Bedknobs and Broomsticks (30th Anniversary Edition) [VHS]

Amazon.com When a mail-order apprentice witch (Angela Lansbury) is saddled with three sibling refugees from London during World War II, the outlook is grim. But the kids soon discover her secret and sign on for adventure in the name of England. With the aid of a magical bed, they track down her fraudulent headmaster (David Tomlinson) to find the spell that will aid the Allies. Fascinated that she has actually achieved results with his lessons, he joins forces. The quintet does battle with corrupt booksellers, animated-lion royalty, and, eventually, invading Germans. Songs include Lansbury's Oscar-nominated "The Age of Not Believing." This film is often compared to director Robert Stevenson's earlier effort, Mary Poppins, and for good reason. In addition to Tomlinson, the movies share a fondness for magic at the hands of a good woman, light romance with an understanding male, and wide-eyed children. Stevenson also graces both films with interaction between humans and animated animals. Disney is wise to play up that aspect on its box this time around as both the underwater ball and the subsequent island soccer match are the most visually interesting and appealing parts of the film. Adults may find the 1971-vintage mixing of actors and animation a bit creaky, but kids used to a variety of animation quality will find the action a hoot. Ages 4 and up. The movie has been recut several times but was restored to the original length of 139 minutes for its 30th anniversary in 2001. --Kimberly Heinrichs Product Description An Academy Award(R) winner for Best Visual Effects, BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS features a spellbinding mix of live action and animation that makes it one of Disney's most delightfully endearing classics. Screen legend Angela Lansbury gives a bewitching performance as an amateur witch who reluctantly takes in three precocious orphan children. The children soon find themselves swept aboard a flying bed, its magic brass bedknob their ticket to one fantastic adventure after another -- including a visit to an enchanted island inhabited by wondrous animated animal characters! The foursome eventually joins forces with an amusing professor to track down an ancient incantation that could save the country from hostile invaders! Now it's your turn to take a ride on BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS, a fun-filled flight of fantasy, music, and Disney magic for all ages!