Tony (Ike Eisenmann) and Tia Malone (Kim Richards) are two orphans who just don't fit in. To those around them, they just seem a little off. The truth is, they are really aliens from another world, only they just don't remember where they came from. Living in the Pine Woods orphanage, they manage to stay under the radar, with Tia admonishing Tony telepathically when he starts to use his telekinetic powers to catch an impossible baseball or to beat up the school bully. But one day, Tia sees the future and warns a man about to get into a limo that will soon be demolished in a wreck. This man is Lucas Deranian (Donald Pleasance) and he works for a millionaire named Aristotle Bolt (Ray Milland) who desires nothing more than to increase his wealth... at any cost. When Deranian realizes that the children, or at least Tia, possess the power to tell the future in some fashion, they scheme to take custody of the children under the guise that Deranian is their long-lost uncle. At first, it seems to be a wonderful thing, as the children move into a foreboding but beautiful mansion and have their own suite that even includes an ice cream parlor! But soon, the children realize that they are prisoners and they manage an escape, with Tia using her telepathy on a wild horse named Thunderhead to make their break.
As Deranian, Bolt and their team of men and vicious dogs search for the unusual pair, Tony and Tia happen upon the RV of Jason O'Day (Eddie Albert), a crochety old loner. They hide in the back and O'Day is furious when he discovers the kids, but soon softens to their plight. Along with Winky, the pair's plucky black cat, Tia, Tony and Jason embark on a wild ride in the hopes of finding a location detailed in a secret map etched inside of Tia's star case, something she has had since she was very young. Childhood memories keep coming back to Tia and they may be a clue to their past. While being chased by not only Bolt and his group, but also some locals who come to believe the pair are witches, an extraterrestrial force takes control over Jason's camper. Could it be the relative Tony and Tia barely remember? When they finally get to the mysterious Witch Mountain, Tony and Tia are reunited with Uncle Bene (Denver Pyle) and discover their true heritage and reason for their powers. Both child actors are really impressive and intense in this film. Also, if you look sharp, you might just spot Uncle Jesse from The Dukes of Hazzard as Uncle Bene, just without the beard. Eddie Albert, as always, perfectly plays the gruff but lovable guardian, while Ray Milland and Donald Pleasance are equally menacing yet polite.
Like I said earlier, this movie may not be as engaging for kids of this day, due to the "cheesy" special effects it has. But this was cutting edge stuff back in 1975 and even today, it's neat to see. Watching Tony control a rogue coat rack as it attacks a police officer, seeing a bucking bronco or wild bear putty in Tia's hands, and even watching a helicopter fly upside down are still cool today. I think what I loved the most was the deep making-of featurette which included a good bit of somewhat current footage and interviews with stars Kim Richards and Ike (now spelled Iake) Eisenmann and director John Hough. Having been a young child when I first saw this movie, it was great to see them as they are now and to hear first-hand about their experiences making this iconic film, which was something of a thriller for children of it's time. Any fan of the movie will love this featurette. Also included are featurettes on Disney Sci-Fi (which is more of a montage of clips from Disney's sci-fi movies like Flight of the Navigator), one on Disney's special effects, an audio commentary, pop-up fun facts and one called 1975 Disney Studio Album, which was really cool because it showcased all of Disney's releases and those in production during the year of 1975. While I am not normally really big on audio commentary, this one is really fun because it is Ike Eisenmann, Kim Richards and John Hough and they really have a good time during the commentary. Ike and Kim banter as they reminisce and it's a lot of fun to hear. Also, of special note is the included classic Disney cartoon, "Pluto's Dream House," which borders on offensive as the genie that Pluto and Mickey meet up with has a decidedly "black-face" voice and way about him. Things were just very different back then, but I was sort of surprised it was included, since it has nothing to do with the film or even the topics of the film, namely aliens. But anyway...
Overall, as a package, I really recommend Escape to Witch Mountain, not just for the good, clean, classic Disney fun it brings to home video, but for all the extras. And since the DVD also includes one free ticket to see the upcoming Race to Witch Mountain, that's just icing on the cake!
Clips
Way BackEscape
Flashback
Uncle Lucas
