Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2920 in VHS
• Released on: 1994-10-10
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Dolby, PAL, Surround Sound
• Original language: English
• Number of tapes: 1
• Running time: 87 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
This splendid adventure-fantasy from 1990 was adapted from Roald Dahl's book, The Witches, 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 The Witches 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 Secrets and Lies and Little Voice), Rowan Atkinson (of Black Adder and Mr. Bean fame), and Jane Horrocks (Little Voice) 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. --Jeff Shannon

Synopsis
Following the death of his parents in a car crash, young Luke is taken to England by his grandmother, who delights him with her tales of dark forces, witches, and their wicked ways. While stopping at a seaside hotel, Luke discovers a plot by the Grand High Witch to turn all the children of England into mice. Can Luke and his grandmother foil the evil witch's plan.....?

Customer Reviews

A story that will chill your mind
In my opinon, The witches has to be the best out of all the films that are based on Roald Dahl's books. Most of the other movies on his books are quite dissapointing, but not this. This will send a chill down your spine. I suggest that children under 8 should not see this film, as several scenes could upset younger children, but it is really worth watching!

the best film ever!!!
I am a big Anjelica Huston fan anyway-but this is my favourite film ever. Anjelica (grand high witch) is absolutely brilliant as well as the rest of the cast.It is a great film for all the family, but possibly not very young children. If you're like me and an Anjelica Huston fan or you're a fan of rold dahl's books- you'll definately enjoy this film.

A Brilliant and thrilling film.
A brilliant and thrilling film, which you daren't leave incase you miss a crucial bit. It can be a bit upsetting for younger children, as children are turned in mice in a very dramatic way, but Roald Dahl fans will enjoy