I was thrilled to see one of my favourite films, as a child, released on to DVD. I can now share some of my childhood with my own kids. No big surprise, but my older daughter (7) loves it. My younger daughter (2) thought some parts were "scary daddy"; the broom/jail scene was well done! Highly recommend it as a family film for folks that want a nice movie to watch with their kids.
80 Reviews
Falls apart near the finish, but until then an excellent family film
moonspinner5519 July 2007
Alexander Key's popular pre-teen novel concerns two orphaned siblings with supernatural powers taken in by a nefarious millionaire (named Aristotle Bolt!) who wants to exploit their magical abilities for personal gain. Top-notch Walt Disney adventure for families has natural, non-precocious performances from young Ike Eisenmann and Kim Richards as the gifted kids, and their friendship with good-hearted traveler Eddie Albert is sweet but not sticky. The eerie flashbacks to the youngsters' early beginnings are well-captured by director John Hough, who is otherwise forced (perhaps for budgetary reasons) to skimp on genuine atmosphere in place of an elongated chase. Too bad the finale replaces emotion with effects, as these characters are quite remarkable. Followed by a fairly wan sequel, 1978's "Return From Witch Mountain", in which the special effects became the whole show. **1/2 from ****
Alexander Key's Magic Mountain
wes-connors1 November 2009
After their foster parents die, telepathic Kim Richards (as Tia Malone) and telekinetic Ike Eisenmann (as Tony Malone) must return to living in an orphanage. On an outing with ever-delightful Reta Shaw (in her last film role), the siblings' otherworldly powers are discovered, by Donald Pleasence (as Lucas Deranian), the devious driver for dastardly millionaire Ray Milland (as Aristotle Bolt). With help from heart-warmed Eddie Albert (as Jason O'Day), the children must escape from Mr. Milland, who has nefarious plans
The usual Disney clichés - cute kids, lovable animals, old pros - but significantly better than what had, by the time this film was originally released, become the norm at the studio: mediocre to poor kid fare. Children deserve quality. "Escape to Witch Mountain" is more imaginative than insulting; and, as you'll see, it could arguably be called ahead of its time. The players and animals are nicely corralled by director John Hough; "Winkie" is the cat's meow, and the instrumental puppet dance is quite memorable.
******* Escape to Witch Mountain (3/21/75) John Hough ~ Ike Eisenmann, Kim Richards, Eddie Albert, Ray Milland
The usual Disney clichés - cute kids, lovable animals, old pros - but significantly better than what had, by the time this film was originally released, become the norm at the studio: mediocre to poor kid fare. Children deserve quality. "Escape to Witch Mountain" is more imaginative than insulting; and, as you'll see, it could arguably be called ahead of its time. The players and animals are nicely corralled by director John Hough; "Winkie" is the cat's meow, and the instrumental puppet dance is quite memorable.
******* Escape to Witch Mountain (3/21/75) John Hough ~ Ike Eisenmann, Kim Richards, Eddie Albert, Ray Milland
My Favorite Childhood Film Experience
sisterdebmac11 August 2004
In 1975, I was 11 years old. "Escape To Witch Mountain" played to a packed house at a now-defunct old theatre called, Miracle. People were sitting on the floor because they sold more tickets than they had seats. I'd never seen anything like that before.
My dad and step mom took me to the movie and we got the last of the few remaining seats. They probably only took me because it was a Disney flick. Had to be harmless, right? Hardly. Afterward, they were puzzled by the seemingly surprising UFO angle. I remember being absolutely transfixed. I'm still fascinated with mysterious stuff like UFOs and ghosts. I wasn't supposed to like that stuff but this film made it impossible for me not to.
And I identified with the kid heroes on a deeper level as well. I, myself, was kind of a ragamuffin misfit kid from a broken home who spent weekends with my dad's new blended family. I felt the siblings' pain at being torn from their home. Tia broke my heart. She was as fragile as me, but far stronger when it really counted. Tony was just hot! Older and very cute at 13. And those powers they had? How cool was that? By the time the credits rolled, I knew I'd seen the best movie ever!
I was lucky enough to have an older cousin who loved movies and hanging out with me and she bought the Disney movie record for me. I don't know if any of you remember these; Disney used to release LPs of the audio track of some of their movies, usually truncated and featuring narration. In the case of "Escape", it was narrated by Eddie Albert. This thing enabled me to memorize every line of Tony and Tia's dialog and much of that of the other characters, too. I still have it, though the sleeve is long lost. It's tough for me to watch the movie without speaking along with the characters (especially Tia), at least in my head.
My cousin also bought me Alexander Key's book. Boy, Disney sure took liberties, didn't they? Key's book is far more serious and developed and meaningful. I tried to take the best parts from the book and the movie and incorporate them together into the Tony and Tia of my imagination. It deepened them. Too bad there was no fanatic outlet back in those days! It was pretty egolesss of Alexander Key for coming together with Disney on the eventual novelization of "Return". Without Key's kind participation, it would of been an empty exercise. I was especially impressed with how he incorporated the issue of Tia needing to learn to speak.
Through the years, I never "Escape" and I saw it as often as I could. For instance, when "Return" was released, Disney sent the movies out as a double feature. I loved "Return", silly as it was, even though there were things in it that really bugged me. Like the sibs being split apart for most of the movie. I loved them together! I think most of the fans of the first film were most affected by their chemistry. I think we wanted to see more of that. Even so, I really liked the Earthquakes, all of them. And it was fun to see Kim and Ike a bit older and even cuter than before. I also remember seeing "Escape" on an odd revival double-bill with "Bambi" at some point in my teen years. I think I would've followed Kim and Ike anywhere. Heck, I even followed them to "Devil Dog, The Hound Of Hell". You have to see the comments page here at IMDb if you haven't already.
I would've seen "Tuff Turf" even if Kim wasn't in it, but that's a convoluted story for another thread. Suffice to say I have seen TT far too many times and many of them were for Kim. Also, I can honestly say I enjoy the TV edit of "Star Trek II" far more than the theatrical cut because it has more Ike. I even had a good time watching "Blair Witch Mountain..." when it hit the web. I have to agree that it might be fun to revisit Tony and Tia with the original actors today. Hey, last year, the new "Twilight Zone" brought Anthony (Billy Mumy) back and introduced us to his similarly gifted, but far less scary (real life) daughter (Liliana Mumy). And all those people came back from the cornfield. Why not Tony & Tia?
I could rhapsodize for paragraphs about both "With Mountain" films, and I may still do so when I get my special edition DVDs. In the meantime, here's hoping that a whole new generation of kids will discover "Witch Mountain" for themselves.
My dad and step mom took me to the movie and we got the last of the few remaining seats. They probably only took me because it was a Disney flick. Had to be harmless, right? Hardly. Afterward, they were puzzled by the seemingly surprising UFO angle. I remember being absolutely transfixed. I'm still fascinated with mysterious stuff like UFOs and ghosts. I wasn't supposed to like that stuff but this film made it impossible for me not to.
And I identified with the kid heroes on a deeper level as well. I, myself, was kind of a ragamuffin misfit kid from a broken home who spent weekends with my dad's new blended family. I felt the siblings' pain at being torn from their home. Tia broke my heart. She was as fragile as me, but far stronger when it really counted. Tony was just hot! Older and very cute at 13. And those powers they had? How cool was that? By the time the credits rolled, I knew I'd seen the best movie ever!
I was lucky enough to have an older cousin who loved movies and hanging out with me and she bought the Disney movie record for me. I don't know if any of you remember these; Disney used to release LPs of the audio track of some of their movies, usually truncated and featuring narration. In the case of "Escape", it was narrated by Eddie Albert. This thing enabled me to memorize every line of Tony and Tia's dialog and much of that of the other characters, too. I still have it, though the sleeve is long lost. It's tough for me to watch the movie without speaking along with the characters (especially Tia), at least in my head.
My cousin also bought me Alexander Key's book. Boy, Disney sure took liberties, didn't they? Key's book is far more serious and developed and meaningful. I tried to take the best parts from the book and the movie and incorporate them together into the Tony and Tia of my imagination. It deepened them. Too bad there was no fanatic outlet back in those days! It was pretty egolesss of Alexander Key for coming together with Disney on the eventual novelization of "Return". Without Key's kind participation, it would of been an empty exercise. I was especially impressed with how he incorporated the issue of Tia needing to learn to speak.
Through the years, I never "Escape" and I saw it as often as I could. For instance, when "Return" was released, Disney sent the movies out as a double feature. I loved "Return", silly as it was, even though there were things in it that really bugged me. Like the sibs being split apart for most of the movie. I loved them together! I think most of the fans of the first film were most affected by their chemistry. I think we wanted to see more of that. Even so, I really liked the Earthquakes, all of them. And it was fun to see Kim and Ike a bit older and even cuter than before. I also remember seeing "Escape" on an odd revival double-bill with "Bambi" at some point in my teen years. I think I would've followed Kim and Ike anywhere. Heck, I even followed them to "Devil Dog, The Hound Of Hell". You have to see the comments page here at IMDb if you haven't already.
I would've seen "Tuff Turf" even if Kim wasn't in it, but that's a convoluted story for another thread. Suffice to say I have seen TT far too many times and many of them were for Kim. Also, I can honestly say I enjoy the TV edit of "Star Trek II" far more than the theatrical cut because it has more Ike. I even had a good time watching "Blair Witch Mountain..." when it hit the web. I have to agree that it might be fun to revisit Tony and Tia with the original actors today. Hey, last year, the new "Twilight Zone" brought Anthony (Billy Mumy) back and introduced us to his similarly gifted, but far less scary (real life) daughter (Liliana Mumy). And all those people came back from the cornfield. Why not Tony & Tia?
I could rhapsodize for paragraphs about both "With Mountain" films, and I may still do so when I get my special edition DVDs. In the meantime, here's hoping that a whole new generation of kids will discover "Witch Mountain" for themselves.
Like father, like son
a family favorite!
Coventry19 December 2015
Honestly, very few things in life fill me with more joy and happiness than re-watching the favorite movies of my childhood during lazy Sunday afternoons, now more or less 20 to 25 years after I last saw them. During the past couple of years, I discovered that I still love them all just as much as back when I was a geeky 9- year-old with an unhealthy interest in macabre kids' films! I'm talking about titles like "Dark Crystal", "The Watcher in the Woods", "Return to Oz", "Island at the Top of the World" and "Something Wicked this Way Comes". "Escape to Witch Mountain" was also on my list of childhood favorites, and re-watching this particular one also became another emotional milestone for me, since I watched it together with my 6-year-old son! We live in Belgium, so he doesn't speak English and he can't properly read subtitles yet, so I pretty much narrated the entire movie to him. But that was a big pleasure since he was clearly just as impressed and intrigued as I was 25 years ago and he truly loved all the legendary scenes, like with the flying RV, the trained bear and the upside down helicopter! Now, nearly a week after having seen the film he still talks about it and he particularly feels proud about having watched a more mature movie whereas his friends at school are still just watching the animated Disney movies!
But anyways, even my more objective opinion states that "Escape to Witch Mountain" is a recommendable film for all types of audiences. It has an engaging plot, good pacing, plenty of versatile action and – most of all – wonderful acting performances. Back when I was 9, I obviously didn't know who Donald Pleasance or Ray Milland were, but over the years I became a horror fanatic and now they are both ranked among my favorite actors of all time. It's good to see that even in Disney movies they remain loyal to their reputations and depict villainous characters that are equally menacing and loathsome as in regular hardcore horror movies! The story introduces two cherubic but orphaned siblings, Tia and Tony, with sensational supernatural powers. The girl Tia can foretell things before they occur and talk to animals, while the boy has telekinetic capacities. Nobody knows where they come from, although Tia has vague recollections of a shipwreck, and they are placed in a boarding school where they clearly don't fit in with the other children. When the girl saves the life of a certain Mr. Deranian (Donald Pleasance) by warning him about an accident about to happen, he is immediately intrigued by her powers and informs his employer Aristotle Bolt (Ray Milland). Their intentions obviously aren't peaceful and even though they offer Tia and Tony a giant room full of toys, the girl senses they are in danger and they flee from the estate. With the - initially reluctant – help of lone tourist Jason O'Day (Eddie Albert), they set out on a dangerous journey in search for their true personalities. "Escape to Witch Mountain" is still a great and adventurous kids' movie, accomplished with a lot more heart and passion than nowadays. I hope to quickly track down the sequel "Return to Witch Mountain" as well, as it has an equally impressive cast featuring Christopher Lee and Bette Davis.
But anyways, even my more objective opinion states that "Escape to Witch Mountain" is a recommendable film for all types of audiences. It has an engaging plot, good pacing, plenty of versatile action and – most of all – wonderful acting performances. Back when I was 9, I obviously didn't know who Donald Pleasance or Ray Milland were, but over the years I became a horror fanatic and now they are both ranked among my favorite actors of all time. It's good to see that even in Disney movies they remain loyal to their reputations and depict villainous characters that are equally menacing and loathsome as in regular hardcore horror movies! The story introduces two cherubic but orphaned siblings, Tia and Tony, with sensational supernatural powers. The girl Tia can foretell things before they occur and talk to animals, while the boy has telekinetic capacities. Nobody knows where they come from, although Tia has vague recollections of a shipwreck, and they are placed in a boarding school where they clearly don't fit in with the other children. When the girl saves the life of a certain Mr. Deranian (Donald Pleasance) by warning him about an accident about to happen, he is immediately intrigued by her powers and informs his employer Aristotle Bolt (Ray Milland). Their intentions obviously aren't peaceful and even though they offer Tia and Tony a giant room full of toys, the girl senses they are in danger and they flee from the estate. With the - initially reluctant – help of lone tourist Jason O'Day (Eddie Albert), they set out on a dangerous journey in search for their true personalities. "Escape to Witch Mountain" is still a great and adventurous kids' movie, accomplished with a lot more heart and passion than nowadays. I hope to quickly track down the sequel "Return to Witch Mountain" as well, as it has an equally impressive cast featuring Christopher Lee and Bette Davis.
Kind of great! I'm honestly shocked!
yusufpiskin12 March 2020
Escape to Witch Mountain was a favorite of my mom's childhood as she grew up when this film came out as a kid, and I remember when she bought the DVD for share the film with her family in my childhood years. I could have easily passed off this film as too silly or dated, but even 8-year-old me growing up in the CGI era of visual effects was still sucked into the charm of Tony and Tia Malone.
I still think this movie holds up remarkably well. Sure, the narrative is needlessly complicated at times when you try to think about the final twists of Witch Mountain and some of the effects have not aged in todays standards, such as the flying camper in the third act, but I am still sucked into the charm and magic of this movie regardless. Honestly, I feel like a kid watching this movie, watching this adventure of these two kids trying to find their place and where they came from, seeking to find the answers and exploring their telepathic powers when it seems like most are out to exploit them. This movie features two solid child performances with good chemistry, but the veteran actors really excel in selling the film in its entertainment factor, particularly the appearances of Donald Pleasance and Ray Milland as villains. Also give props to Eddie Albert who gives a tender performance as Jason O'Day, who helps the kiddies out along the way.
The film also works as a sci-fi thriller and a mystery film along with the adventure, and I also welcome some of the "scarier" moments to make the film a blast for kids and adults.
If you haven't watched Escape to Witch Mountain, and you're a Disney fan, it was one of the studio's biggest hits of the 1970s and I do recommend it. It's a good watch for the Disney nerds and I guarantee it will wow any child viewer.
I still think this movie holds up remarkably well. Sure, the narrative is needlessly complicated at times when you try to think about the final twists of Witch Mountain and some of the effects have not aged in todays standards, such as the flying camper in the third act, but I am still sucked into the charm and magic of this movie regardless. Honestly, I feel like a kid watching this movie, watching this adventure of these two kids trying to find their place and where they came from, seeking to find the answers and exploring their telepathic powers when it seems like most are out to exploit them. This movie features two solid child performances with good chemistry, but the veteran actors really excel in selling the film in its entertainment factor, particularly the appearances of Donald Pleasance and Ray Milland as villains. Also give props to Eddie Albert who gives a tender performance as Jason O'Day, who helps the kiddies out along the way.
The film also works as a sci-fi thriller and a mystery film along with the adventure, and I also welcome some of the "scarier" moments to make the film a blast for kids and adults.
If you haven't watched Escape to Witch Mountain, and you're a Disney fan, it was one of the studio's biggest hits of the 1970s and I do recommend it. It's a good watch for the Disney nerds and I guarantee it will wow any child viewer.
For Disney, this is great
Leofwine_draca21 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
ESCAPE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN is a likeable live-action Disney film of 1975, in which a couple of psychic kids find themselves pursued by evil old men who want to use them for their own gains. It feels very much like Brian De Palma watched this and decided to make his adult version which came out as THE FURY, as well as prefiguring a whole sub-genre of similar pictures in the early 1970s. Anyhow, this is a light and breezy adventure, bolstered by strong performances: the kids are likeable (for once), the typical Disney sentiment is kept to a minimum, and Donald Pleasence and Ray Milland make a fine tag-team of baddies. The special effects are invariably dated these days, but I find that they have a magic all of their own when watched in retrospect.
Unique
jre-520 December 2008
The overall feel of the movie is rather unique and different. Many of the special effects and things were probably pretty good for their time, but are very outdated and simple compared to today's movies. Still they are fairly impressive when you consider that they were done without computers.
Note that the title "Escape to Witch Mountain" is somewhat misleading because the movie has virtually nothing to do with witches. It's about two kids who have special powers, but thankfully these powers are not portrayed as being witchcraft. Some people in the movie start to think that they're witches, but they're actually just kids from another planet where people have abilities that earth people don't have, things like communicating telepathically, talking to animals, and controlling objects with their minds. Some of it is a bit spooky, but it's a very unique concept, and I like that it's not portrayed as being witchcraft.
It's a rather fun adventure that some people may like and others may find boring. For the most part I like it. Something about the ending seems a bit incomplete, but I don't really know what else they could've done it.
Note that the title "Escape to Witch Mountain" is somewhat misleading because the movie has virtually nothing to do with witches. It's about two kids who have special powers, but thankfully these powers are not portrayed as being witchcraft. Some people in the movie start to think that they're witches, but they're actually just kids from another planet where people have abilities that earth people don't have, things like communicating telepathically, talking to animals, and controlling objects with their minds. Some of it is a bit spooky, but it's a very unique concept, and I like that it's not portrayed as being witchcraft.
It's a rather fun adventure that some people may like and others may find boring. For the most part I like it. Something about the ending seems a bit incomplete, but I don't really know what else they could've done it.
Everything the new version is not
kyle-cruse15 August 2009
Having seen the new version of this film recently ("Race to Witch Mountain"), I cannot tell you how much of a pleasant surprise "Escape to Witch Mountain" was to me. The new version, in my opinion, lacks any kind of character development and is full of annoying characters that do nothing to help the movie. Essentially, the new version basically did away with the first 45 minutes or so of this film, which helped set up the story, develop the characters, and give us a better sense of why the kids are running away. Also, Dwayne Johnson is incredibly lacking in emotion and character compared to Eddie Albert in this movie. While I admit that most of the special effects in this film may seem cheesy by today's standards, they actually make the film even more fun to laugh at. This film came out of a couple of decades when Disney was at its height of live action movies, when even film of this type they turned out was at least worthwhile. This is an enjoyable movie, with good jobs of acting done by basically all of the characters. Appropriate for anyone in the family, exciting, funny, and likable.
***1/2 out of ****
***1/2 out of ****
A little piece of my childhood
utgard1429 December 2015
Wonderful Disney film about a pair of orphans (Kim Richards, Ike Eisenmann) with special powers being pursued by a greedy millionaire (Ray Milland), who wants to use their powers to his advantage. With help from a grouchy old man (Eddie Albert) in a Winnebago, the kids try to reach a place called Witch Mountain they feel drawn to.
This is one of Disney's best films from the '70s and a personal favorite from my childhood. The cast is excellent. Kim Richards is best known today for being a reality TV "personality," but before all that embarrassing nonsense she actually had a fairly successful career as a child actor. Eisenmann also had a lot of work as a kid before moving on to other things. Both hold their own well with solid veteran actors Ray Milland, Eddie Albert, Donald Pleasence, and Denver Pyle. The vets are all terrific. It's a sci-fi family film with healthy doses of Disney cuteness. Whether or not that cuteness will be your cup of tea I can't say. The special effects are dated now, sure, but they're not bad for their time. Besides, the datedness actually adds to the charm I think.
Sometimes we like movies from our youth solely because of nostalgia or because they are tied to a special memory. While that is no doubt the case for many of us with Escape to Witch Mountain, I really do think it holds up well today on its own merits. If you grew up with this, you don't need me to tell you how much fun it is. To everyone else, particularly the younger viewers weaned on CGI, Ritalin pacing, and music video cinematography, open yourself up to this movie and I'm sure you'll like it. It's a magical adventure with heart, humor, and an emphasis more on story and characters than glitz and hollow special effects.
This is one of Disney's best films from the '70s and a personal favorite from my childhood. The cast is excellent. Kim Richards is best known today for being a reality TV "personality," but before all that embarrassing nonsense she actually had a fairly successful career as a child actor. Eisenmann also had a lot of work as a kid before moving on to other things. Both hold their own well with solid veteran actors Ray Milland, Eddie Albert, Donald Pleasence, and Denver Pyle. The vets are all terrific. It's a sci-fi family film with healthy doses of Disney cuteness. Whether or not that cuteness will be your cup of tea I can't say. The special effects are dated now, sure, but they're not bad for their time. Besides, the datedness actually adds to the charm I think.
Sometimes we like movies from our youth solely because of nostalgia or because they are tied to a special memory. While that is no doubt the case for many of us with Escape to Witch Mountain, I really do think it holds up well today on its own merits. If you grew up with this, you don't need me to tell you how much fun it is. To everyone else, particularly the younger viewers weaned on CGI, Ritalin pacing, and music video cinematography, open yourself up to this movie and I'm sure you'll like it. It's a magical adventure with heart, humor, and an emphasis more on story and characters than glitz and hollow special effects.
Incredibly stupid movie, but loved it when I was a kid.
tallguy624 September 2007
Warning: Spoilers
The fairly newly released DVD is cool because it has audio commentary by the director, Ike Eisenmann and Kim Richards. After all these years, Kim Richards' voice sounds exactly the same. Kim and Ike comment how wonderful Eddie Albert and some of the other actors were to work with -- very professional and treated them with respect. It is quite a fun audio commentary. Kim and Ike explain how some of the special effects worked.
Movie itself has very COOL special effects -- the best part being when the coat and hat "came alive" to terrorize the sheriff of that redneck town. Nobody felt bad for the sheriff because he was so creepy.
Any movie that has interaction with kids and animals will be enjoyable for kids and this one features horses, dogs, a cat and a bear. What kid cannot relate to this? That aspect does make it appealing to kids.
Unfortunately, a really bad script makes this movie plodding and not as interesting as it could be. I almost like the sequel better because Bette Davis is so over the top and Christopher Lee is such a fun guest star.
Movie itself has very COOL special effects -- the best part being when the coat and hat "came alive" to terrorize the sheriff of that redneck town. Nobody felt bad for the sheriff because he was so creepy.
Any movie that has interaction with kids and animals will be enjoyable for kids and this one features horses, dogs, a cat and a bear. What kid cannot relate to this? That aspect does make it appealing to kids.
Unfortunately, a really bad script makes this movie plodding and not as interesting as it could be. I almost like the sequel better because Bette Davis is so over the top and Christopher Lee is such a fun guest star.
Another great memory of childhood
ramsfan22 December 2008
It always puzzles me how adults can review movies that were meant for a young audience and review it negatively (through adult eyes), completely forgetting about a child's unique and innocent perspective on the film. Shame on them all!!
As a young kid in the 70's, Disney, cartoons and sports were all weekly staples- so many good memories!! Escape to Witch Mountain was one of the first movies I saw in the theater, and was both entertaining and fun. A good adult cast; Donald Pleasence, Ray Milland and the underrated Eddie Albert, all provide good support for our two hero kids who use their powers to not only try to find home again but thwart the evil intentions of those trying to use their powers for their own benefit. The movie is well paced and has the usual hi jinks one expects in a "chase" film. I enjoyed it then and liked it just as much after a recent viewing on cable.
This movie also illustrates how one doesn't need bad language or crude behavior/jokes to appeal to kids. What some people regard as "corny" others find a refreshing change from today's standards of "acceptable" programming.
As a young kid in the 70's, Disney, cartoons and sports were all weekly staples- so many good memories!! Escape to Witch Mountain was one of the first movies I saw in the theater, and was both entertaining and fun. A good adult cast; Donald Pleasence, Ray Milland and the underrated Eddie Albert, all provide good support for our two hero kids who use their powers to not only try to find home again but thwart the evil intentions of those trying to use their powers for their own benefit. The movie is well paced and has the usual hi jinks one expects in a "chase" film. I enjoyed it then and liked it just as much after a recent viewing on cable.
This movie also illustrates how one doesn't need bad language or crude behavior/jokes to appeal to kids. What some people regard as "corny" others find a refreshing change from today's standards of "acceptable" programming.
A reminder that Disney used to be good
cosmic_quest19 October 2007
In a film that will no doubt engender feelings of nostalgia in those who saw it as children, 'Escape to Witch Mountain' is a reminder that Disney used to be good for fairly decent live-action films instead of churning out cheap teeny-booper soaps and 'comedies' (I use this term in the loosest sense of the word) brimming with brats who have the acting prowess of a plank of wood.
Based on the 1968 novel by Alexander Key, the film centres around orphaned brother and sister, Tony and Tia Malone, who possess paranormal abilities. They have scant memories from early childhood of being ship-wrecked and protected by a mysterious uncle, and discover a strange map to Witch Mountain in the 'star case' Tia carries. When a rich and ruthless businessmen Aristotle Bolt plans to harness the twins' powers for his own selfish purposes, Tony and Tia flee to find out what is hidden in Witch Mountain. On their way, they are aided by a prickly but good-hearted old man Jason O'Day and his cat Winkie.
This is an enjoyable, easy-going family film where Ike Eisenmann (who seems to have an affinity with sci-fi roles) and Kim Richards, as the guileless Tony and Tia, give good performances and are able to depict the strong sibling bond between their characters well. While some scenes, in typical Disney fashion, are a tad cheesy and the special effects don't stand up to films made in the Nineties and Noughties, it is still as enjoyable now as it was when I saw it as a child and I imagine it can still thrill today's young children (especially those weary of the tat that passes for children's TV and films these days). 'Escape to Witch Mountain' is an endearing family film, which might not have the best special-effects, but which has a story which will stand the test of time.
This film is nicely complimented by the sequel 'Beyond Witch Mountain', where Eisenmann and Richards reprise their roles as the now adolescent twins who return for holiday only to find themselves pursued by cruel people wanting to use their abilities. What viewers should avoid like the plague is the atrocious 1995 re-make of 'Escape to Witch Mountain' that has an odd and messy plot.
Based on the 1968 novel by Alexander Key, the film centres around orphaned brother and sister, Tony and Tia Malone, who possess paranormal abilities. They have scant memories from early childhood of being ship-wrecked and protected by a mysterious uncle, and discover a strange map to Witch Mountain in the 'star case' Tia carries. When a rich and ruthless businessmen Aristotle Bolt plans to harness the twins' powers for his own selfish purposes, Tony and Tia flee to find out what is hidden in Witch Mountain. On their way, they are aided by a prickly but good-hearted old man Jason O'Day and his cat Winkie.
This is an enjoyable, easy-going family film where Ike Eisenmann (who seems to have an affinity with sci-fi roles) and Kim Richards, as the guileless Tony and Tia, give good performances and are able to depict the strong sibling bond between their characters well. While some scenes, in typical Disney fashion, are a tad cheesy and the special effects don't stand up to films made in the Nineties and Noughties, it is still as enjoyable now as it was when I saw it as a child and I imagine it can still thrill today's young children (especially those weary of the tat that passes for children's TV and films these days). 'Escape to Witch Mountain' is an endearing family film, which might not have the best special-effects, but which has a story which will stand the test of time.
This film is nicely complimented by the sequel 'Beyond Witch Mountain', where Eisenmann and Richards reprise their roles as the now adolescent twins who return for holiday only to find themselves pursued by cruel people wanting to use their abilities. What viewers should avoid like the plague is the atrocious 1995 re-make of 'Escape to Witch Mountain' that has an odd and messy plot.
A decent Disney fantasy
vampire_hounddog25 August 2020
A pair of orphan children (Ike Eisenmann and Kim Richards) with telekinetic powers draw the attention of a millionaire (Ray Milland) who wishes to exploit them. They have a map that holds a clue as to who they are, where they are from and try to escape the millionaire's clutches.
A live feature Disney fantasy adventure that is in part spoilt by some not so great scripting and some pretty poor spfx. A decent cast provides support in otherwise fairly standard Disney fare. Followed by RETURN FROM WITCH MOUNTAIN (1978) and RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN (2009).
A live feature Disney fantasy adventure that is in part spoilt by some not so great scripting and some pretty poor spfx. A decent cast provides support in otherwise fairly standard Disney fare. Followed by RETURN FROM WITCH MOUNTAIN (1978) and RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN (2009).
Pretty good then, and still good now
gypsycaine13 June 2003
A long time ago, I was into books. This isn't a light phrase, I took out multitudes of them from the library. Alexander Key wrote a neat novel called "Escape to Witch Mountain" about a priest named Father O'Day who helps two siblings return to their people. It was a very good book, and I knew when I bought the book from the Book Fair that it was a reprint to endorse the movie. However, at that time, my movie-experiences were minimal. It took several years for me to actually be able to see the movie (when Disney first brought out the Disney Channel, iirc) and I was a bit surprised at the liberties that were taken with Key's book. The priest became the widower, and the beat up car became the RV. Bolt was not in the book, but he was an interesting main-villian, and I enjoyed the movie. My son, who is now 6 (Tues this week) enjoys watching it on VHS as much as I do!
Return was not as good--it was a "let's make money by doing a sequel" but it was cool too. As that 5th grader, I knew what it was to be outside the norm, and I wanted to have the same powers that Tia did, so I guess that's saying something!
I too place this movie with Parent Trap, Candleshoe, and Freaky Friday. Good movies that I don't have to worry about my child "catching" wrong words from! **** out of 5.
Return was not as good--it was a "let's make money by doing a sequel" but it was cool too. As that 5th grader, I knew what it was to be outside the norm, and I wanted to have the same powers that Tia did, so I guess that's saying something!
I too place this movie with Parent Trap, Candleshoe, and Freaky Friday. Good movies that I don't have to worry about my child "catching" wrong words from! **** out of 5.
Locations?
banjoboy16 September 2006
I've just watched this movie for the first time, and enjoyed it. Sure, a bit wooden and pared down, but the story is basically sound and the feel of the film is both inviting and mysterious. Good grown-up actors - the great Donald Pleasance in particular, of course - and the two kids in the leading parts are likable and convincing. A short question, though: Could any Californian help me with some specifics regarding the film's locations? Especially the rocky coastal landscape seen in the middle part of the film. Exactly where were those scenes shot? Is that area all uninhabited? National/State park? Any small towns overlooking the ocean? Just curious :-)
A great movie from my childhood
BandSAboutMovies12 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Based on the science fiction novel by Alexander H. Key, Disney has had great success with Witch Mountain, making two movies in the seventies, a Disney Channel sequel in the 80s, a 1995 remake and a 2009 cannon sequel that was marketed as a remake, despite the fact that Tia and Tony kind of cameo and are played by Kim Richards and Ike Eisenmann*. Now, there are plans to make a new series for the Disney+ channel.
Back to the past and the original film and we find our heroes in an orphanage. They're not like the other kids - Tony controls inanimate objects with the aid of his harmonica - yes, really - and Tia can communicate telepathically with Tony, feel the emotions of animals and see the future. They have a star map that they can't figure out as well as memories of an uncle who saved their lives, but otherwise, they are both a blank slate.
One day, one of Tia's premonitions saves the life of attorney Lucas Deranian (Donald Pleasence!), which he reports to his millionaire boss, Aristotle Bolt (Ray Milland), a man obsessed with the paranormal. While acting as their uncle, Lucas adopts the children, but it is only so that Bolt can study them. They run away, meet RV-driving widower Jason O'Day (Eddie Albert) and convince him to take them to their destiny at Witch Mountain, all while being pursued by Deranian, Bolt and their henchman Ubermann (Lawrence Montaigne, The Great Escape sure, but also the chauffeur in Young Lady Chatterley).
The Witch Mountain films were the result of Disney looking to reinvent itself after the death of founder Walt. They wanted movies that were a little edgy and when they saw director John Hough's The Legend of Hell House, they knew they had the right person. Hough also made The Incubus, Twins of Evil, American Gothic and Dirty Mary Crazy Larry. The end result was a big success and they'd bring the characters back three years later for Return from Witch Mountain.
*They were so good at playing siblings that they do it again in Devil Dog: Hound of Hell.
Back to the past and the original film and we find our heroes in an orphanage. They're not like the other kids - Tony controls inanimate objects with the aid of his harmonica - yes, really - and Tia can communicate telepathically with Tony, feel the emotions of animals and see the future. They have a star map that they can't figure out as well as memories of an uncle who saved their lives, but otherwise, they are both a blank slate.
One day, one of Tia's premonitions saves the life of attorney Lucas Deranian (Donald Pleasence!), which he reports to his millionaire boss, Aristotle Bolt (Ray Milland), a man obsessed with the paranormal. While acting as their uncle, Lucas adopts the children, but it is only so that Bolt can study them. They run away, meet RV-driving widower Jason O'Day (Eddie Albert) and convince him to take them to their destiny at Witch Mountain, all while being pursued by Deranian, Bolt and their henchman Ubermann (Lawrence Montaigne, The Great Escape sure, but also the chauffeur in Young Lady Chatterley).
The Witch Mountain films were the result of Disney looking to reinvent itself after the death of founder Walt. They wanted movies that were a little edgy and when they saw director John Hough's The Legend of Hell House, they knew they had the right person. Hough also made The Incubus, Twins of Evil, American Gothic and Dirty Mary Crazy Larry. The end result was a big success and they'd bring the characters back three years later for Return from Witch Mountain.
*They were so good at playing siblings that they do it again in Devil Dog: Hound of Hell.
One of the funniest Disney movies from the 1970s
bellino-angelo201424 December 2017
This was one of my favourite not-animated Disney movies that I saw on Sunday afternoons back in the 2000s, and last Friday I saw it again, inevitably bringing back so many memories.
First I must talk about the plot: two children (named Tony and Tia) with special mind powers are lured by a mega-maniacal millionaire that traps them in his mansion and wants to use them for money, but after Tony discovers the evil plan, he and Tia escape, but not until they end in a police station and with their mind powers distract the police guardian and find the company of a crusty old man that helps them return where this children call ''home''.
The two children are played by Ike Eisenmann and Kim Richards, that would co-star in the sequel ''Return From Witch Mountain'', along with Denver Pyle as their uncle. Ray Milland and Donald Pleasence are magnificent as the two villains, and the always good Eddie Albert as Jason O'Day, the old man that helps the two boys returning home.
This movie had one sequel, ''Return from Witch Mountain'' (1978), with Bette Davis and Christopher Lee as the villains, and it's pretty much similar to this one. I recommend both this and the sequel because they are both funny and enjoyable for everyone!
First I must talk about the plot: two children (named Tony and Tia) with special mind powers are lured by a mega-maniacal millionaire that traps them in his mansion and wants to use them for money, but after Tony discovers the evil plan, he and Tia escape, but not until they end in a police station and with their mind powers distract the police guardian and find the company of a crusty old man that helps them return where this children call ''home''.
The two children are played by Ike Eisenmann and Kim Richards, that would co-star in the sequel ''Return From Witch Mountain'', along with Denver Pyle as their uncle. Ray Milland and Donald Pleasence are magnificent as the two villains, and the always good Eddie Albert as Jason O'Day, the old man that helps the two boys returning home.
This movie had one sequel, ''Return from Witch Mountain'' (1978), with Bette Davis and Christopher Lee as the villains, and it's pretty much similar to this one. I recommend both this and the sequel because they are both funny and enjoyable for everyone!
I only watched it to see Bette Davis....which is a shame, as it turns out she's only in the sequel!!
planktonrules5 December 2016
Ike Eisenmann and Kim Richards played brother and sister in three films--both this film, its sequel and a completely wacko made for TV movie, "Devil Dog: The Hound From Hell", in which they played Satan worshipers!! Surely this third film is nothing like their previous two films!!
This film finds Tia and Tony (Richards and Eisenmann) as sibs who are living in an orphan home. However, they are not ordinary kids and they've been hiding a secret--they have realized they have amazing psychic powers. But they try to keep them hidden as they are worried what would happen if others discovered this. Unfortunately, a baddie and his toady (Ray Milland and Donald Pleasence) discover this and spend most of the film chasing the two. Fortunately, the pair discover a nice old man to help them (Eddie Albert) and ultimately they learn who they and their parents really are when they arrive at Witch Mountain.
If you've seen the sequel, you've pretty much seen this film. The plots are pretty much identical except for who plays the baddies. Now this is a problem, as the ending of "Escape To Witch Mountain" does end with the children leaving planet Earth...making the sequel unnecessary and nonsensical. So, if you have to see one of these family films, try to watch this one.
This film finds Tia and Tony (Richards and Eisenmann) as sibs who are living in an orphan home. However, they are not ordinary kids and they've been hiding a secret--they have realized they have amazing psychic powers. But they try to keep them hidden as they are worried what would happen if others discovered this. Unfortunately, a baddie and his toady (Ray Milland and Donald Pleasence) discover this and spend most of the film chasing the two. Fortunately, the pair discover a nice old man to help them (Eddie Albert) and ultimately they learn who they and their parents really are when they arrive at Witch Mountain.
If you've seen the sequel, you've pretty much seen this film. The plots are pretty much identical except for who plays the baddies. Now this is a problem, as the ending of "Escape To Witch Mountain" does end with the children leaving planet Earth...making the sequel unnecessary and nonsensical. So, if you have to see one of these family films, try to watch this one.
A Close Encounter For Eddie Albert
bkoganbing21 December 2008
Warning: Spoilers
One of the Magic Kingdom's most charming fantasies occurs as a two children from outer space try to return home in Escape To Witch Mountain. The place mentioned in the title is a rendezvous point where they have to reach.
Ike Eisenman and Kim Richards are two lower grade school kids who've been placed in an orphanage because their foster parents have died. Those parents are the only ones they've ever known. Richards has memories of being rescued from a body of water though.
These two have remarkable powers that they have to be careful about showing off. But some precognition has them warning Donald Pleasance about not getting in a car that shortly has an accident. Pleasance works for tycoon Ray Milland who wants those children and will stop at nothing to see he gets possession of them.
The kids get wise to Milland and Pleasance and run off, but Milland gets the law on his side and in pursuit of them. Their biggest stroke of luck is gaining the trust and confidence of Eddie Albert. He's a lonely and crusty old man, but those kids are charming and weave some magic that has nothing to do with their being aliens.
Escape To Witch Mountain provides Eddie Albert with one of his best later career roles. Albert works well with Eisenman and Richards and doesn't let the kids steal any scenes from him.
Some plot elements that would find themselves in the later and more acclaimed Cocoon are found in Escape To Witch Mountain. The special effects are before computer graphics took over, yet they are quite good. Two other performances to look out for are Walter Barnes as a greedy sheriff and Reta Shaw who runs the orphanage where the kids are first taken.
Escape To Witch Mountain is one of Disney Studios best products post the death of the founder Walt Disney. It should be seen in conjunction with the sequel Return From Witch Mountain.
Ike Eisenman and Kim Richards are two lower grade school kids who've been placed in an orphanage because their foster parents have died. Those parents are the only ones they've ever known. Richards has memories of being rescued from a body of water though.
These two have remarkable powers that they have to be careful about showing off. But some precognition has them warning Donald Pleasance about not getting in a car that shortly has an accident. Pleasance works for tycoon Ray Milland who wants those children and will stop at nothing to see he gets possession of them.
The kids get wise to Milland and Pleasance and run off, but Milland gets the law on his side and in pursuit of them. Their biggest stroke of luck is gaining the trust and confidence of Eddie Albert. He's a lonely and crusty old man, but those kids are charming and weave some magic that has nothing to do with their being aliens.
Escape To Witch Mountain provides Eddie Albert with one of his best later career roles. Albert works well with Eisenman and Richards and doesn't let the kids steal any scenes from him.
Some plot elements that would find themselves in the later and more acclaimed Cocoon are found in Escape To Witch Mountain. The special effects are before computer graphics took over, yet they are quite good. Two other performances to look out for are Walter Barnes as a greedy sheriff and Reta Shaw who runs the orphanage where the kids are first taken.
Escape To Witch Mountain is one of Disney Studios best products post the death of the founder Walt Disney. It should be seen in conjunction with the sequel Return From Witch Mountain.
Good Disney Film
whpratt14 June 2006
Decided to watch this vintage 1975 Disney film starring some veteran actors like: Eddie Albert,(Jason O'Day),"Green Acres TV Series", Ray Milland, (Aristotle Bolt)"The Lost Weekend",'45 and Donald Pleasence,(Lucas Deranean),"Halloween4". The story involves a boy named Tony Malone,(Ike Isenmann), "Cross Creek",'83 and his sister Tia Malone,"Escape",'90, who are orphans and are looking for their real parents. Tia & Tony have some very powerful abilities that a normal person would not be able to perform; because of these talents, Aristotle Bolt decides he wants to find these children and Lucas Deranean assists him in trying to capture and get them under his control. Jason O'Day comes to Tia & Tony aid, but many things happen and the story just does not end quite so easy. The picture has a very unusual ending and could very well be quite true if you believe in such THINGS!
Starts Quite Seriously, Gets Silly
richardchatten5 September 2017
Based on a 1968 novel by Alexander Key, the film starts well with a predictably stylish and atmospheric animated title sequence (which depicts a scene that is actually over pretty quickly in the film itself), followed by a rather sombre introduction to the arrival at an orphanage of two cute but troubled youngsters (attractively embodied by Ike Eisenmann and Kim Richards) who both possess strange powers that soon draw them to the attention of rich and powerful but nasty Aristotle Bolt (who presumably intends to exploit them to make himself richer, more powerful and nastier still).
There are a couple of neat special effects sequences involving dolls and later a hatstand coming to life, but for me the film degenerated into a sort of supernatural 'Dukes of Hazzard' with an assortment of goons in suits, cops, rednecks and a gormless sheriff in hot pursuit of the kids; who along the way befriend a bear and enlist the shelter of crusty old widower Jason O'Day (Eddie Albert) and his Winebago. The kids' Uncle Bené appropriately turns out to be old man Jesse Duke himself, Denver Pyle, but I thought the special effects at the finale were a real let down when the cast eventually converge upon Witch Mountain itself.
Apart from the fact that he strongly recalls Disney's perennial zillionire meanie Alonzo Hawk it's also never made clear exactly why Bolt is the bad guy, other than the fact that he always wears a black suit and that Donald Pleasence works for him (never a good sign) and that the plot requires one; he is thus duly played with a sneer by Ray Milland.
But this film obviously wasn't meant for me, and it was popular enough to spawn four sequels. So it plainly hit the spot it was aimed at.
There are a couple of neat special effects sequences involving dolls and later a hatstand coming to life, but for me the film degenerated into a sort of supernatural 'Dukes of Hazzard' with an assortment of goons in suits, cops, rednecks and a gormless sheriff in hot pursuit of the kids; who along the way befriend a bear and enlist the shelter of crusty old widower Jason O'Day (Eddie Albert) and his Winebago. The kids' Uncle Bené appropriately turns out to be old man Jesse Duke himself, Denver Pyle, but I thought the special effects at the finale were a real let down when the cast eventually converge upon Witch Mountain itself.
Apart from the fact that he strongly recalls Disney's perennial zillionire meanie Alonzo Hawk it's also never made clear exactly why Bolt is the bad guy, other than the fact that he always wears a black suit and that Donald Pleasence works for him (never a good sign) and that the plot requires one; he is thus duly played with a sneer by Ray Milland.
But this film obviously wasn't meant for me, and it was popular enough to spawn four sequels. So it plainly hit the spot it was aimed at.
Timeless classic
NateWatchesCoolMovies7 October 2015
Disney's Escape To Witch Mountain is in my opinion one of the finest of their live action outings. I grew up with it, it was one of the first films I ever saw, and will always hold a special place in my heart. It has such a buoyant sense of light hearted adventure and well staged scenes of intrigue, you can't not be transported to its world. I find myself hazily recalling it all the time, similar to the way the two intrepid young protagonists dreamily experience flashbacks to their mysterious past. Tony (Ike Eisenmann) and Tia (Kim Richards) Malone are two very different kids. Left in an orphanage with no past or parents, they don't fit in with the others. They have certain abilities: premonition, foresight, levitation, clairvoyance and more. Pretty soon greedy, selfish billionaire Aristotle Bolt (a hammy, terrifying Ray Milland) hears rumors about the two, and dispatches his main operative Mr. Deranian (Donald Pleasence) to forge adoption papers and obtain them, as well as their powers. Pleasence, an old pro, slyly plays the role to slick perfection. Tony and Tia escape from Bolt's clutches and go on the run, aided by a cranky, motor home driving old timer, played excellently by Eddie Albert. The three attempt to elude Bolt's extensive reach and find out where Tony and Tia come from (Stony Creek, Misty Valley POWER) and unlock the secret of their extraordinary powers. The heart of the movie rests with the two youngsters, giving genuine performances beyond their years, and using their active imagination to make us feel the reality of both their powers, and their plight. The special effects, although dated by today's standards, are still delightful to watch. Just do yourself a favour and steer well clear of the sequel, and the remake with Dwayne the cock Johnson, they're both just awful. The vibe of the film is pure fun, and at times gets a bit mysterious and moody, never loses that rollicking adventurous tone that trademarks Disney efforts. A gem.
Powerful Kids Escaping Adults
view_and_review11 November 2019
Tony and Tia Malone (Ike Eisenmann and Kim Richards) are two orphans with strange abilities. When Tia uses her prescient ability to warn a man of impending harm he sees the two children as an asset to him and his employer. Through some sleight of hand and paperwork tricks he pretends to be their uncle and takes to two of them to an illustrious oceanside compound. Tony and Tia know that they are in danger there and affect their escape to Witch Mountain.
This is a decent Disney movie involving kids, powers, and the adults that want to do them harm.
This is a decent Disney movie involving kids, powers, and the adults that want to do them harm.
Escape to Witch Mountain-*1/2 Poor Disney Fanfare
edwagreen5 November 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Disappointing Disney film where 2 children search aimlessly for their family. They had mystical powers and girl keeps seeing images of a disaster. The images she sees appear to be a boat capsizing. By the end of this film, this is not the case. The children turn out to be from outer space, just like this film.
After a distinguished career, Ray Milland must have been pretty hard up to do this junk. At least, his character should have been made to be meaner. Donald Pleasence plays his lackey, and while he usually embodies evil, there is very little shown here.
The always hilarious Reta Shaw, who could be as nasty as can be, is relegated to the head of the orphanage. At least, if she had terrorized the children! In other words, the evil characters here are rather benign. The children are enjoyable in their roles, but they're still not Mary Poppins, as they float around.
Eddie Albert, who the children meet looks like he is ready to go back to Green Acres again. He is lovable.
The ending is almost a concoction of "The Wizard of Oz," and "E.T." Guess who was totally unimpressed with this one?
After a distinguished career, Ray Milland must have been pretty hard up to do this junk. At least, his character should have been made to be meaner. Donald Pleasence plays his lackey, and while he usually embodies evil, there is very little shown here.
The always hilarious Reta Shaw, who could be as nasty as can be, is relegated to the head of the orphanage. At least, if she had terrorized the children! In other words, the evil characters here are rather benign. The children are enjoyable in their roles, but they're still not Mary Poppins, as they float around.
Eddie Albert, who the children meet looks like he is ready to go back to Green Acres again. He is lovable.
The ending is almost a concoction of "The Wizard of Oz," and "E.T." Guess who was totally unimpressed with this one?
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
