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18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
A marvellous neglected gem of a movie. Rarely shown on TV and never given a UK DVD release, this is arguably the best, certainly the strangest and by far the scariest film the Disney studio has ever produced. Based on a Ray Bradbury story, and with a sparkling script by Bradbury himself, the action is set in the early 50s American mid-West where, as in David Lynch movies, the glowing surfaces of things hide an insidious darkness. In this case the darkness comes to town in the form of the aptly named Mr. Dark and his travelling carnival (think Tod Browning's 'Freaks' and you won't be far wrong), with Mr. Dark chillingly portrayed by Jonathan Pryce. Two young boys risk becoming caught in his wicked web as, one by one, the townspeople are subverted and transformed.
The film deals with big themes: the nature of childhood, the divide between parents and children, the deceptiveness of recollection, the power of self-image, the traps set for us by our own desires, the redemptive qualities of love, hope and courage ... and all within a tightly told, beautifully photographed, brilliantly acted and truly spooky narrative. And look out for my personal favourite character: the delightfully weird Seller of Lightning Rods. Wow!
It's hard to praise this film highly enough. My kids and I love it and have watched it again and again since they were very young (I was lucky enough to have taped one of its rare outings on TV). They are now well into their teens and still love it. It is genuinely frightening, but also deeply uplifting. So, come on Disney, how about a UK release?
The film deals with big themes: the nature of childhood, the divide between parents and children, the deceptiveness of recollection, the power of self-image, the traps set for us by our own desires, the redemptive qualities of love, hope and courage ... and all within a tightly told, beautifully photographed, brilliantly acted and truly spooky narrative. And look out for my personal favourite character: the delightfully weird Seller of Lightning Rods. Wow!
It's hard to praise this film highly enough. My kids and I love it and have watched it again and again since they were very young (I was lucky enough to have taped one of its rare outings on TV). They are now well into their teens and still love it. It is genuinely frightening, but also deeply uplifting. So, come on Disney, how about a UK release?
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
The ideal Hallowe'en movie! "Something Wicked" is a much better film than many critics gave it credit for, when it was released in 1983. Although visually it is not always as evocative as Bradbury's tale needed it to be, it is still a remarkable achievement. The early shots of fields of golden pumpkins, and the glorious image of Fall foliage, establish perfectly the atmosphere of the magical autumn in which the two lads confront the facts of life in allegorical form. Good performances from all the cast and a great score from James Horner, result in a memorable film which is very unlike any other feature Disney had produced to date. The scene in which the bedroom comes alive with spiders; the naked man surrounded by belly-dancers; the torturing of the lightning rod seller; and the disintegration of the villain at the films conclusion, don't pull any punches - so if you have impressionable youngsters take care.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I can remember seeing this when it was first released and longed for a copy on DVD. Unfortunately Disney only ever released this on Region 1 so I had to wait until I had the means to play it. I have read the book and clearly something had to change to compress a huge story into a standard movie length. Having said that I believe Disney managed to capture the story well and it works so well as a movie. With modern CGI techniques it would be incredible to see a good producer and director re-doing this wonderful story, especially with the availability of Bluray and 3D in the cinema.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Something Wicked
A good fantasy / horror film. Tends to lack something - the novel its based on was much more thrilling. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Gulliver
One of Ray Bradbury's best
It is slightly disappointing that Ray Bradbury fans have to have multi-region DVD players to appreciate films of his work. Read more
Published on 28 Mar 2009 by Scifi Fan
Not one for the little uns
The opening credits to this film are ace and set the tone of the film. For a Disney it's dark a bit like their "Black Cauldren" too scary for little kids but not scary enough for... Read more
Published on 17 Mar 2007 by eviledna
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