DVD Reviews

Nanny McPhee – Blu-ray Review

By June L. Aug 18, 2010, 16:06 GMT

In this wickedly charming tale, Emma Thompson portrays a mysterious woman with special powers who enters the household of the recently widowed Mr. Brown (Colin Firth) and attempts to tame his seven very naughty children. The children have managed to drive away 17 previous nannies, but as Nanny McPhee takes control, they begin to notice that their misbehaving has magical and startling consequences. “A magical, fantastic and wonderful fable that ...more

Sometimes something very good can become even better.  This is the case with Nanny McPhee on Blu-ray, released this week to celebrate a new Nanny McPhee feature in theaters. 

What we loved about the original in theatrical release or in home viewings, is enhanced by the Blu-ray experience. 

When Nanny McPhee opened in theaters several years ago, it generated a large group of fans of all ages.  It is appealing and elegant, funny and colorful, the type of story many remember fondly from their pasts.  It is a sweet tale of family and love, told with humor and improbable events, but the feelings are true. 

Modern children were equally amused and entertained by the film, mostly because of the antics of the Brown children who in their father’s own words were “very very very naughty.”  The naughtiness is over the top and “fantastical” in nature, but audiences can easily understand and in some cases relate to the cause. 

The Browns were all grieving for their mother who had recently died.  In addition the children missed the attention of their father (Colin Firth), whose days were spent working hard to keep the family together. 

At the beginning of the film the children have successfully run off seventeen nannies, with clever acts of rebellion.  It seems as though all is lost and then into their lives comes Nanny McPhee (Emma Thompson.)

At first Nanny McPhee is a daunting presence, and the children led by their oldest brother Simon (Thomas Sangster) try their tricks to get her to leave.  As they begin to learn the five lessons she plans to teach them, all manner of things begin to change.  Audiences will notice a change in the children reflected by changes in Nanny’s appearance. 

It is up to the individual to decide if this is a change in perception as they get to know and love her, or if she is finally as she was all along.  Whatever the course of thought, Nanny McPhee is more than she seems, she is magical.

Nanny McPhee Blu-ray is presented on single disc with the exclusive of BD Live for internet connected Blu-ray players.  There are special features that introduce the children, showing scenes of their auditions and some of the activities they participated in to build up a sense of family. 

Behind the scenes looks at how the village was constructed, and how the characters were developed with costuming and make up are amazing to watch.  The colorful, once upon a time look of the film is enhanced by Blu-ray technology, and brings out set design and backgrounds to appreciative viewers. 

If you are not familiar with Nanny McPhee, this Blu-ray is an excellent place to begin. 

Visit the DVD database for more information.