It would've been great if Avril Lavigne played the Grand High Witch in the 2020 film. I'm sure she would've loved to and would've made a perfect evil witch
1990 was more likely still kinda of the 80s anyway, hence there’s always a slow transition into each decade, but maybe gathered from both novelization & movie ?
Honestly, the witches got me so scared of strangers as a kid in the 80s that it probably saved me from some creepy encounters. In other words, it did its job.
I remember being seven and being read The Witches by my teacher who showed us the movie. I still remember everyone yelling when the Grand High Witch revealed herself. Thing is, now I'm a teacher and currently reading The Witches to my class and plan to show them the movie when I can. It's like you said, we love this story and pass it on
As a kid, I remember being freaked out when the grandmother is telling the story about her childhood friend Erica who ends up getting abducted by a witch and trapped in a painting. Also Bruno changing into a mouse, when he’s literally half boy and half mouse, super freaky to watch. 🐀🐁
I feel so bad for erica and her parents. The fact that she was trapped in that painting until she died while her parents suffer too while seeing her thru the painting.
I seen this movie so much as a kid (34 now) that when he showed the bad turned good witch making the mice float to her hands at the end of the movie, I felt all the nostalgia from watching the movie and smiled with almost tears in my eyes from the joy I felt watching it as a kid.
Same here! It was a pleasant distracting balm cos I knew him from Blackadder. I honestly figured the film-makers put him in for just that reason! Had similar effect with the Ghost Watch TV special that was only broadcast once, where Craig Charles appeared as himself to do light hearted reporting, and it kept me feeling at ease.
Eartha Kitt was the wrong nationality unfortunately, let’s be honest here, she was a great singer but would not have been the right actor to play the Grand High witch, I like how they kept it to the book and even the illustration of the art from the cover with having Angelica
Brilliant video - I love this film! For those wondering, the hotel location is The Headland Hotel, Newquay (pronounced New-key, not New-quarry) in Cornwall
In the book, that Luke remained a mouse was presented as positive, as he was an orphan whose only living family was his ill, elderly grandmother, and this meant that as a mouse, he would not outlive her. Also, included in the items they stole from the grand high Witch was an address book with the names of every witch in the world, so they planned to hunt them down, (with the money they also stole) which was easier as an old lady (who could hide mouse Luke) over a grandmother with a school-aged child.
yeah, but even then, after granny died, who'd continue the witch hunt?? in the end, the witches got the kid, since they turned him into a mouse, and without granny carrying him around, how would he do it alone and who'd continue their witch hunt if Luke had no descendants?? Dhal ruined his story by leaving too many lose ends in hopes of a sequel he hadn't written yet.
I've always loved this movie even though it scared the mess out of me when one of my teachers played the vhs for the class when I was in the 3rd grade I believe. I have it on dvd now
@@maxxas5067 I haven't seen it in years, but it would definitely be worth a watch. Of course I've been a fan of scary/horror movies my entire life, so I may have a different view of what's worth watching. I mean I remember being 5 and sitting on my dad's lap watching Nightmare on Elm St. And loving it.
they never really showed it on TV much here in the states and I don't remember any of my friends talking about it when I was young. I think I was 8 or 9 when this came out and my mom actually sat me down to watch this lol
what??!?!?! SHE CA'N'T PLAY THAT ROLE!!! I'D SAY , MERRYL STREEP !! and Anne could be the good witch, but that'd be too much like the Devil wears Prada.....
Harry Mason I think she’s the whole reason I became attracted to them. Dark gothic chicks, and black chicks. That’s my thing. If I had a dark gothic back woman??? Awwwww....I shudder in excitement. Lol!
I didn't stumble upon this movie until I was in my late 20s. Still scared me. Yet it was strangely compelling. Probably because of the amazing acting of Angelica Houston. For a time, I wondered if it was done by the team who made The Addams Family, one of my top 10 movies. But now I know it wasn't.
In the UK. The scene where the child is transformed on stage was trimmed down as it was deemed a bit too horrific. I worked at a company called cinefilmtreatment, and we made cuts requested by the bbfc. Random fact.
I've recently been reading the book and watching the film with my daughter, and had forgotten about the ending being different. I get the theatrical change, its not seen as a happy ending if the boy remains a mouse, and those test audiences love a happy ending! But the original book ending had another view. Not just that of it being an 'easier' life as a mouse (far from it.....the plans that they had of mouse-Luke sneaking into castles and poisoning witches was far from easy!), but that as a mouse, he would likely have around the same remaining lifespan as his elderly and ailing grandmother. They would live the rest of their lives together, killing witches, and then pass away at similar times. That is awful, but not so much as in the film, where Luke is now a mouse again, has to go through the tradgedy of not only losing his parents, but then also watching his grandmother pass and then having no-one. Also.....watch out for the Grandmothers diagnosis in the film....."...a mild case of diabetes, she'll be ok in a few days...'!!!
Kid from this movie is the same age as me. So I don't feel too old I guess. I had just read this book from our school's library when I saw a commercial for the movie. You can imagine how excited ten year old me was. Lol.
Funny how people are saying oh an English kid with American accent but nobody mentions that the Grandma speaks with a Swedish accent even though she's supposed to be Norwegian.
Great video, I first saw this with my dad when it was in theatres and loved the film since then. Still one of my favorites to this day....one of the creepiest, chilling parts I think was the little girl trapped by one of the witches in the father's painting and how she grew older in it until fading away. I remember being freaked out by that as a kid when I first saw it.
I remember watching this on the Disney Channel back in the 90's and being completely traumatized. A few years later I was in the third grade and my teacher read the book to the class. After she finished the book she announced that we were going to watch the movie. I instantly burst into tears and cried so hard that I made myself sick! I never wanted to watch that movie again! The principle had to call my parents and I was picked up from school early. I was so embarrassed! My friends still tease me about it to this day!
I remember the teacher at school back in 1987 reading this to us then came the movie and to be fair it did the book justice with some superb make up and acting. I’ve been waiting for years for someone to do “ The Twits” as with today’s special effects they could really make an awesome family movie 🍿
I was already in 3rd grade when this came out in 1990, but i was still terrified by it. ❤❤❤Angelica Huston❤❤❤ is just perfect in this movie. Morticia Addams!
This is one of my favorite films from Mr. Henson, yes it traumatized me but I always returned and watched it. I hope this fillm gets a Blu Ray release cause it deserves it and have it filled with features. ❤
This movie really does make both Little Shop of Horrors (1986 version starring Rick Moranis and Ellen Greene) and Return to OZ look less scary and harmless at the same time!!
I find it interesting that Dahl was so opposed to the films ending when he was initially wrote that Lucas changed back in one of his first drafts. Personally I feel they could have compromised and left the ending ambiguous. Like not actually show Lucas changing back but show the reformed witch casting the spell, then holding his glasses with a smile. It hints that she did change him back, but still leaves Dahl’s ending and meaning in place.
When I was little (back in the early 1960's), I thought the Wicked Witch of the West was scary! When I saw "The Witches" I was an adult - and I was still a little creeped out.
Totally agreed. In a book it's sad to stay a mouse, but also a funny fantasy with characters that don't feel real. Actually watching the poor little kid/mouse almost get killed so many times, and then be trapped forever a mouse would've been pretty damn dark after everything that happened... I was only around 6 when I first saw this, and I remember being happy about the ending. It redeems all the scary shit you had to watch.
@@Danielson1818 I agree, if they kept the original ending some children would be sad by the outcome. Jim did the right thing and I too felt uplifted when I saw the ending. 😊
@@tonymata8070 But thats the thing about Roald Dahl. His books where modern day parables. Life sucks at times. The book ends with the discusion that mice only live for 9 years and his grandmother probably will not live that long as well. And so rather than dwell on how shit it is they decide to go out in a blaze killing them all. Its bitter sweet. That said anyone who watched the film then read the book was gonna be in for one HELL of a downer
@@deadbydayinblack agree... To a child their main care giver dying is terrifying. So having them with a shared life expectancy works well.. Plus no school!!! RD always looked at life through a kid's eyes. Anyone who says the new ending is better is guessing what kids want / need. Don't underestimate the small hoomans
I totally forgot about this movie. It could have been renamed The Skeksis. Jim knew how to make some scary villains! Also, I lived in Newquay for a bit, and I've been to that hotel. I never knew it was associated with this movie. My mind is truely blown!
There is more to picking that ending than just a feel good fest. The scene is magical, the way she shoots him over his glasses or the way his mouse float up "back to luke."
Love The Witches ! Saw it on VHS as a kid and it scared the living crap outta me ! Thanks for all the info on a film that I really enjoyed as a kid ! Great job as usual Minty !
Ah ha! I bet they got it from the one in the play set was used in the film. Seriously I figured it was meant to be a pop culture reference or that someone on the set had one that belonged to their kids and borrowed it for the shoot.
Toy nerds will want to point out that it wasn't included with the playset itself, they just got one when they went to Toy R Us or wherever and got a bunch of toys and stuff to use ( legos and such )
14:45 "and if you can FAMINE it"!? Lol Minty and his mispronunciation of things...I love it all. These throwbacks to my childhood make me happier than you could ever FAMINE! Lol
It’s a shame Roald Dahl didn’t like The Witches adaptation. I can see why the writers changed the ending of the film; it seems too tragic for children and it also means the witches won in the end.
The late 80s early 90s were crazy, this wouldn't pass as a kid's movie today lol. I was gonna mention the Ghostbusters Firehouse but I'm happy I held on lol. I recognized it immediately because I used to have one lol. Great job Minty, and love the music cue from The Real Ghostbusters cartoon. Such a wonderful touch.
It's interesting Minty calls "The Witches" and "Return to Oz" the scariest movies of his childhood. I'm at least a few years older than Minty but, I think, roughly of the same generation, and that may account for my differing reactions to these two movies. I saw both in the theater at the time they were first released. But I was 8 when I saw "Return to Oz," still young enough to be traumatized by it, whereas I was 13 by the time "The Witches" came out. Moreover, I'd already read the book, and I found--as I have for pretty much all Dahl adaptations I've seen--that it softened the book considerably. I just wasn't that frightened or disturbed by the film, whereas I was upset by the book's ending (where the kid is not only a mouse for the rest of his life, but, we find out, only has about 6 years to live, if I recall--that's pretty grim). I don't know what it was about the '80s, but it had this knack for producing fantasy films aimed at children that were fairly disturbing--"Labyrinth," "The Neverending Story," "Time Bandits," "The Dark Crystal," "Pee Wee's Big Adventure." Actually, the film that traumatized me most wasn't "Return to Oz," it was 1980's "Watcher in the Woods" (sort of a Disney-fied take on "The Shining"). And that's not even getting into all the Spielberg stuff that more or less created the PG-13 rating.
I would love to see the version that was too scary for release! Also, I'm so in love with Anjelica Huston as the Grand High Witch, I'm not sure how Anne Hathaway is going to pull it off.
Since Roald Dahl thought that staying as a mouse would be a happy ending, I don't think he looked at it from a mouse point of view. Traps, poison bait, cats, birds, some dogs, deep water puddles, etc. A mouse's life can be downright hazardous unless you work for Disney.
This was a story my mother told me as a child! I was ecstatic when it came out! Coming from Swedish and Danish heritage so intriguing to me!! Still love it and my children too!!
I adored this movie when I was a kid. I've seen it SO MANY TIMES that I have entire scenes memorised. I knew Roald Dahl didn't like the ending, but I didn't know there was an alternate/original ending where he stays a mouse (although I've also read the book many times and know it ends like that). I kind of want to see that one now. Also the "scarier" one :p
If Steven King had directed this you can be sure this movie would be even darker than any of us could have imagined. I'm sure fans might agree this might never have been family friendly enough to be shown. perhaps the movie can do better darker an remade but that will never happen.
A Mouse life expectancy will be drastically short compared to a Human. So just because everything will be simpler for Mouse form Luke doesn't mean anything when he will die at a faster rate. In fact him staying as a Mouse is a curse so I can see the reason why in the movie that the Good Witch played by the very sexy and beautiful Jane Horrocks(who I had such a huge crush on) to revert him back to his Human form. Living life as a Mouse is not something that I would be satisfied with knowing that predators such as Cats can eat me at any time and in Mouse form you cannot defend yourself from the dangers around you. Living the life of a Mouse is no life for a 10 year old boy. I am glad the Movie deviated from the book. Roald Dahl when he was alive may have gotten pissed with his movies and frankly I don't care about his "then opinions" Since you mentioned Stephen King I too just don't care for his opinions either. They are writers. They are not visionaries like the Directors are. What ever opinions Roald Dahl had back then he still got the Royalties for the movie so not only did he try to damage the Movie's reputation but he still took the Royalties from it. Knowing this makes me think that Roald Dahl was a complete asshole in life up until his death.
I totally remember watching this movie as a very young kid. I was scared but this movie had a charm to it. Which definitely came from Jim Henson's involvement. This is also the first movie where I heard an English accent for the first time.
Some of the witches were played by men. I love it ! I'm a professional Drag Queen so I love to see drag incorporated into movies. Even if they look awful lol.
Having re watched this film recently in my late 30's and still finding a lot of love and enjoyment from it, for starters, Wow! The different casting ideas for the Grand High Witch, some of those would've been perfect! After Mommie Dearest, Faye Dunaway would've been another pretty good choice, as would most of the others. Ultimately though, Angelica H did a great job, but more in disguise than out, she looked hideous to me, lol! (Witch Hazel reference folks) She did have a subtle but menacing presence esp when she was watching Luke's grandma, loved the final battle between G H W in disguise and that payback speech from the grandma as well: the special effects throughout weren't bad either. I heard this film was pretty scary in the early 90's before seeing it, so I was shocked by that happy and magical musical theme during the opening credits, (was anyone else with or without reading the book? ) I always loved the movie's ending and how that good witch did the reverse spell with such glee, I didn't believe she ever even wanted to be evil. After she quit though and we saw that solo drinking scene and her saying she never wanted to work with them anyway, indicates my critique on her was pretty accurate. On that note, bye for now folks, I shall return later on.
Love the Witches! Haven't seen it in years, may pop it in tonight. Wasn't Cher also cast, or the first choice for Morticia Addams in the Addams Family? They look similar enough and in my opinion are equally talented actors.
@@Psyteth um yeah no Anjelica Huston played Morticia in both films. Cher was considered but never offered the part. Anjelica was given the part immediately following her first audition.
As much as I love the Willy Wonka movie with Gene Wilder, and even though the ending of The Witches movie isn't the same as in Dahl's book, there is something about The Witches film that makes it feel more like a closer Roald Dahl adaptation than Willy Wonka. It has a darker feel to it, but still with a quintessential charm. I enjoyed watching this many years ago, and still enjoy it.
There was a lot of scary films for kids around then: Gremlins, Neverending Story, Witches, Return to OZ, Ewoks: Caravan of Courage, Ernest Scared Stupid, American Tail (Fievel the mouse film), Secret of the NIHM, and a few others. Scaring and traumatizing kids i think was Hollywoods main goal for a couple decades.
As for the ending, as a child i found the idea he would be stuck as a mouse to be frightening and any positive of no school, no responsibility, etc overshadowed by never getting to enjoy any of the aspects of life as an teen then adult: dating, driving, moving out, kids, etc.
Angelica Huston was hands down the best choice for the Grand High Witch. I love her
I don't think anyone could have been the grand high witch
@@muffassa6739 Totally agree
Yes, there was no actress at the time who would do better than Angelica
It would've been great if Avril Lavigne played the Grand High Witch in the 2020 film. I'm sure she would've loved to and would've made a perfect evil witch
1990 was more likely still kinda of the 80s anyway, hence there’s always a slow transition into each decade, but maybe gathered from both novelization & movie ?
Honestly, the witches got me so scared of strangers as a kid in the 80s that it probably saved me from some creepy encounters. In other words, it did its job.
Well it didn't come out until the 90s so what are you talkin about
There is the book too
I reckon this movie is like a big PSA.
@BNP _11 well I stand corrected I didn't know there was a book I'll have to read it thank you
@@forrestmarques7256 it literally says it in the video lol
I remember being seven and being read The Witches by my teacher who showed us the movie. I still remember everyone yelling when the Grand High Witch revealed herself. Thing is, now I'm a teacher and currently reading The Witches to my class and plan to show them the movie when I can. It's like you said, we love this story and pass it on
As a kid, I remember being freaked out when the grandmother is telling the story about her childhood friend Erica who ends up getting abducted by a witch and trapped in a painting. Also Bruno changing into a mouse, when he’s literally half boy and half mouse, super freaky to watch. 🐀🐁
Yes, the scene of Bruno turning into a mouse is something I still can't forget. But was well done.
I feel so bad for erica and her parents. The fact that she was trapped in that painting until she died while her parents suffer too while seeing her thru the painting.
I seen this movie so much as a kid (34 now) that when he showed the bad turned good witch making the mice float to her hands at the end of the movie, I felt all the nostalgia from watching the movie and smiled with almost tears in my eyes from the joy I felt watching it as a kid.
This terrified me as a kid BUT for some reason having "Mr. Bean" in it somehow made me feel safer lol the story about Erica in the most chilling part.
Same here! It was a pleasant distracting balm cos I knew him from Blackadder. I honestly figured the film-makers put him in for just that reason! Had similar effect with the Ghost Watch TV special that was only broadcast once, where Craig Charles appeared as himself to do light hearted reporting, and it kept me feeling at ease.
Me too mr bean comforted me I a weird way
Yeh but when the witch took Erica away was scary
“Papaaaaa.....”
Haha I know exactly what you mean
Faye Dunaway and Eartha Kitt would have been great high witches as well. But Angelica gave it a seductive dark feel that I love.
Eartha Kitt was the wrong nationality unfortunately, let’s be honest here, she was a great singer but would not have been the right actor to play the Grand High witch, I like how they kept it to the book and even the illustration of the art from the cover with having Angelica
My favourite Roald Dahl movie while growing up,I still enjoy watching this even now.
how about Pennywise vs the Witches
I loved James and the giant peach as well !!
That may be your fave, but I enjoy Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (and the 1900 version of it). It's a sweet movie.
The first time I saw this movie, I was home, sick with a fever and was fading in and out of consciousness. So, it really was a fever dream, for me.
God! That sounds terrifying! It's bad enough sober.
😂😂😂
I would love a back story. A story about how Luke’s grandma became an adversary to the grand high witch!
Well if you watch the new movie that may possibly grant your wish🤯
I always wanted those details too!!!!
@@annabelledyer7810 that's not what it was about was it?
Now THAT would make an AMAZING MOVIE!!
She was best friends with the little girl Erica ! Who the Grand High Witch put into the painting
Shaggy and Scooby-Doo would TOTALLY be scared outta their minds if they encountered these creepy dinguses!
Brilliant video - I love this film!
For those wondering, the hotel location is The Headland Hotel, Newquay (pronounced New-key, not New-quarry) in Cornwall
In the book, that Luke remained a mouse was presented as positive, as he was an orphan whose only living family was his ill, elderly grandmother, and this meant that as a mouse, he would not outlive her. Also, included in the items they stole from the grand high Witch was an address book with the names of every witch in the world, so they planned to hunt them down, (with the money they also stole) which was easier as an old lady (who could hide mouse Luke) over a grandmother with a school-aged child.
yeah, but even then, after granny died, who'd continue the witch hunt?? in the end, the witches got the kid, since they turned him into a mouse, and without granny carrying him around, how would he do it alone and who'd continue their witch hunt if Luke had no descendants?? Dhal ruined his story by leaving too many lose ends in hopes of a sequel he hadn't written yet.
@@Alusnovalotus "Dhal ruined his story by-" stfu
I've always loved this movie
even though it scared the mess out of me when one of my teachers played the vhs for the class when I was in the 3rd grade I believe. I have it on dvd now
My teacher made us read it then watch the movie,I was only in first grade.
So many people don't know or have forgotten about this film. I don't know how!! It's seared in my brain.
I'm honestly scared to see it but I've heard about it
@@maxxas5067 I haven't seen it in years, but it would definitely be worth a watch. Of course I've been a fan of scary/horror movies my entire life, so I may have a different view of what's worth watching. I mean I remember being 5 and sitting on my dad's lap watching Nightmare on Elm St. And loving it.
I loved it♡
they never really showed it on TV much here in the states and I don't remember any of my friends talking about it when I was young. I think I was 8 or 9 when this came out and my mom actually sat me down to watch this lol
Dahl had a tv show based on his stories....truly scary and nasty
It makes me wonder how Anne Hathaway will look for the role of the Grand Witch. It’s gonna be hard to top Angelica Houston.
what??!?!?!
SHE CA'N'T PLAY THAT ROLE!!! I'D SAY , MERRYL STREEP !! and Anne could be the good witch, but that'd be too much like the Devil wears Prada.....
alus nova ahaha Anjelica slayed the witch tf you talking about
haidenhill90210 nahh
She's known for always getting her way in Hollywood...
Tomàs E: Is Hollywood planning a remake of the movie or a sequel?
Anjelica Huston is scary normally, This is the only movie as kid i remember hiding behind the couch. Loved the book tho.
Angelica Houston in the late 80s and 90s.... Oh yes... My childhood exposure to sexy gothic females...
Harry Mason I think she’s the whole reason I became attracted to them. Dark gothic chicks, and black chicks. That’s my thing.
If I had a dark gothic back woman??? Awwwww....I shudder in excitement. Lol!
I could see her on a Metal album cover
Not when she takes off her mask lol
@@joshuagreenslade3445 a couple drinks it would be worth a go
@@sewerslidemg maybe after a hundred
10 things you didn't know about LEGEND . (with Tom Cruz & Tim Curry) oh and good job on this video !!!
Now that I would love to see as Legend is one of my favorite Dark Fantasy movies.
It's just "Legend" and it's spelled Cruise not Cruz
Marvel Legends?( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Don't mind if I do.
3DzineR I never seen the movie Legend before with Tom Cruise
Good choice. Personally I still think Legend is one of the most beautifully shot movie's ever.
I was just watching this yesterday on Netflix , this movie is a classic !
They need to make more scary children's movies. Today's kids are too coddled
Ikr!
na it' just more crapy CGI stuff
Agreed. I’ve always loved scary stuff since I was a kid.
The dark crystal really fucked me up
Yeah, if you were a kid in the 80's and some of the 90's and you didn't need to go to therapy because of the movies you watched, you were missing out!
I didn't stumble upon this movie until I was in my late 20s. Still scared me. Yet it was strangely compelling. Probably because of the amazing acting of Angelica Houston. For a time, I wondered if it was done by the team who made The Addams Family, one of my top 10 movies. But now I know it wasn't.
In the UK. The scene where the child is transformed on stage was trimmed down as it was deemed a bit too horrific. I worked at a company called cinefilmtreatment, and we made cuts requested by the bbfc. Random fact.
The hotel is still in Cornwall. Its beautiful. Remember going there every year when we were little on holiday ☺
I've recently been reading the book and watching the film with my daughter, and had forgotten about the ending being different. I get the theatrical change, its not seen as a happy ending if the boy remains a mouse, and those test audiences love a happy ending! But the original book ending had another view. Not just that of it being an 'easier' life as a mouse (far from it.....the plans that they had of mouse-Luke sneaking into castles and poisoning witches was far from easy!), but that as a mouse, he would likely have around the same remaining lifespan as his elderly and ailing grandmother. They would live the rest of their lives together, killing witches, and then pass away at similar times. That is awful, but not so much as in the film, where Luke is now a mouse again, has to go through the tradgedy of not only losing his parents, but then also watching his grandmother pass and then having no-one.
Also.....watch out for the Grandmothers diagnosis in the film....."...a mild case of diabetes, she'll be ok in a few days...'!!!
Rowan Atkinson was fantastic in this film, so wonderfully British! 😂😂😂😂
Minty: "In 1990 The Witches was released..."
Minty's Kids: "In 2021 The remake of The Witches was released..." 🙂
Kid from this movie is the same age as me. So I don't feel too old I guess. I had just read this book from our school's library when I saw a commercial for the movie. You can imagine how excited ten year old me was. Lol.
Me as well
Funny how people are saying oh an English kid with American accent but nobody mentions that the Grandma speaks with a Swedish accent even though she's supposed to be Norwegian.
Well, freddie highmore is British, and he currently stars as an American doctor in a medical drama
JIM HENSON WORKED ON HIS FILM?????
I had no idea at all.
I saw this in the theaters as a kid! It's terrific! When i first saw the Grand High Witch, the first thing is said as a kid was "Shes hideous!"
😂😂😂 Did the audiences heard you said it so loud?
Seen it as soon as it came out on video.(You know, those big cassette tape looking things.) UNDERRATED.
Great video, I first saw this with my dad when it was in theatres and loved the film since then. Still one of my favorites to this day....one of the creepiest, chilling parts I think was the little girl trapped by one of the witches in the father's painting and how she grew older in it until fading away. I remember being freaked out by that as a kid when I first saw it.
Me too that always stuck with me
I remember watching this on the Disney Channel back in the 90's and being completely traumatized. A few years later I was in the third grade and my teacher read the book to the class. After she finished the book she announced that we were going to watch the movie. I instantly burst into tears and cried so hard that I made myself sick! I never wanted to watch that movie again! The principle had to call my parents and I was picked up from school early. I was so embarrassed! My friends still tease me about it to this day!
The Witches is my second favorite Anjelica Huston directly behind The Addams Family.
I remember the teacher at school back in 1987 reading this to us then came the movie and to be fair it did the book justice with some superb make up and acting. I’ve been waiting for years for someone to do “ The Twits” as with today’s special effects they could really make an awesome family movie 🍿
I was already in 3rd grade when this came out in 1990, but i was still terrified by it.
❤❤❤Angelica Huston❤❤❤ is just perfect in this movie. Morticia Addams!
This is one of my favorite films from Mr. Henson, yes it traumatized me but I always returned and watched it.
I hope this fillm gets a Blu Ray release cause it deserves it and have it filled with features. ❤
Life as a mouse better? Hmm? Cats,short life span,experiments,owls,hawks,big lizards,snakes.
This movie really does make both Little Shop of Horrors (1986 version starring Rick Moranis and Ellen Greene) and Return to OZ look less scary and harmless at the same time!!
People should rediscover creativity and stop rebooting classics from back in the day for a cheap buck.
I remember loving this movie, but ESPECIALLY loving the book (which is near perfectly adapted to the big screen).
Rowan Atkinson, the most English thing to ever happen To England!
It's *Rowan... Aaren Greanfeeld.
@@TheJurnalyst . It's Aaron Greenfield, The urinalyst!
There I fixed it, and I'm sending you a urinal cake for helping;-)
@@aarongreenfield9038 it's *Urinalyst. Thumbs up for the edit. Thanks for standing corrected. 😎 Here's a mud pie.
@@TheJurnalyst. Mud pie, my favorite, NOM NOM NOM;-)
I LOOOVED this movie even as a kid and as soon as it was released on DVD I got it. Perfect version of the book
I find it interesting that Dahl was so opposed to the films ending when he was initially wrote that Lucas changed back in one of his first drafts. Personally I feel they could have compromised and left the ending ambiguous. Like not actually show Lucas changing back but show the reformed witch casting the spell, then holding his glasses with a smile. It hints that she did change him back, but still leaves Dahl’s ending and meaning in place.
When I was little (back in the early 1960's), I thought the Wicked Witch of the West was scary! When I saw "The Witches" I was an adult - and I was still a little creeped out.
The book was one of the few things that gave me a nightmare as a kid! Love it! The movie certainly badass! Thanks Minty! Stay Fresh!
I think Jim Henson did the right thing. The book's ending I feel would have been too dark and adult-oriented for children viewers.
Totally agreed. In a book it's sad to stay a mouse, but also a funny fantasy with characters that don't feel real. Actually watching the poor little kid/mouse almost get killed so many times, and then be trapped forever a mouse would've been pretty damn dark after everything that happened... I was only around 6 when I first saw this, and I remember being happy about the ending. It redeems all the scary shit you had to watch.
@@Danielson1818 I agree, if they kept the original ending some children would be sad by the outcome.
Jim did the right thing and I too felt uplifted when I saw the ending. 😊
@@tonymata8070 But thats the thing about Roald Dahl. His books where modern day parables. Life sucks at times. The book ends with the discusion that mice only live for 9 years and his grandmother probably will not live that long as well. And so rather than dwell on how shit it is they decide to go out in a blaze killing them all. Its bitter sweet.
That said anyone who watched the film then read the book was gonna be in for one HELL of a downer
@@deadbydayinblack agree... To a child their main care giver dying is terrifying. So having them with a shared life expectancy works well.. Plus no school!!! RD always looked at life through a kid's eyes. Anyone who says the new ending is better is guessing what kids want / need. Don't underestimate the small hoomans
@@ML-jw4cd my kids prefer the movies ending and we read the book first.
Do Hocus Pocus!
Best nostalgic movie ever!
I totally forgot about this movie. It could have been renamed The Skeksis. Jim knew how to make some scary villains! Also, I lived in Newquay for a bit, and I've been to that hotel. I never knew it was associated with this movie. My mind is truely blown!
ahhh yess another classic i was hoping you would do
the girl in the painting always creeped me out that poor dad
Really?
“Papaaaaa....papaaa...” 🥺
@@Alusnovalotus ?????????????????
when u see movies when ur real young it effects u differently
@@sewerslidemg Still at a lost.
I never knew Palin was in this! Wow! Cheers Mark & have a good weekend yer lil ripper!
I loved this movie growing up and I never found it scary. But I also love spooky things. XD
You would have got along well with my mates. They're watching Freddy Krueger laughing & I'm shitting myself watching witches
There is more to picking that ending than just a feel good fest. The scene is magical, the way she shoots him over his glasses or the way his mouse float up "back to luke."
I love waking up super early and watching a Minty video!
Duck Grenadine these videos make my day
I like watching them at 10:00 pm
My gf hates it but I love it too
Love The Witches ! Saw it on VHS as a kid and it scared the living crap outta me ! Thanks for all the info on a film that I really enjoyed as a kid ! Great job as usual Minty !
The Ghostbusters poster is the ' OFFICIAL DUAL-SIDED DOOR POSTER/CALENDAR ' with the bottom cut off. It came with the Firehouse playset.
Ah ha! I bet they got it from the one in the play set was used in the film. Seriously I figured it was meant to be a pop culture reference or that someone on the set had one that belonged to their kids and borrowed it for the shoot.
Toy nerds will want to point out that it wasn't included with the playset itself, they just got one when they went to Toy R Us or wherever and got a bunch of toys and stuff to use ( legos and such )
I absolutely love this movie. The practical make up and prosthetics/effects are great, especially for the Grand High Witch❤
14:11 Damn. I would LOVE to see that alternate cut!
14:45 "and if you can FAMINE it"!? Lol Minty and his mispronunciation of things...I love it all. These throwbacks to my childhood make me happier than you could ever FAMINE! Lol
How did I miss this movie!? I've seen just about every 80s horror movie ever. I had heard of it back then just never came across it
It wasn't released in the 80s, that's why.
Witches wasn't scary to me but I loved it. True classic takes me back to my childhood.
It’s a shame Roald Dahl didn’t like The Witches adaptation. I can see why the writers changed the ending of the film; it seems too tragic for children and it also means the witches won in the end.
The late 80s early 90s were crazy, this wouldn't pass as a kid's movie today lol. I was gonna mention the Ghostbusters Firehouse but I'm happy I held on lol. I recognized it immediately because I used to have one lol. Great job Minty, and love the music cue from The Real Ghostbusters cartoon. Such a wonderful touch.
I never knew he was in Hook the guy in The Witches (Jason Fisher)
It's interesting Minty calls "The Witches" and "Return to Oz" the scariest movies of his childhood. I'm at least a few years older than Minty but, I think, roughly of the same generation, and that may account for my differing reactions to these two movies. I saw both in the theater at the time they were first released. But I was 8 when I saw "Return to Oz," still young enough to be traumatized by it, whereas I was 13 by the time "The Witches" came out. Moreover, I'd already read the book, and I found--as I have for pretty much all Dahl adaptations I've seen--that it softened the book considerably. I just wasn't that frightened or disturbed by the film, whereas I was upset by the book's ending (where the kid is not only a mouse for the rest of his life, but, we find out, only has about 6 years to live, if I recall--that's pretty grim).
I don't know what it was about the '80s, but it had this knack for producing fantasy films aimed at children that were fairly disturbing--"Labyrinth," "The Neverending Story," "Time Bandits," "The Dark Crystal," "Pee Wee's Big Adventure." Actually, the film that traumatized me most wasn't "Return to Oz," it was 1980's "Watcher in the Woods" (sort of a Disney-fied take on "The Shining"). And that's not even getting into all the Spielberg stuff that more or less created the PG-13 rating.
I would love to see the version that was too scary for release! Also, I'm so in love with Anjelica Huston as the Grand High Witch, I'm not sure how Anne Hathaway is going to pull it off.
Favorite actress and movie for all time.
Good one, Minty. I love your style of presentation.
For me, the thing that scares me most from this movie is that girl in the painting. I always get spooked when the grandma tells him how it happened.
Somebody else that could have knocked the lead role out the park.........Glen Close
Agreed!
For sure. Sigourney too
Ooooooooohhhh yes!!!!!!!
Since Roald Dahl thought that staying as a mouse would be a happy ending, I don't think he looked at it from a mouse point of view. Traps, poison bait, cats, birds, some dogs, deep water puddles, etc. A mouse's life can be downright hazardous unless you work for Disney.
Thank you for this video Minty! Please keep up the great work!
This was a story my mother told me as a child! I was ecstatic when it came out! Coming from Swedish and Danish heritage so intriguing to me!! Still love it and my children too!!
This movie was perfect, I wanna see the uncut version.
I adored this movie when I was a kid. I've seen it SO MANY TIMES that I have entire scenes memorised. I knew Roald Dahl didn't like the ending, but I didn't know there was an alternate/original ending where he stays a mouse (although I've also read the book many times and know it ends like that). I kind of want to see that one now. Also the "scarier" one :p
If Steven King had directed this you can be sure this movie would be even darker than any of us could have imagined. I'm sure fans might agree this might never have been family friendly enough to be shown. perhaps the movie can do better darker an remade but that will never happen.
Now I want to see an uncut version, hopefully it will be released on a special DVD with Houstons makeup transformation.
A Mouse life expectancy will be drastically short compared to a Human.
So just because everything will be simpler for Mouse form Luke doesn't mean anything when he will die at a faster rate. In fact him staying as a Mouse is a curse so I can see the reason why in the movie that the Good Witch played by the very sexy and beautiful Jane Horrocks(who I had such a huge crush on) to revert him back to his Human form. Living life as a Mouse is not something that I would be satisfied with knowing that predators such as Cats can eat me at any time and in Mouse form you cannot defend yourself from the dangers around you.
Living the life of a Mouse is no life for a 10 year old boy.
I am glad the Movie deviated from the book.
Roald Dahl when he was alive may have gotten pissed with his movies and frankly I don't care about his "then opinions"
Since you mentioned Stephen King I too just don't care for his opinions either.
They are writers. They are not visionaries like the Directors are.
What ever opinions Roald Dahl had back then he still got the Royalties for the movie so not only did he try to damage the Movie's reputation but he still took the Royalties from it. Knowing this makes me think that Roald Dahl was a complete asshole in life up until his death.
I agree 100% With every single word you’ve said.
I totally remember watching this movie as a very young kid.
I was scared but this movie had a charm to it. Which definitely came from Jim Henson's involvement.
This is also the first movie where I heard an English accent for the first time.
Some of the witches were played by men. I love it ! I'm a professional Drag Queen so I love to see drag incorporated into movies. Even if they look awful lol.
Having re watched this film recently in my late 30's and still finding a lot of love and enjoyment
from it, for starters, Wow!
The different casting ideas for the
Grand High Witch, some of those would've been perfect! After Mommie Dearest, Faye Dunaway
would've been another pretty good
choice, as would most of the others.
Ultimately though, Angelica H did a
great job, but more in disguise than out, she looked hideous to me, lol! (Witch Hazel reference folks) She did have a subtle but menacing
presence esp when she was watching Luke's grandma, loved the
final battle between G H W in disguise and that payback speech from the grandma as well: the special effects throughout weren't bad either.
I heard this film was pretty scary in
the early 90's before seeing it, so I
was shocked by that happy and
magical musical theme during the opening credits, (was anyone else
with or without reading the book? )
I always loved the movie's ending
and how that good witch did the reverse spell with such glee, I didn't
believe she ever even wanted to be evil. After she quit though and we
saw that solo drinking scene and
her saying she never wanted to work
with them anyway, indicates my
critique on her was pretty accurate.
On that note, bye for now folks, I shall return later on.
Love the Witches! Haven't seen it in years, may pop it in tonight. Wasn't Cher also cast, or the first choice for Morticia Addams in the Addams Family? They look similar enough and in my opinion are equally talented actors.
MrHootiedean Cher was Morticia in the first 1991 film. Anjelica was later cast in the 1993 sequel.
@@Psyteth um yeah no Anjelica Huston played Morticia in both films. Cher was considered but never offered the part. Anjelica was given the part immediately following her first audition.
Michael Scott uhh no Anjelica was in both films. Tf you talking about?
A small correction: Jasen Fisher, the little boy, was not English with an American accent - he WAS American. He was born and raised in Illinois, USA.
Of course it's a scary movie, it's from the director of Don't Look Now.
Oh how I loved this diva grand high witch when I was little!
Can't wait for the remake
5:58 cool, how the "dies irae" theme came exactly at the right spot
I used to love that movie when I was young!! It was really good
One of my favorite movies as a kid! I think this movie is what got me into loving horror movies when I got older lmaooooo
As much as I love the Willy Wonka movie with Gene Wilder, and even though the ending of The Witches movie isn't the same as in Dahl's book, there is something about The Witches film that makes it feel more like a closer Roald Dahl adaptation than Willy Wonka. It has a darker feel to it, but still with a quintessential charm. I enjoyed watching this many years ago, and still enjoy it.
Born in 83. Wouldn't trade my childhood for anything.
CHEERS FROM MONTREAL MAN I LOVE YOUR CHANEL SO MUCH I'M A 80'S BOY AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE "XTRO" PLEASE THANKS AND KEEP ON ROCKING !
I cried so many times during this, not sure why....I loved this film as a child and I guess it takes me back.
I wonder if Ned Flanders was a fan of Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory?? The poster for it even sounds like him, "It's Scrumdidilyumptious".
he probably does. but he'd hate the witches for the same reason he hates harry potter haha
@@jhibbitt1 fuck harry potter
There was a lot of scary films for kids around then: Gremlins, Neverending Story, Witches, Return to OZ, Ewoks: Caravan of Courage, Ernest Scared Stupid, American Tail (Fievel the mouse film), Secret of the NIHM, and a few others. Scaring and traumatizing kids i think was Hollywoods main goal for a couple decades.
As for the ending, as a child i found the idea he would be stuck as a mouse to be frightening and any positive of no school, no responsibility, etc overshadowed by never getting to enjoy any of the aspects of life as an teen then adult: dating, driving, moving out, kids, etc.
Another scarey kids film is Something Wicked This Way Comes. For a kids film it's pretty dark.
"GRAND-MAAAAAAH",I end up say this on the reg!! 🐁🐀💜💚🧙♀️