Review: Mary Poppins the Untold Story is a practically perfect celebration of the iconic Disney film
As a child of the 90s, I have grown up with the magical world of Disney, but none has left such an indelible impression on me as the timeless classic, Mary Poppins. The recent special release, The Untold Story of Mary Poppins, is a heartfelt ode to this cinematic gem that turns 60 this year.
Disney has recently unveiled an exceptional behind-the-scenes documentary, which serves as a fitting celebration for the anniversary of the Mary Poppins movie!
Over the span of Disney’s cinematic journey, numerous live-action productions have achieved remarkable success. Among these, there have been Academy Award winners, cherished films, cult favorites, and more. However, even sixty years after its premiere, Mary Poppins stands out with an enchantment that surpasses others. From the timeless tunes to Julie Andrews’ Oscar-winning performance, Dick Van Dyke’s memorable accent, and the revolutionary visual effects, this film is widely regarded as Disney’s best live-action production and the last truly outstanding one that Walt Disney himself had a significant role in creating.
Despite being frequently acclaimed, Disney has teamed up with 20/20 for a fresh take on the story The Untold Story of Mary Poppins. This special will air on November 27 and can now be streamed on Disney+. Although it might appear light-hearted at times, it offers valuable behind-the-scenes information that explains why this movie has achieved such enduring success.
The special format
The special functions similarly to an extended bonus scene on a Blu-Ray disc, utilizing a collection of previous interviews featuring individuals associated with the movie. This includes interviews with Julie Andrews, Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson, Emily Blunt (the lead in “Mary Poppins Returns”), Lin-Manuel Miranda, as well as Walt’s grandchildren and fans ranging from Josh Gad to Jon Stamos.
In our program, we continue to have fresh conversations with Dick Van Dyke, who remains as spirited as ever and still finds it hard to believe he was chosen for the role of Bert. Just like anyone else, he chuckles at his eccentric cockney accent. Chris Connelly handles the interviews well, though there’s an unusual quirk where he refrains from looking directly into the camera while discussing the film’s background.
Many stories are reminiscent, such as the near-misses with Bette Davis playing Mary, while Debbie Reynolds landed the role due to Jack Warner’s dislike of Davis starring in the movie adaptation of “My Fair Lady.” Watching the pre-production footage before the well-known animated scenes were completed is captivating, showcasing a stark contrast to the era before CGI.
The best stuff is the talk on how Walt Disney and P.L. Travers clashed on getting the movie made. This is where we get a lot from the underrated 2013 drama Saving Mr. Banks, which starred Tom Hanks as Walt and Emma Thompson as Travers. It did a fine job dramatizing how Travers hated her books watered down by Disney and was not a fan of the Sherman Brothers songs. That’s added by audio recordings of their fights, which shows the real Travers was even worse with Walt.
There’s good stuff like Grad making a wonderful comparison of Walt and his brother Roy to how Jiminy Cricket had to sway Pinocchio from going too far on his adventures. The past interviews with Andrews illustrate she still feels this was her favorite role, and Van Dyke is good too. It becomes a bit more “fluff” later when talking about the sequel and Broadway show. Yet it’s fun seeing the clips of parodies and homages from Marvel to The Simpsons.
What strikes you is the depth of affection everyone had for the movie. Walt was convinced by it, and even Travers eventually warmed up (though she famously told Walt at the premiere, “there’s still work to do,” and he had to remind her that the film was already completed). This is why, 60 years after its debut, Mary Poppins continues to radiate a spirit and warmth that has been missing from Disney productions in recent times, making it worthy of such acclaim.
“The Last Verse”
At the finale of the special, there’s a touching homage to Richard Sherman, who sadly passed away this year. This tribute features a unique reinterpretation of “It’s a Small World,” with Sherman contributing an unheard-before lyric to the iconic tune.
This special conclusion is simply fantastic, offering an extensive exploration that every fan of Mary Poppins would eagerly anticipate. Even if you’re familiar with some of the tales, the behind-the-scenes glimpses and insights from those involved make it feel like a brand-new experience. It’s a tribute to the film and its enduring legacy, featuring some delightful new elements. In essence, it’s a must-see for one of Walt Disney’s most remarkable cinematic accomplishments.
Mary Poppins and The Untold Story of Mary Poppins streaming on Disney+.
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2024-12-02 16:27