Tribute to the Witch Mountain Series

[disneyfella]

This halloween season, I suggest diving into the Disney vaults and rediscovering a classic Sci Fi series full of mystery, magic, and a whole lot of fun. This thread is to be a source of appreciation, discussion, and maybe even YouTube posting for Disney's Witch Mountain Series.




First, we have the 1975 original "Escape to Witch Mountain". Based on a 1968 book by Alexander Key, this film is the one that started the entire franchise. It introduced us to the characters of Tia, Tony, and Jason O'Day. Check out the following links to learn more about this first film:

The wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escape_to_witch_mountain

A webpage devoted to the media release of the film (NOTE: if you scroll to the bottom, there is a link called "The Overture" which allows you to download an mp3 version of the classic Witch Mountain music):
http://www.deadendinternet.com/witchmou ... scape2.htm

A link to purchase the best release of the film so far:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... eimprovemz

A link to Kim Richards' webpage which has a spoof film on it called "The Blair Witch Mountain Project" starring the original Tia and Tony, Kim Richards and Iake Eisenman:
http://www.kimrichards.net/videos10.html




Next we have the 1978 sequel "Return from Witch Mountain". This film saw screen favorites Bette Davis and Christopher Lee as the villains who again try to exploit the powers of the Witch Mountain children. It's interesting to note that Alexander Key wrote another book too. Follow these links to learn more about this film:

The wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Return_from_Witch_Mountain

A link to a webpage with all of the media releases of the film:
http://www.deadendinternet.com/witchmou ... eturn2.htm

A link to purchase the best release of the film so far:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... eimprovemz

A link to the French Trailer for the film:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rEf4oeHOqY

A 10 minute clip of the film (I love the line, "Tony! Why are you using your powers against me?"):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbOexlP7 ... ed&search=




Next, we have the little seen 3rd Witch Mountain film, "Beyond Witch Mountain". This was a proposed pilot for a TV series that never got picked up. Starring a very young Tracy Gold, this film also saw the return of Eddie Albert as Jason O'Day. Unfortunately this film is not available on DVD or VHS, but check out some of the links below for tips on watching this rare addition to the franchise:

The wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beyond_Witch_Mountain

A link to a webpage that has media info on the release of this movie (NOTE: If you'll notice on the bottom left of this page, the webmaster does NOT sell this film, but if you email them they will "point you in the right direction" if you want a copy of it....I did this and got an excellent copy for virtually free!):
http://www.deadendinternet.com/witchmou ... eyond2.htm




Next up we have the 1995 remake "Escape to Witch Mountain". While the early 90s saw plenty of remakes of classic Disney films, this one seems to get a lot of attention. Disregarding much of the original's storyline, this film seems to have a love/hate relationship with Witch Mountain fans. Unfortunately, this film has also never been released on VHS or DVD, but follow some of the links below to see this part of the franchise:

The wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escape_to_witch_mountain

This film has been posted on YouTube! Just follow these links to watch this film free (the way it should be!):
1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdgkiScbuMA
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Z_mXR5_ZPE
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv_ELtg1PBk
4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7euZIVM ... ed&search=
5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQ5RwHzE ... ed&search=
6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8CFqI1J ... ed&search=
7. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ERETTHF ... ed&search=
8. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np7pef-4 ... ed&search=
9. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8NJgQih ... ed&search=
10. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaLymQgr ... ed&search=



In July of 2007, the Walt Disney Company announced that they would be making another Witch Mountain film. This one starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and AnnaSophia Robb. It will also be directed by Andy Fickman (a friend of Kim Richards'). Since this film has only just been announced, not much else is known. Follow these links for some info, and as always be sure and surf www.ultimatedisney.com for updates:

The wiki (scroll all the way down):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escape_to_ ... uture_film

A link to a webpage on the announcement of the film:
http://www.deadendinternet.com/witchmountain/2007.html




Hopefully you have enjoyed this little trip to Witch Mountain, and can share these stories with your friends and family. For more information about the Witch Mountain series, there is an amazing fan group out there called 'The National Society of Fans of Witch Mountain'. Follow this link to find out more:

http://www.deadendinternet.com/witchmou ... index.html

[PeterPanfan]

Yay! I love the "Witch Mountain" movies

I e-mailed the admin so he can "point me in the right direction". =p

I NEED that movie!

Is it on DVD or VHS?

[disneyfella]

The lady I corresponded with got me a DVD copy complete with shipping for like $4 or something (basically I just paid for shipping). I don't have the email anymore, but most witch mountain people are so nice. Generally, they are just wanting to share these movies and make new friends.....I don't think anyone wants to make a profit off of these films.

[Owlzindabarn]

Huh?? Disney is doing another Witch Mountain movie? With the Rock? What's he going to play--the Mountain??

And by the way--if they do remake it, update it--whatever--could they PLEASE change the title to something else? 'Cause those kids aren't even witches...they're ALIENS. I noticed that absurdity when I was 7 and saw the first movie, way, way back in the 70s...

[disneyfella]

I was always hung up on that "witch mountain" thing too. I mean, they're aliens....not witches. A few years ago, I consoled myself with the notion that a lot of strange things happened around that mountain, and that is how the mountain got the name. You see, the kids are escaping TO witch mountain.....it's just the name of the mountain.

I'm kind of interested to see how The Rock does with this new Disney film. What with the success of "The Game Plan" critics are afraid he is losing his manly persona for a more family friendly one. They don't think he'll be able to go back to playing roles like "The Scorpion King" after playing in a bunch of family films.

[akhenaten]

madonna made the transition from a slutty wahoro to a mother who writes children books.people change...in time..just hope he wont be disney's dean jones of the millennium.