December 17, 2023

One of Disney’s more troubled productions, The Watcher in the Woods hit theaters, was pulled from theaters, was re-edited, reshot, and re-written, and has multiple endings galore; although the 1981 version of the film’s re-release is the official ending. Yet, with Bette Davis, David McCallum, a creepy suspense permeated with a supernatural mood that gives way to science fantasy, it is one of Disney’s more compelling entries and ranks as a good horror movie (at least by this critic). One funny note: Bette Davis, who was pushing past 70 at the time, insisted on playing her younger self instead of another actor. After a lot of makeup and work to make her look younger, the director and Davis watched some test footage. The director told her it wasn’t working. Davis’s response: “You’re goddamn right.” For more Bette Davis-ness, see Dick Cavet’s interviews with her.

Download pressbook images: The Watcher in the Woods Pressbook or click the images to enlarge (but use a BIG screen).

…

The Watcher in the Woods (1980) PressbookRead More »

The most expensive animated film at the time, The Black Cauldron falls into Disney’s darker storytelling side for children and adults. After some scenes proved too intense for kids  during a test screening, some removals and additions to soften the animated terrors were made, pushing the film to release a year later than scheduled. The Black Cauldron was the first Disney film to use computer-based animation. The Watcher in the Woods (1980) and Dragonslayer (1981), two live-action Disney films,  also pushed toward the darker sides of fantasy, with both achieving cult status.

Download pressbook images: The Black Cauldron Pressbook

…

The Black Cauldron (1985) PressbookRead More »