An Acceptable DVD of 'The Witches'

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On August 24th, 1999, Warner Brothers Home Video released their DVD edition of the 'The Witches'. This film, which stars Anjelica Huston and Mai Zetterling, was released by Warner Brothers Studios in 1990. It is based upon the book by British children's author Roald Dahl. Over the years, fans of this wonderfully magical and enchanting film have pointed out on numerous occasions that the DVD is in a full screen pan-and-scan format. This means that the movie was modified from its original widescreen version and formatted to fit television screens. The picture quality of this film isn't much different then a standard VHS tape. Sound and audio also seems done in a rather slipshod way as sound seems to jump from low to high, and vice versa. The most troubling aspect of this DVD seems to be the complete absence of special features. The DVD offers only a very basic menu and a French-dubbed version. Recently, a "new" 'The Witches' DVD was released, only to be virtually the same as the one released in 1999.

Fans of Roald Dahl and 'The Witches' would like to see:

1. The film in its true widescreen format.
2. A remastered and enhanced edition, with better quality picture and sound.
3. A selection of various special features (e.g. commentaries, trailers, TV spots, interviews, making-of featurettes, etc.)

Other popular films based on Roald Dahl books, such as 'James and the Giant Peach', 'Willy Wonka/Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' and 'Matilda', have gotten acceptable DVD, and in some cases, HD/Blu-Ray releases, so why hasn't 'The Witches' gotten the treatment it deserves? Many, many people would like to see this beloved film done justice on DVD.

37 Signatures

Janice McIlroy
- Comments
- Wonderful petition, I agree wholeheartedly. Even Anjelica Huston speaks of the film very fondly, and from what I can tell wouldn't mind at all to appear in feature commentaries, interviews, and the like.
Eric Blyton
- Comments
- YES!
David
- Comments
- absolutely
Steven James
Glenn Hall
- Comments
- Please issue film in OAR of 1.85:1
Maria
- Comments
- :)
Stephanie Krontz
- Comments
- The Witches was an excellant movie, and I would buy it if their was a good quality dvd available.
Avrohom Handler
Philippe Bernard
maibelle
- Comments
- Special features (making of)
Michelle Wild
- Comments
- I love this film, have it on DVD but would love another one with special features etc. Please bring one out!
Brent Parks
Rory A Palmieri
- Comments
- Love Roeg, love the film: both deserve the very best!
Omar Magana
- Comments
- The old DVD is unacceptalble.
Ashley Fields
- Comments
- Please get a dvd for this movie. My VHS tape broke! it's my favorits movie!
Christopher Barton
- Comments
- Please! This movie, its directors and actors deserve the respect of a true version of their work.
Chad O'Connell
- Comments
- My Favorite Movie.... We Need A Re-Release!
George
- Comments
- This is a timeless classic then and still is now. Warner Brothers do Jim Henson the favor and release this the way it was mean't to be seen.
Jeb Bond
Jean Lusky
- Comments
- I refuse to buy The Witches as gifts for all my youger relations and friends until it comes out in its original widescreen format.
Alexandra Rando
- Comments
- please this movie is the best :)
Taylor
Ben MacDonald
Quinn
JW
James Jenkins
- Comments
- The Witches is an amazing movie starring the brilliant Anjelica Huston in one of her best known roles, a proper DVD is what this film needs!
Jeremiah Hodgson
Terrance Tucker
- Comments
- Seeing "The Witches" on DVD restored to brilliance and widescreen would be wonderful!
Lucy Twedt
April Richerson
Susan O'Connell
alice Bragg
- Comments
- pleaseee!!!!!!
Jacob
- Comments
- I totally Agree with this Petition and I would love it for it to have a new and awsome dvd of the witches!!!
Jake Cleghorn
- Comments
- pleaseplease
Erica Stone
Keren Mackay
- Comments
- I agree - we want to see good quality dvd please
William Helzer
Robert Dahl
- Comments
- Please do this. I'll buy it right away. What a terrific film and what a shame.