This DVD was, I'm guessing, perhaps a rush job (hence a new special edition DVD now being released) because it includes only the film, the original theatrical trailer, and a information booklet (which, granted, is quite an interesting read) However the options presented on the DVD (the film, the trailer, scene selections and subtitles), though are few, are presented clealy and are easily navigated through.
Now to deal with the film itself. I am sure that this film is viewed by most as a children's classic, a must-see. The MGM film was based on the Ian Fleming (writer of original Bond's) and written by Ken Hughes (who directed also) and Roald Dahl
Brilliant writing credits I'm sure you'll agree but it doesn't end there! - The film was produced by Albert R. Broccoli (who produced all the Bond films
up until The Living Daylights). The music was written by the Oscar Award Winning Sherman Brothers. And then an amazing cast (see cast list below)
The Plot... ...Jeremy and Jemima live with their father, Charactacus Potts and Grandpa Potts. Chractacus Potts is a whacky inventor who is making no money doing so. However in order to please his children, he buys an old, falling to pieces grand prix racing car and does it up. The car of course makes an amazing recovery and transformation to a beautiful car. They go to a picnic on the beach leaving Grandpa at home and picking up Truly Scrumptious along the way. At this point, reality, for us, becomes confused. In essence, Baron Bomburst of Vulgaria (where children are illegal and so locked in a cave) sees Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (the car, which, it turns out can float, fly and more) and wants it for himself. The Vulgarians kidnap Grandpa through a mistaken identity. Charactacus, Truly and the children then go to Vulgaria to rescue him. The car gets stolen, the children locked up but it all turns out fine as Truly and Charctacus rescue Jeremy, Jemima, Grandpa and Chitty and free all the children and...you guessed it...they all live happily ever after (with Truly)
This is a great film, the DVD isn't the best but I can imagine this new Special Edition one is better. If you've got kids, they'll love it, if you haven't, go on, give it a watch...
Prices... ...I bought my poor version for £7.99 in a deal at woolworths. ....at www.play.com and you can buy the new special edition copy for £14.99 or the collectors edition for £24.99 (i don't know anything about these two versions but they will be better than mine) ALSO-those two prices at www.play.com both include delivery in the UK
Dick Van Dyke .... Caractacus Potts Sally Ann Howes .... Truly Scrumptious Lionel Jeffries .... Grandpa Potts Gert Fröbe .... Baron Bomburst Anna Quayle .... Baroness Bomburst Benny Hill .... Toymaker James Robertson Justice .... Lord Scrumptious Robert Helpmann .... Child Catcher Heather Ripley .... Jemima Adrian Hall .... Jeremy Barbara Windsor .... Blonde Davy Kaye .... Admiral Alexander Doré .... First Spy Bernard Spear .... Second Spy Stanley Unwin .... Chancellor
(Special effects would include various mechanical contraptions and noticeable CGI with a flying and boating car)
Me? I absolutely adore this film. Every time I watch it, it takes me back to the christmas holidays where i'd snuggle up on my sofa with a duvet and prepare to be excited. The songs are great in that musical way, but are simple which of course enables quick learning and singing along!! The child catcher is probably the worst character in the film-he used to scare me with his big pointy nose and his creepy physicality. The relationship between Baron and Baroness Bomburst will give anyone a laugh. The Baron can't stand the Baroness and there's a great scene where he repeatedly, but comicly, attempts to kill her and fails each time. Jeremy and Jemima? As an adult, after a hard day, you'll find their high-pitched and exagerated speaking slightly trying. But what am I talking about? There's a flying car in it!!! A fab film for all!!
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Music / Performing Arts, Comedy - Director: Trevor Nunn, Geoffrey Posner - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, Parental Guidance - Starring: Duncan Preston, Celia Imrie, Julie Walters, Victoria Wood, Jim Broadbent
Everything Caractacus Potts invents goes wrong - even his sweets are full of holes. So how ... more
can he have created a car that not only drives but floats and flies as well? Find out as the fantasmagorical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang takes your family on a magi...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Nov 21st, 2003
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