An Acceptable DVD of 'The Witches'

To:  Warner Home Video

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.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The An Acceptable DVD of 'The Witches' Petition to Warner Home Video was created by and written by Garrett McIlroy (mcilroga@hotmail.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.