Escape to Witch Mountain / Return From Witch Mountain (1978) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Escape to Witch Mountain / Return From Witch Mountain (1978)

Escape To Witch Mountain - 2 movie Collection Release - DVD- A vehicle floats in midair ... a coat rack comes to life and attacks a sheriff ... and wild animals are putty in the hands of Tony and Tia Malone in Disney's thrilling fantasy adventure about the psychic powers of two young orphans. Their clairvoyance prompts evil millionaire Aristotle Bolt (Ray Milland) to lure them to his mansion to exploit their powers. While escaping, they meet a friendly camper (Eddie Albert) and begin to unravel the mystery of their origin. Soon, all three are fleeing townspeople who have branded the children witches. But then IT happens! Someone with even greater powers takes over and leads the children -- and the audience -- into a dazzling and unexpected experience ... one that is truly out of this world!Return From Witch Mountain - DVD- In this thrilling sequel to Disney's ESCAPE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN, automobiles mysteriously fly and humans float in thin air as sinister masterminds Christopher Lee and Bette Davis unleash a diabolical plan. The entire city of Los Angeles teeters on the brink of nuclear disaster when the greedy criminals manipulate a young boy's supernatural powers for their own devious gain. But the youth's sister and a streetwise band of truants join forces in a desperate attempt to save the city from destruction.

Click here for more information about Escape to Witch Mountain / Return From Witch Mountain (1978)

Escape to Witch Mountain Special Edition (1975) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)To coincide with the new Witch Mountain film being released to theaters, Disney is re-releasing "Escape to Witch Mountain" (1975) as a special edition loaded with well-done extras.
The story is about Tony (Ike Eisenmann) and his younger sister, Tia (Kim Richards), two orphans who have recently lost their foster parents as well. While getting used to their new home, an orphanage (run by Disney favorite Reta Shaw), the children draw the attention of an attorney, Lucas Deranian (Donald Pleasence), whose life is saved because of the children's esp powers. Deranian's boss, Aristotle Bolt (Ray Milland) is an evil (and wealthy man) fascinated with paranormal powers. He pretends to be the children's uncle so that he can take custody of them and use them for his own gain. Meanwhile, Tia's star case (a metal purse) reveals a map to Witch Mountain, providing clues to their origins. Once Tony & Tia discover Bolt's plot to exploit them, they escape his mansion and with the help of a crusty (only on the outside!) widower, Jason O'Day (Eddie Albert), they try to find their way home to Witch Mountain. Bolt and the greedy townspeople (hungry for Bolt's financial reward) chase after the children. Will they make it home?
Sure, the special effects will not be quite as dazzling to current generations used to digital, but the story and its universal themes more than make up for the film's 1970's appearance. What child couldn't relate to having a hard time fitting in with others, feeling lost and just wanting to find the comfort and warmth of home? Richards and Eisenmann have excellent chemistry, and are ably supported by veteran actors Ray Milland, Eddie Albert, and Donald Pleasance (who is extremely menacing in his understated performance). The scenery is also fantastic, as much of the film is shot on location in Carmel and Palo Alto. And as for style...the opening credits still pack a wallop--WAY COOL!
The extras are fantastic, giving a very complete look at how the film was made.
Audio Commentary:
Fantastic memories from Kim Richards, Ike Eisenmann, and director John Hough. Very enjoyable to listen to, filled with fun behind the scenes info, such as Tia's star case currently residing in the Disney archives, and learning that Kim's younger sister played Tia in the flashbacks. What is fantastic is that both Kim & Ike have excellent recall of what occurred during filming.
"Making the Escape" (26:41): What a fantastic making-of featurette. Interviews with Richards, Eisenmann (who now goes by the name Iake Eissinmann), red-headed bully orphan Dermott Downs, and director John Hough. Hough tells how Disney wanted a grittier and darker feel to "Witch Mountain," which is why he got the job (thanks to previous films, including "Legend of Hell House"). Kim & Ike share very warm memories of making the movie (Ike is even moved to tears when discussing the themes of the movie and people's reaction). Kim remembers Disney as the best studio and most loyal, with a family feeling; obviously, these were special times for these two actors who also enjoyed being part of the special effects used in the film. Interestingly enough, Jodie Foster was considered for Kim's part until Foster took another project instead.
"Conversations with John Hough" (6:52): Interview with the director, who discusses his philosophy on filmmaking. "Get passionate about a subject, and don't give up." He attributes his long career to making a variety of movies and gambling on risky projects. He aptly feels that good directors must be part psychologists, to understand the actors and crew.
"Disney Sci Fi" (2:45): A montage of clips from films such as "Escape to Witch Mountain," "The Rocketeer," "Tron," "The Cat from Outer Space," and "The Navigator."
"Disney Effects--Something Special" (11:03): Harrison Ellenshaw, a visual effects designer who also happens to be the son of famous Disney matte artist Peter, discusses the history of visual effects at the Disney studio. "20K Leagues Under the Sea" (1954) was the first visual effects film shot on the Disney lot. Ub Iwerks was the genius who accomplished many of the dazzling effects at Disney, and the man behind the the process lab. "Mary Poppins" and other films show how rich and artistic matte paintings could look on film, giving a special perfection not possible with location filming. "Dick Tracy" (1990) was pretty much the last Disney film to use the traditional photochemical processes & matte paintings. Today, most of these effects are handled digitally. A clip from "The Rookie" is shown, illustrating how a grip is digitally removed from the film. "Fix it in post" has become the standard line after a mistake is made.
"Disney Studio Album 1975": Shows clips from what was going on at the Disney Studio during that year: "Escape to Witch Mountain," "The Apple Dumpling Gang," "Strongest Man in the World," "One of our Dinosaurs is Missing," Debut of America On Parade (Disneyland), Mission to Mars (Disneyland), "No Deposit No Return" in production, "Crazy With the Heat" (reissue), "Pluto's Christmas Tree" (reissue), "Pluto's Housewarming" (reissue), "The Sky's The Limit" (TV), "The Boy Who Talked to Badgers" (TV), "The Secret of the Pond" (TV), and Welcome to the World--Space Mountain Opens at WDW.
"Pluto's Dream House" (1940): Mickey wants to build Pluto a new doghouse, and with the aid of an unseen Genie in a lamp, accomplishes his goal. Although enjoyable, it is extremely curious that Disney puts this on the DVD with no background or explanation, especially with its politically incorrect depiction of the genie (who sounds like he wandered off the set of Amos & Andy) and Pluto being painted in blackface and getting dubbed "Mammy." And yet, "Song of the South" remains in the vaults.
Sneak Peeks:
Featuring previews of Bolt, Disney XD, Tinkerbell & The Lost Treasure, Morning Light (inspiring true story of Roy Disney putting together a team of 15 inexperience sailors for a trip from LA to Honolulu), Snow White (on Blu-ray), and Bedtime Stories (Adam Sandler).
Pop-Up Fun Facts
Specs:
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound (English & French), French & Spanish Subtitles. Audio is good and clear, but not especially outstanding.
Video: Widescreen (1.75:1), enhanced for 16x9 TVs. Picture is clear with good color, but definitely has a 70's soft feel.
The sequel, Return from Witch Mountain Special Edition is also now available.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Escape to Witch Mountain Special Edition (1975)

A vehicle floats in midair a coat rack comes to life and attacks a sheriff and wild animals are putty in the hands of Tony and Tia Malone in Disney's thrilling fantasy adventure about the psychic powers of two young orphans. Their clairvoyance prompts evil millionaire Aristotle Bolt (Ray Milland) to lure them to his mansion to exploit their powers. While escaping, they meet a friendly campter (Eddie Albert) and begin to unravel the mystery of their origin. Soon, all three are fleeing townspeople who have branded the children witches but then IT happens! Someone with even greater powers takes over and leads the children and the audience into a dazzling and unexpected experience one that is truly out of this world! The film was shot around Monterey and Palo Alto, California, including a Victorian mansion at Menlo Park that served as the Pine Woods Orphanage.Bonus features:All-New Pop-Up Fun FactsMaking The EscapeConversations With John HoughDisney Sci-FiPluto's Dream HouseDisney Effects Something Special1975 Disney Studio AlbumAudio Commentary

Get 17% OFF

Click here for more information about Escape to Witch Mountain Special Edition (1975)

Green Acres - The Complete First Season (1965-66) (1965) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Well... I've been waiting for this First Season DVD set ever since I ordered the Columbia House video releases of Green Acres (late 1999-2001). Columbia House chose to release the "best" of Green Acres in no particular order, which was disconcerting to a fan. BUT, this new DVD set is released in broadcast order! It's great to see the development of the characters and it's quite satisfying to see that by the 14th episode ("What Happened in Scranton") all the characters have found their niche.
Some of the episodes have a few film scratches, but they are really minor. The sound is brilliant (no scratches there!) and the color VERY vibrant! I remember watching Green Acres re-runs as a kid, and didn't realize that the hay shoveled by Eddie Albert in the beginning credits was a green color.
Another reviewer mentioned the chemistry between Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor and I must also mention it. Interestingly, upon seeing the two actors names, one would think that Albert and Gabor would have nothing in common and be a disaster, but... something "clicks" between them just right. As the episodes move along, one can see that Eddie and Eva clearly TOTALLY ENJOYED each other and played off each other wonderfully. In fact, watch closely at the conclusion of one of the episodes (I kick myself for not remembering which one), where Eddie and Eva are in bed and Eddie goes to turn off the light (and theoretically conclude the episode). Eva leans over and TICKLES Eddie and he knocks the lamp off the table and he and Eva both laugh in an "out of character" way, all while the scene fades out and the end credits role. You can just see that they had FUN while making these episodes.
The surreal comedy starts to "creep in" to these first season episodes, although it wouldn't be fully explored until later seasons. By "surreal" I mean where the characters "poke fun" at their own show or others similar. One episode starts with Eb milking Eleanor the cow while humming the theme song to the show! Then at the conclusion he "sings" in Eva's voice, "Dahling, I love you but give me Park Avenue!" It's in the later seasons that things like the names of the director and producers appear in the opening credits on Eddie's towel (as he exits the shower), or appear in the darkness in Eddie and Eva's bedroom where she asks him who the names are, etc.
So, watch these episodes... enjoy them. And notice that they are really sophisticated "pokes" at society as we know it. Finally... these episodes (well, the ones halfway through the first season and onward) are REALLY FUNNY! Don't be ashamed to LAUGH OUT LOUD!
Let's hope MGM releases all the other five seasons!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Green Acres - The Complete First Season (1965-66) (1965)

Head back to Hooterville with the complete first season of this TV favorite! Oliver (Eddie Albert), Lisa (Eva Gabor), Arnold the Pig and a hilarious assortment of oddballs and bumpkins are back and ready to deliver a bumper crop of laughs!

Get 18% OFF

Click here for more information about Green Acres - The Complete First Season (1965-66) (1965)