| The Witches |  | Director: Nicolas Roeg
Actors: Anjelica Huston, Mai Zetterling, Jasen Fisher, Jane Horrocks, Anne Lambton
Category: Video
Buy New: $11.65
New (1) Used (1) from $11.65
Rating:  93 reviews
Format: Pal
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Media: VHS Tape
Discs: 1
Running Time: 91 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.3 x 4.2 x 1.1
EAN: 5014780067127
ASIN: B00004CKOO
Theatrical Release Date: August 24, 1990
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com essential video
This splendid adventure-fantasy from 1990 was adapted from Roald Dahl's book and directed by maverick British filmmaker Nicolas Roeg, who turned out to be a perfect (if seemingly unlikely) interpreter of Dahl's fiendishly clever tale of witchcraft in contemporary England. Scary, funny, and wildly entertaining, it's all about a young boy named Luke (Jasen Fisher) whose parents have died in a tragic accident, and whose grandmother (Mai Zetterling) takes him to a posh hotel in England, where a secret coven of witches is holding its annual convention. The Grand High Witch (Anjelica Huston, in a scene-stealing performance) has decreed that all children in England be turned into mice, and Luke and his pal Bruno (Charles Potter) are the first victims on the list. That's when the movie magicians from Jim Henson's creature shop have their work cut out for them, turning Luke and Bruno into clever little rodents and IThe Witches/I into a dazzling display of imaginative special effects, using a seamless combination of real mice and superb animatronic puppets. Director Roeg doesn't compromise the sinister edge of Dahl's story, but comedy gets equal time from the brilliant cast including Brenda Blethyn (from ISecrets and Lies/I and ILittle Voice/I), Rowan Atkinson (of IBlack Adder/I and IMr. Bean/I fame), and Jane Horrocks (ILittle Voice/I) as the Grand High Witch's beleaguered assistant. Although it was largely neglected during its brief theatrical release, this wonderful movie has since enjoyed a thriving appreciation on video--see it and you'll understand why. I--Jeff Shannon/I
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| Customer Reviews: Read 88 more reviews...
 A Classic Movie from my Childhood January 6, 2009
ald824
I loved this movie when I was little and I bought it for an amazing little 7 year old that I know...it was shipped directly to him just in time for his birthday!
Witches November 23, 2008
sadie scinders
Great childrens film. You always knew your old neighbour was really a witch.....didn't you?? How about a hotel full of them in disguise??
Great kids flick November 22, 2008
Jacqueline Lebel (Florida)
Angelica Houston, the grandmother are great....this is from a 65 year old "kid" grandmother herself. Don't let your heart grow old. Watch kid flicks....let your imagination reign.
Great Halloween movie November 12, 2008
C. Kortz (Beverly Hills, MI USA)
My husband and I have enoyed this film for many years and purchased the dvd to update from our vhs copy. Lovely story with a great cast. To be watched for many years to come, young and old.
A childhood classic not to be missed! October 17, 2008
R. Pepper (Los Angeles)
I love the imagination of Roald Dahl who wrote the book for The Witches as well as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda. I have been impressed with all the film adaptions (including both versions of Charlie with Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp). I have a feeling this one slipped under the radar and it's such a charming, magical adventure story. Angelica Huston looks beautiful here as the Grand High Witch of England. This is one of my favorite Angelica movies next to The Addams Family and Manhatten Murder Mystery. The story revolves around young Luke who is left in the care of his grandmother Helga after his parents are tragically killed in an auto accident. The grandmother who has a history with witches gives Luke all the warnings about how to look for them. The Witches, disguised as "nice old ladies" roam throughout England looking to wipe out all the children they can. Luke and his grandmother then decide to a take a vacation to a seaside hotel where The Witches are holding their annual meeting. After Luke has an unfortunate encounter with The Witches, he and his grandmother decide to turn the tables by giving them a taste of their own medicine! The theme of the movie may seem scary for kids to watch but it's all handled nicely. This is a terrific and enjoyable family-film not to be missed! I think this is much superior to Hocus Pocus, another family film about witches.
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