Am I the only one who misses the classic Disney mind-fucks of the early 80's? Not sure what I'm talking about? Please, allow me to explain. Before Disney had the Touchstone, Mirimax or Dimension moniker's to hide behind, all of their films went under one name, Disney. At that time, the Disney catalog consisted of mostly animated features and delightful live action family romps (Parent Trap, Pete's Dragon et al). This isn't to say that Disney films up until this point hadn't had any scary elements, cause they had. However, films like Something Wicked this Way Comes, Black Hole, Return to Oz, and Watcher in the Woods took the Disney children's film to a whole new (and frightening) level. Each of these films, in their own right was essentially PG rated horror/sci-fi (and each was obviously designed to frighten and disturb children, well maybe not, but it certainly seems that way in retrospect). As a child of the 80's (and experiencing the birth of VHS) I had many a sleepless night because of Disney, and one film in particular that scared the living shit out of me as a child was without a doubt The Watcher in the Woods.

Mr. and Mrs. Curtis (Carroll Baker and David McCullum) and their two daughters Ellie and Jan take up residence in a huge mansion in England. They rent from the mysterious Mrs. Aylwood (Bette Davis) whose daughter Karen had disappeared years prior in a bizarre childhood initiation of sorts. Both Ellie (Kyle Richards) and Jan (Lynn Holly Johnson whom I had a huge crush on at the age of 7, can you guess why? I'll give you a hint. Got it? Good.) are experiencing weird episodes of déjà vu and Ellie takes to scrawling backwards messages while Jan is haunted by a ghostly image of Karen that appears in mirrors from time to time. There's your standard mysterious breeze that let's us know that SOMETHING is in the woods, and yup, you guessed it, it's WATCHING. There is plenty of weirdness (underwater peril and some bizarre unexplained car crashes) and believe me when I say it's plenty creepy and scary. Well, by today's standards it may not be too scary, but it certainly scared the shit out of me when I was 7, that's for sure. Everything comes together in what is essentially a well made PG-Rated fright fest. Disney was king at presenting an "adult" film under the guise of kids' fare with essentially no language, violence or nuidty. Despite the lack of these R-Rated elements, films like Watcher in the Woods can still hold their own as true scare-fests.

Now, to talk about the ending without really talking about the ending. I never really thought much of the ending to Watcher, as a matter of fact, before I revisited the film with this DVD, I could remember just about everything from the film EXCEPT for the ending (keeping in mind it had probably been at least 10 years since I had seen the film). The ending is definitely the weakest part of the movie, and the two alternate endings are not much better (they feature some of the WORST special effects you have ever seen). The film is strong, ending or no ending, and as disappointing as it may be, it does not affect one's enjoyment of the rest of the film. There is much talk about the production of the film in this special edition, and it's a fascinating trip.

Anchor Bay has done this lost Disney "classic" good with this outstanding DVD presentation. The picture looks incredible with barely a hint of print damage (the occasional spec here and there) and nice solid bright colors. The only thing in this presentation that looks dated are the clothes and hairstyles. Sound is presented in 5.1 or DTS and both offer a powerful punch. For most of the film the surrounds are subtle and subdued. It isn't until they creep in during selected scenes that your system is really given a workout. Dialogue is crisp and clear. The only complaint I have is that the directional effects are sometimes too overpowering (check out the dirt bike race, yowza).

Extras are most impressive. This presentation is truly for fans of the film indeed. For starters we're given a feature length commentary with veteran horror Director John Hough, very nice. There are 3 theatrical trailers and a TV spot. A John Hough Bio, and a 20 page booklet with pics, interviews with the cast, etc. Lastly, there are 2 alternate endings (one runs about 6 minutes the other about 14 minutes), a true fans wet dream indeed.

Well, what do we have here, but a special edition DVD that is well worth its $20 price tag. The feature itself has never looked better; the sound is an incredible remix. The extras are all enjoyable and unexpected. Fans of Watcher in the Woods would be wise to pick up this DVD ASAP. If you're checkin' out the flick for the first time, be sure to not read the booklet or watch any of the extras as they contain spoilers... best to go in fresh. This DVD made me feel like I was 7 years old again. It's a good feeling.