Disney Studios | 2009 | 101 mins. | PG
With a body of work that includes some of the most popular songs and of the 20th century – including “It’s a Small World (After All),” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “I Wan’na Be Like You” – songwriters Robert and Richard Sherman may be the most famous people that the public at large has never heard of. The Boys: The Sherman Brothers’ Story tells the stories behind their catchy melodies and memorable lyrics. More interestingly, the revealing documentary delves into the difficult and complex relationship between the two brothers. The differences between Robert and Richard have resulted in estrangement.
Directed by their sons, Gregory Sherman and Jeff ShermanThe Boys takes us back to the golden years at the Disney studio, circa 1963-69. The only songwriters to be put under contract by Walt Disney Studios, the Sherman’s have written more than 1,000 songs — for 50 movies alone — as well as for television, records, theme parks and the theater. Understandably, both men reveal a deep affection and reverence for Walt Disney, with whom they formed an unusually close relationship.
It is clear from the start that Robert and Richard are very different people. Robert is shy and reserved; clearly affected by his experiences as a young soldier in World War II. Richard is more social and fun loving. As Bob and Dick share their memories of each other, it becomes amazing to think that these two men could actually continue to work together for so many years. After all, the Sherman brothers spent none of their free time together. There is the suggestion that without their inspirational and talented father who nurtured their talent for musical storytelling, the brothers would have never worked together and would have lived separate lives in different careers. Their work brought success to Disney and new films to children, but for the Sherman brothers is also brought the anxiety of spending time with a sibling that was different to themselves.
What led to their final estrangement is never made clear; both are hesitant to discuss it. Hints are dropped about an incident involving Dick going to Richard’s house after the latter needed to leave his family for a bit, their contrasting wives. We learn that Robert wanted to write novels, and Richard wanted to compose classical scores, and they may resent one another for only being able to function as a team in an entirely different vein from what they set out to accomplish as individuals. Whatever the case, the two are inextricably linked together forever.
The Boys: The Sherman Brothers’ Story features interviews with many famous faces. Among those to share their thoughts on the Sherman’s are the following people: Julie Andrews, Roy E. Disney, John Landis, John Lasseter, Ben Stiller, Dick Van Dyke, Debbie Reynolds, Hayley Mills, John Williams, Randy Newman, Mickey Dolenz, Robert Osborne, Angela Lansbury, Johnny Whitaker and Samuel Goldwyn Jr.
Cousins Gregory and Jeff Sherman decided to make this film after not seeing each other for forty years. Their goal was to bring to bring their father’s back together, in hopes of repairing their relationship. One would hope they were successful in that endeavor. As a film fan, The Boys finally gives people a chance to learn about the two men who composed some of the best known songs in cinematic history.
Presented in 1.78.1 aspect ratio, The Boys: The Sherman Brothers’ Story looks solid for a standard DVD presentation. Obviously, some of the archival footage is several decades old, so you do have some variance in quality. However, recent interviews are crisp and clear, with good color saturation.
The audio is provided in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, which gives every Sherman song a solid sound. Dialogue and the voices of interviewees are clear and concise throughout. English and Spanish subtitles are available.
We get the following special features:
Each DVD is packaged with a replica of the original song sheet for “Tuppence A Bag,” later renamed “Feed the Birds.” This was the first song from Mary Poppins that the Sherman Brothers played for Walt Disney, which became his favorite.
A series of additional interviews:
Why They’re “The Boys”—Through interviews with their friends and co-workers from throughout the years, learn why Bob and Richard Sherman are called “The Boys.”
Disney Studios in the ’60’s—Take a look at the era of the legendary studio when the Sherman Brothers were under contract and part of the life and culture of a creative playground of animators, filmmakers and producers.
Casting Mary Poppins—Learn how Julie Andrews got the part of Mary Poppins from the point of view of Bob and Richard and those who know them.
The Process—Join Richard Sherman for a look at the Sherman Brothers’ song writing process.
Theme Parks—In addition to composing scores for many classic Disney movies, the Sherman Brothers also wrote many popular songs for Disney theme parks. Learn how they went about composing a song for rides such as “It’s a Small World.” Roy Williams—Roy Williams was a Disney animator who had an office right next to the Sherman Brothers. Through Roy’s artwork, we learn what it was like to work in the Animation Building in the 1960’s.
Bob’s Art—In addition to being an amazing lyricist, Bob Sherman’s other passion is painting. Here he shares his inspiration.
Celebration—A collection of testimonials from celebrities and Hollywood legends who share their experiences about the Sherman Brothers, this piece earned “The Boys” a special honor from the President of the United States.
Sherman Brothers’ Jukebox—This collection of Sherman Brothers songs — and stories behind the songs — provides a unique look into the extensive careers of Bob and Richard.
“Tall Paul”
“Chim Chim Cher-ee”
“Feed the Birds”
“Gold Can Buy Anything (But Love)”
“There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow”
“Jolly Holiday”
“Oh, Gee, Georgie!” (performed by Eddie Cantor, 1924)
“Up, Down and Touch The Ground”
“A Spoonful of Sugar,” performed on the guitar by Laurence Juber
“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”
“Ugly Bug Ball”
Der Wienerschnitzel Commercial
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