DVD review: Bedknobs and Broomsticks: Enchanted Musical Edition

The opening credit sequence for Disney’s 1971 film “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” displays the cast and crew names over a series of medieval-style paintings depicting wizards and strange animals.

When the final title cards reveal a broomstick-flying witch leading an army of empty suits of plate armor against Nazi soldiers, you get the feeling that this is going to be a very different Disney film.
 
The story is set in 1940, during the German bombing of London. In an effort to keep Britain’s youth safe, a family of three youngsters is relocated to an old village in the countryside. The kindly, but reclusive Miss Price (Angela Lansbury) is assigned guardianship over the children, much to her chagrin.

That evening, the spying kids discover that Miss Price is a novice witch. They go on to learn that she is hoping to use her newly acquired powers to help in the war effort; if only her spellbook was complete. The search for the missing spell will transport the four to London and a magical kingdom on a bewitched bed, capable of flying them anywhere they want.

During their adventure they encounter an unlikely hero, an unexpected family, and a showdown with the greatest villains of the 20th century.
 
The newly released “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” DVD is the complete uncut version of the film, running about 2 hours and 20 minutes. Like the recently released “Pete’s Dragon,” this restored version seems a little long and it’s understandable why it was trimmed upon its initial release.

As expected, the movie has Disney’s signature songs, dance numbers and even an extensive animated sequence for a little extra movie magic.

Unlike some other Disney efforts, the song and dance routines feel a little forced, oftentimes serving only as a bridge to the next link of the story instead of organically incorporating the narrative. The lengthy “Portobello Road” sequence, while cute, feels a bit out of place and seems to go on much too long.
 
These issues aside, the story is unusual and charming and I never thought I’d see a Disney film with an extended World War II battle sequence. It actually works even if it takes a long time getting there. Angela Lansbury, co-star David Tomlinson (Mary Poppins), and the trio of youths make a fun cast and they look like they are having a good time.

Kids will enjoy the trademark Disney magic, goofy comedy and antics, but the long running time might make them a little antsy.
 
Movie
3.5 out of 5
 
The DVD
 
The film looks a little worn and grainy in places and sharp in others, while the 1.66:1 widescreen image sizes neatly in a widescreen television. As usual from Disney, the disc comes with a number of bonus features, all geared towards Disney aficionados.
 
Wizards of Special Effects (8:08) – Disney television star Jennifer Stone discussed the sodium screen vapor process, the precursor to today’s green and blue-screen technology.
 
Music Magic (11:28) – This featurette again discusses the impact of legendary Disney composers, the Sherman Brothers. They discuss working with Walt Disney, the long pre-production process for “Bedknobs” and the inspiration for their songs.
 
A Step in the Right Direction (3:48) – This is a reconstruction of a lost musical sequence. Angela Lansbury’s musical performance is accompanied by a series of production photos.
 
David Tomlinson Portobello Road recording session (1:10) – Archival film showing the British actor during a song scoring session.
 
4 Theatrical trailers
 
DVD/Bonus Features rating
4 out of 5

Tony Robinson is a past host of KATU's Movie Guys film review segment and currently reviews movies exclusively for KATU.com. He lives in Portland with his wife, son and action figure collection. He can be reached at tonerobe@hotmail.com.