ESCAPE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN
came out of the end of the heyday of Disney kids films. It finally came to DVD
in a new special edition in time for the big budget remake, RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN.
ESCAPE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN follows the story of two kids (Tony and Tia Malone) with special powers. They end up at an orphanage after their adopted parents die.
They come to the attention of evil millionaire Aristotle Bolt (Ray Milland) after they save the life of Bolt’s
employee (Donald Pleasance). Bolt lures Tony and Tia to his mansion where they
soon see through his plans and escape. They end up being helped by a camper
(Eddie Albert) and together they find out about the mysterious past of Tony and Tia.
ESCAPE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN
is a fun film that will charm families. The characters and fun story carry
this effort. The sequel, RETURN TO WITCH MOUNTAIN is also entertaining
(just not as good as the first one). Both films are directed by John Hough (who
also directed the excellent haunted house film, LENGEND OF HELL HOUSE). The special
effects are crude and yet effective (it was made in pre=STAR WARS days before George Lucas set the bar for special effects).
SPECIAL FEATURES:
The audio commentary
is by Director John Hough and Actors Kim Richards and Ike Eisenmann
CONVERSATIONS WITH JOHN
HOUGH covers his early career and working on both WITCH MOUNTAIN films while DISNEY EFFECTS- SOMETHING SPECIAL gives a brief history of special effects
in Disney films. DISNEY SCI-FI is just a short featurette of clips from various
Disney films. PLUTO’S DREAM HOUSE is a cartoon that is included here
for some odd reason (the only extra out of place on this disc). The 1975 DISNEY
STUDIO ALBUM shows what Disney films were out that year. Wrapping up the extras
are a pop up fun track that can be played during the film and MAKING THE ESCAPE- a featurette on the making of the movie with
the cast and director tell stories about making the film.
FINAL ANALYSIS:
ESCAPE FROM WITCH MOUNTAIN is a fun family fantasy film mixed up with UFO and psychic elements.
This DVD Review is (c)
3-17-2009 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without permission send all comments to lord_pragmagtic@hotmail.com
