Bedknobs and Broomsticks

The Blu-ray release of "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" presents a visual feast that closely follows in the footsteps of its spiritual sibling, "Mary Poppins," with its 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation. The restoration team has diligently worked to bring back the film's original charm and whimsy, albeit with some minor hiccups inherent to the source material's age and the era's technological constraints. Though certain scenes, especially those set in lower light or featuring the iconic blending of live-action and animation, exhibit a roughness around the edges, the overall preservation of grain, enhancement of color fidelity, and depth of blacks are commendable. This careful balancing act ensures a picture that respects its historical context while embracing modern clarity and detail.

Detail levels across the board are significantly improved, bringing textures into sharp relief and making every scene a delight to dissect visually. It's clear that while certain shots might appear slightly wanting, especially during the film's ambitious animated sequences, such moments are not so much flaws as they are faithful representations of the original cinematic intention. The natural appearance of edges without noticeable enhancement artifacts such as ringing, coupled with the precise management of grain, ensures a presentation that's both refined and respectful of its source.

However, it's worth noting that not all aspects of the remaster might meet the purist's eye favorably. Skintones, for example, can at times seem a touch pallid, but this slight deviation from realism should be attributed more to the original filming conditions and decisions than the remastering process itself. Despite these minor qualms, "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" emerges as a sterling example of how to preserve and present classic cinematic magic for new generations to enjoy, ensuring its place alongside "Mary Poppins" in the annals of impeccably restored family entertainment.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track featured on Disney's "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" Blu-ray demonstrates a commendable effort in rejuvenating the audio of this forty-three-year-old classic. Despite not achieving the pinnacle of audio restoration, it presents a well-balanced mix that's neither overpowering nor too understated. The dialogue maintains clarity and crispness throughout, with few instances where the sound prioritization falters. While signs of the film's age are audible, such as occasional hissing and minor inconsistencies, these imperfections are not significant enough to distract the discerning listener. The Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) channel delivers a modest yet pleasing bass response, which complements the overall audio experience without overwhelming it.

The remix intelligently utilizes the rear speakers to enhance the ambiance without falling prey to anachronistic sound design that could betray the film's original era. This measured approach adds a light and playful dimension to the soundscape, effectively enveloping the listener without becoming intrusive. The sound field predominantly leans towards the front, creating a listening experience that is wide and engaging, yet noticeably flatter than contemporary soundtracks might offer. This characteristic isn’t a criticism as much as it is a reflection of the soundtrack’s faithful adaptation to modern surround sound from its mono origins.

In summary, Disney’s audio treatment of "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" on Blu-ray exhibits a level of craftsmanship that respects and preserves the source material’s essence. While audiophiles might pick up on minor age-related audio artifacts, the overall execution ensures that these do not detract from the enjoyment of this enchanting tale. The balance achieved between maintaining fidelity to the original film and providing a satisfying home theater experience is indeed worthy of applause.

The Blu-ray extras for "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" offer a comprehensive yet slightly disappointing experience. Significant is the omission of the 139-minute extended version of the film, a strange oversight given the inclusion of "Music Magic: The Sherman Brothers," where the cut is discussed but not featured. However, the assortment of deleted and extended songs and scenes adds value, providing fans with unseen content. The recording session with David Tomlinson offers a poignant glimpse behind the scenes. Furthermore, Disney's Song Selection enhances the viewing experience by allowing users to engage directly with the film's memorable music. "The Wizards of Special Effects" presents an interesting, albeit brief, comparison of cinematic wizardry across generations. The theatrical trailers round off the package, making it a mixed bag that leans more towards treasure than trinket for enthusiasts of this classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Music Magic: The Sherman Brothers: Featuring Richard and Robert Sherman, restoration expert Scott McQueen, and actress Angela Lansbury discussing a significant cut.
• Deleted and Extended Songs: Including unseen content like "A Step in the Right Direction" and extensions to "Eglantine" and "Portobello Road."
• Deleted and Extended Scenes: A collection of scenes offering more depth to the story including "Captain Greer" and "Substitutiary Locomotion."
• David Tomlinson Recording Session: A rare look into a 1970 recording session for "Portobello Road."
• Disney Song Selection: An interactive feature with on-screen lyrics for songs like "The Old Home Guard" and "The Beautiful Briny."
• The Wizards of Special Effects: A comparison of special effects from the era of "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" to modern techniques.
• Theatrical Trailers: Four original trailers providing a snapshot of the film's promotional history.

As part of its annual August Blu-ray release tradition, Disney gifts fans with "Bedknobs and Broomsticks," a film that while often overshadowed by the iconic "Mary Poppins," manages to enchant with its unique flavor of magic, music, and mayhem. The movie, blessed with the Disney hallmark of combining animation and live-action, teleports viewers into an entrancing adventure filled with whimsy and wartime wonder. While comparisons to "Mary Poppins" are inevitable, given both films share significant creative DNA including director Robert Stevenson, screenwriters Bill Walsh and Don DaGradi, and star David Tomlinson, "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" emerges from the shadow as a vibrant exhibit of Disney's magical storytelling prowess.

The narrative weaves through the tale of the amateur witch, Miss Price (played by the captivating Angela Lansbury), and her makeshift family's quest to combat the Nazi threat using a bewitched bedknob that leads them to animated exploits and encounters with fanciful creatures. The journey to the Isle of Naboombu and the search for the Star of Astaroth medallion offer not just a respite from the grim backdrop of World War II but a testament to Disney's enduring ability to blend fantastical escapades with historical events. Despite its moments of whimsical levity, the film conveys a heartwarming message about courage, family, and the magic lying within us all.

Viewing "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" in high-definition allows both new audiences and nostalgic viewers to appreciate its artistic craftsmanship and narrative charm afresh. And although it dances in the large shadow cast by "Mary Poppins," it does so with grace, offering a story that, while less grand in scope, is equally deserving of admiration for its imaginative journey and memorable musical numbers. The magic bedknob acts as a key not only to adventures but to unlocking the hearts of those willing to embrace the film's spellbinding journey, ensuring its place in Disney's pantheon of classics for generations to come.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks" holds a cherished place in the hearts of those who grew up with it, enchanting audiences with its blend of live-action and animation long before it became a common cinematic technique. Despite a hint of nostalgia possibly tinting its legacy, its charm remains undeniable for many. The Blu-ray release, while praiseworthy for its efforts, presents a mixed bag that may not fully satiate the appetites of the film’s most ardent admirers. The absence of an extended cut stands out as a notable omission, potentially leaving a gap for die-hard enthusiasts craving the complete experience. However, the technical aspects of the release do not disappoint, showcasing a well-executed video transfer that pays homage to the film's original aesthetic, accompanied by a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound that envelops the viewer, enhancing the magical experience.

In terms of bonus content, the Blu-ray release offers a selection that might leave some scratching their heads, wondering why more wasn't included to celebrate the film's rich history and impact. While what's provided can be engaging – offering glimpses into the creation and enduring love for this classic – there's a palpable sense of missed opportunity to delve deeper with new retrospectives or documentaries that could have offered fresh insights or celebrated the film’s milestones. This aspect feels like a missed opportunity to further solidify the film’s legacy and to reconnect audiences with the magic that made them fall in love with it initially.

Conclusively, "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" on Blu-ray is a commendable release that serves its purpose but doesn't quite ascend to the magical heights it potentially could have. The stellar quality of video and audio presentation does justice to the film’s enchanting visuals and soundscape, yet the lighter fare in terms of special features leaves room for improvement. It's an essential addition for collectors and fans eager to relive the magic, but it stops short of being the definitive edition that could have been, perhaps until the arrival of a more celebratory release in the future.