Gentle, unscary, unfrenetic films for a 4 year old.

[INeedACheeseSlicer]

I want to get DD a couple of films on DVD for Christmas.

She's quite sensitive, doesn't like too much mayhem or anything too scary/surprising/emotional.

She likes Mary Poppins - I want something similar, a bit old-fashioned and not too fast paced, ideally with some songs. Feature length is fine.

I am thinking about maybe Bedknobs and Broomsticks, but wondered if anyone else had any suggestions?

My DD loves the Disney cartoon version of Cinderella - its quite gentle. The second Dispicable Me film might suit her.

Not so good on the song front, but how about Madeline or Nanny McPhee?

The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom adaptations are nice and gentle too.

My boys loved Annie at that age

Some of the Barbie films are surprisingly entertaining, with lots of singing and dancing. Not just 'for girls' either; DS loves A Perfect Christmas and Swan Lake.

Alternately, and I realise this is a 12, so probably not at all what you are after; DD loves Mamma Mia. Watch it yourself first though, as you may not think all the subject matter is appropriate!

This version of Heidi is very gentle. No singing though.

No music, apart from a very singable song at the credits, My Neighbour Totoro is wonderful, my kids love it.
Not scary, not violent, not crazy and hyped up, quite weird and wonderful, highly recommended :)

The Tinkerbell movies are surprisingly OK, but again, no music.

CBeebies - The Ultimate Christmas Collection

That Moomins one that was released this year, about them taking a trip on the French Riviera. We saw it in the cinema and I almost expired with boredom but it did strike me as a very gentle, non threatening intro to film (have a friend whose child is very anxious about movies with any degree of peril and I thought he would cope with this)

My DD loved Hans Christian Andersen with Danny Kaye in it at that age.

You need anything by Studio Ghibli - absolutely beautiful animation (they are works of art), lovely slow pace, and not scary. Suggest Kiki's delivery service, My Neighbour Totoro or Ponyo.

Sound of Music, Matilda

BIL is a fan of My Neighbour Totoro. I didn't realise it was for children . I will definitely ask BIL's advice and have a look at those, then.

We already have the Julia Donaldson short films (which she does love) and the Sound of Music - which is maybe a bit long for her still,- and original Disney Cinderella (which she finds a bit scary, actually - the cat chasing the mice and the sisters being nasty and ripping Cinderella's dress are hide-behind-the-cushions moments).

Annie is a good idea too, and I will check out all the other recommendations too, thank you!

Polar express?

Petes dragon.

The Studio Ghibli films are definitely aimed at children, but they are beautiful, and lovely stories, so really engaging for adults too.

[Wigeon] sounds perfect!

Wigeon, even.

Studio Ghibli is great, but I would stick to the ones mentioned for this purpose. Films like Swept Away are pure genius but much too scary.

Ponyo
Snow White
Babe
Charlotte's Web
Aristocats
Muppets
Tigger Movie

Don't let her watch Tinkerbell and the Neverbeast, my sensitive dd1 (6) cried her eyes out at the end.

Alvin and the Chipmunks or is that a bit busy? Plenty of singing :)

Babe

The Curious George Christmas film? Can't remember exactly what it's called but it's very gentle albeit very American (if that bothers you!)

Another vote for my neighbour totoro and Kikis Delivery Service. Totoro is such a sweet, sweet film, my kids love it. Lots of the other Studio Ghibli films are NOT children's films however (and anyone who thinks so has never watched grave of the fireflies ), so make sure you vet them first.

And anothe per vote for totoro and Kiki. And Ponyo.

My DD loved Ponyo and Totoro at that age.