Escape to Witch Mountain / Return From Witch Mountain
by John Hough
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Bette Davis, Christopher Lee, Eddie Albert, Kim Richards, Ray MillandDirector: John Hough
Brand: Buena Vista Home Video
Cinematographer: Frank V. Phillips
Producer: Jerome Courtland
Producer: Kevin Corcoran
Producer: Ron Miller
Writer: Alexander Key
Writer: Malcolm Marmorstein
Writer: Robert M. Young
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); French (Original Language); Spanish (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.75:1
Running Time: 191 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2006-09-05
Audience Rating: G (General Audience)
Model: 05072700
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
Product features:
- The ever present versatility of Walt Disney motion pictures is demonstrated in this film about two psychic orphans who head for Witch Mountain to escape evil and find their own identities. When their unusual psychic abilities attract the attention of a greedy industrialist, he tries to capture them for his own profit. But the plucky duo soon escape, intent on finding their real home and discoverin
Movie Reviews of Escape to Witch Mountain / Return From Witch Mountain
Movie Review: Escaped From The Disney Vaults Again
Summary: 5 Stars
Here is a one-disc cheapie version of the two "Witch Mountain" films. This is an economical alternative to the separate 2003 releases of these films, however, this release is lacking all of the wonderful extras and audio commentaries. This edition would make a great gift for casual fans who simply want to see the movies. And if you've not seen them before, here are my comments:
In "Escape To Witch Mountain" (1975), Tia and Tony Malone are two psychic, orphaned aliens on the run from a evil capitalist (Ray Milland) who wishes to use their powers for gain. This particular film is a nice departure from the usual 70s Disney fare in that it treats its sci-fi subject matter rather seriously, not devolving into camp as was the usual recipe for films of the era. Eddie Albert has a nice turn as a bitter widower who befriends the children, as the three of them go on the run; almost like a kids' version of "The Fugitive." The chase scenes are endless but suspenseful and mostly engaging. The special effects are few and generally revolve around objects being levitated. Look for a hands-free marionette show that could have given Maria VonTrapp and that lonely goatherd a run for their money. The film was shot in 1975, but there is very little in the picture to date it, besides some rather clumsy process shots at the film's finale of a UFO and a flying Winnebago. The UFO was cheesy even for its day. However, the film was very successful among children of the time because of the relatable characterizations of the two leads and the believability factor that Disney provided.
The same cannot be said for the 1978 sequel, "Return From Witch Mountain." Quite unlike its predecessor, this film is all about camp. HIGH camp. Whereas the first film was a bit coy about the use of the kids' powers, this one exploits those powers for all they're worth. People fly through the air. Cars fly, crash, and magically are put back together. Goats go for taxicab rides. The film is far less believable, but still a lot of fun. You know you're in for a camp-fest when the villains turn out to be none other than Christopher Lee and Bette Davis! The plot this time concerns the two aliens taking a little vacation in sunny Los Angeles. Christopher Lee, playing a character named Victor (what else?) uses a mind control device to seize Tony's little alien brain and it isn't long before cars fly through the air, gold bricks disappear from a museum, and a plutonium processing plant is under psychic siege. Tia runs for help from a would-be preteen street gang, and Jack Soo, playing a truant officer in a nice supporting part. The "gang" is strictly a Disney version of a gang, with names like "Muscles" and "Dazzler." The Los Angeles they inhabit looks more like Dresden after World War II, but it's just a short trip from the Rose Bowl and Victor's castle, yes I said castle, somewhere in the heart of L.A. where he's got Tony strapped up to enough dated 50s lab equipment to bring Frankenstein back again. The UFO shots in this film are, if possible, even worse than in the first film. Some of them even look like they were stock footage from "Escape." These shots nearly killed the picture, seeing as how it was released after "Star Wars." Bette Davis is a star soprano of camp, hitting the high notes in her role as a aging socialite who finances Victor's evil experiments. She's at her woozy boozy best, barking out commands at the top of her lungs and abusing all in sight. All in all, these movies are two very different movie experiences. The difference in tone in the second movie may be jarring for some fans; they'll just have to turn up the volume on their Suspension of Disbelief--in order for it to be heard over Bette Davis.
Summary of Escape to Witch Mountain / Return From Witch Mountain
The ever present versatility of Walt Disney motion pictures is demonstrated in this film about two psychic orphans who head for Witch Mountain to escape evil and find their own identities. When their unusual psychic abilities attract the attention of a greedy industrialist he tries to capture them for his own profit. But the plucky duo soon escape intent on finding their real home and discovering the secret to their magical powers. This Disney film was adapted from a novel by Alexander Key.System Requirements:Running Time 97 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating: G UPC: 786936706031 Manufacturer No: 05072700Similar DVD Movies
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