Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a real challenge. The problem with the film lies in the title song, which is probably the least inspired musical effort in the Canon of Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman. Just saying "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" is a mouthful, but having to hear it performed SEVEN times during this film is taxing.

 But once you get over the redundancy of that, you'll find a fine story performed by a wonderful cast. Dick Van Dyke turns in his typically wonderous work as the Crack Pot inventor Caractacus Potts, and Sally Ann Howes as Ian Fleming's Bond Girl named "Truly Scrumptious," his rival, then love interest.

 But for kids it's all about the car that can fly in the air and sail on the sea. For a film made in the late 1960s, the special effects are remarkable, and the film is shot beautifully.

 This DVD package is especially good because you get a bonus disc with some very interesting featurettes, including a press conference style interview with Van Dyke who had just started filming on location in Great Britain and other bits including a documentary piece on all of the Potts "inventions" for the film and an interview with the guy who is the caretaker of the film's famous vehicle.

 Overall, the movie may not be quite as good as "Mary Poppins," but it's right there with "Willy Wonka!"

 Highly recommended.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a real challenge. The problem with the film lies in the title song, which is probably the least inspired musical effort in the Canon of Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman. Just saying "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" is a mouthful, but having to hear it performed SEVEN times during this film is taxing. But once you get over the redundancy of that, you'll find a fine story performed by a wonderful cast. Dick Van Dyke turns in his typically wonderous work as the Crack Pot inventor Caractacus Potts, and Sally Ann Howes as Ian Fleming's Bond Girl named "Truly Scrumptious," his rival, then love interest. But for kids it's all about the car that can fly in the air and sail on the sea. For a film made in the late 1960s, the special effects are remarkable, and the film is shot beautifully. This DVD package is especially good because you get a bonus disc with some very interesting featurettes, including a press conference style interview with Van Dyke who had just started filming on location in Great Britain and other bits including a documentary piece on all of the Potts "inventions" for the film and an interview with the guy who is the caretaker of the film's famous vehicle. Overall, the movie may not be quite as good as "Mary Poppins," but it's right there with "Willy Wonka! "

 Highly recommended.