Pollyanna (DVD, 2002, 2-Disc Set)

This is what DisneyDVD should be!

Not only is this classic live-action Disney film beautifully restored and brought to DVD format, the "Vault Disney Collection" format has created a modern masterpiece, combining 21st Century technology with timeless Disney storytelling.

Disc One includes the restored film of "Pollyanna", along with audio commentary from Hayley Mills and director David Swift.

In particular, Disc Two is worth the full price of admission for this set. "Pollyanna: Making of a Masterpiece" does a wonderful job of revealing Walt Disney's soft spot for nostalgia and the memories of youth. Walt Disney was much more than a "brand name". He was a respected member of his community and was devoted to a family he truly cherished. Also included here is "Re-creating Pollyanna's America"; and "1912". Providing the background for this important story is half the fun of this DVD. The "Lost Treasures" section includes Walt Disney's original TV introductions, which set him apart as television's most beloved personality in the 1950's and 60's. Also included are Production Archives for the film, and the "1960 Disney Studio Album" (video scrapbook) combine for an unforgettable DVD experience.

Congratulations to those responsible for creating the "Vault Disney Collection" DVDs. Walt would be proud!

Reviewed by Dave Mason for SaturdaysToys.com - eBay's premier shop for vintage Walt Disney and Disneyland collectibles.

PLOT: HAYLEY MILLS IS AN ORPHAN DAUGHTER OF MISSIONARIES WHO ENDS UP WITH HER WEALTHY BUT RESERVE AUNT.....MILLS WON AN HONORARY JUVENILE OSCAR IN 1960 FOR THIS PERFORMANCE STANDS UP OVER TIME AND IS ONE OF HER BEST PERFORMANCES~

POLLYANNA IS THE VERY SWEET AND ALWAYS "SEES THE GOOD" IN EVERY SITUATION INSPITE OF THE RECENT LOSS OF HER PARENTS BOTH MISSIONARIES~ SO POLLYANNA GOES TO LIVE with her Aunt ...the VERY controlling and unemotional Jane Wyman~ ....Pollyanna quickly becomes the darling of the entire town~ set in Victorian times this wonderful G rated family fare is great for every age and time~ Pollyanna charmes everyone even her Aunt Polly who she was named after~ WE enjoy the COLORFUL CITIZENS LIKE AGNES MOOREHEAD as the dying diva, James Drury as a Suitor of the pretty family Maid~ Adolph Menjou complete with surley disposition and beard~ and the showstopper here is Karl Malden as the town Preacher who has been controlled by Polly (Jane Wyman) and decides that money cannnot buy a clean way to heaven and decides the Church is the ONE thing WYMANS money cannot buy~ GREAT scenes by him and we enjoy the changes in the town folks who are quickly CHANGED by Pollyanna~ Hayley Mills is pretty and sweet ~~won a Honorary Oscar in 1960 for this outstanding performance HER first Disney movie and one of her BEST~ also see The Parent Trap and That Darn Cat both 1960's version for more Mills fun~ I GIVE THIS 10 OUT OF 10 FOR EXCELLENCE THAT HOLDS UP OVER TIME AND 10 OUT OF 10 FOR BOTH MILL AND MALDENS PERFORMANCES~ (the Term she is a POLLYANNA was taken from the too good to be believe girl in this movie FYI)

IF YOU FOUND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE~

Disney's skill at making young girls (even those not from our country)into bright stars held true to form with this movie. He released this one before the studios started cranking out formula scripts. Haley Mills is angelic, and Kevin Corcoran is delightful. The all-star cast of adults anchor this story down.

I love how one innocent child can come into a town and change the lives of everyone in town, for the good. Instead of grieving the loss of her parents, Pollyanna tries to look for the good in all things, and all people.

Whenever I need an uplift or an attitude change, I watch Pollyanna. It doesn't matter if I just watched it a couple weeks ago. I really feel good after watching the movie.

I have Pollyanna on VHS, but I worried about the VCR eating the tape, so I wanted it on DVD also. I am very happy to have both. I can loan the tape out now if someone wants to see it.

What's not to like? I love this film. I love the setting and the clothes. Even the town and the general era are like a brand-new Disneyland. Have you seen the size of those cakes for the fair? What little girl in the 50s and 60s didn't want to be Hayley Mills? A young Karl Malden is wonderful as the preacher - full of doubt and passion. The reclusive Agnes Moorhead and stiff Jane Wyman, as well as most of the cast are well-know talents and great to re-experience. This movie is timeless. Full of simple childhood joys mixed in with larger complex adult issues, as well as triumph in adversity without too heavy a hand. There is distrust, intimidation, love, loss, pain, social disharmony, the role of church and power of money; and heartbreak. None of these can stand up to the charm of Hayley Mills' innocent wisdom, and the viewer won't remember any of them. The viewer will remember cakes as big as a drum, and climbing trees, new clothes, and finding the colors of the rainbow. Hayley Mills delights us throughout. She will always be Pollyanna. No child should grow up without this and Disney's Summer Magic. Treat yourself.