Scheduled for release next year is Roald Dahl's The Witches it is written and directed by Robert Zemeckis. So to gear up for that release it is the perfect time to watch the original 1990 version of The Witches.
The film has been released on VHS and on DVD, but thanks to Warner Archive Collection the film has been restored and released on Blu-ray. But how does the film look? Well, were going to let you know now.
The film follows a little boy Luke Eveshim and his kindly grandmother Helga who are vacationing at a seaside hotel. The hotel just happens to also be host to a convention of witches, lead by the Grand High witch (Anjelica Huston). The witches want to turn the children of Britain into mice. It's up to the Luke his grandmother and a new friend to put an end to their evil plan.
While the film may not be totally faithful to Roald Dahl's book, it is still and very entertaining piece of cinema. Anjelica Huston is delightful as the Grand High Witch, Eva Ernst. Just as delightful is the performance of Rowan Atkinson as Mr. Stringer The hotel manager. That's right Mr. Bean is the hotel manager, although you would never know him as that character.
The great Jim Henson devised the creature effects in this which would be his final film. And in my humble opinion he went out on a high note. Now is The Witches his masterpiece? No! Of Course not! Some might say The Muppet Movie or The Dark Crystal or even Labyrinth. But for me this is a great release for the whole family to enjoy together.
Now for the Warner Archive Blu-ray release. The film is presented in 1080p in 1.85:1 aspect ratio from a new 2K scan. The audio is a great DTS-HD MA 2.0 track. The film looks and sounds absolutely stunning. It is such a huge upgrade from the DVD. It can not be overstated.
As for bonus feature. It is a bit light. We get the trailer of film. But the bonus features is not where this release shines it's in the upgrade of the video and audio of the film.
The Witches is a great children's film. It is good to note there are some scenes that may be a bit intense for the small children, but all-and-all this one great film for the Halloween season or any season for that matter.
If you are a fan of Jim Henson films you need to have the final film he worked on. And the Warner Archive Collection's Blu-ray release of The Witches is a must add. Head over to Amazon.com and get a copy in time for Halloween.
Out of 4film reels (4 being the best) Warner Archive's Blu-ray of The Witches receives....
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