Julie Andrews and that brings the movie to life, so STOP COMPARING THEM!!!!!
My favourite part of the movie was definately the songs and dance routines, with 'Doll on the music box' and 'toot sweets'the main ones which I constantly sing along to!
The scene which I find the most annoying is the end one, simply because it ends, and wish they had filmed the wedding and what the four are like as a family living under the same roof.
Any way, I love the film now, andI will do in the future!