Escape To Witch Mountain (1995 Film)

[Vinnie Frevert]

JohnHough's 1975 fantasy science-fiction film, Escape to Witch Mountain, is a successful adaptation of Alexander H. Key's same-titled 1968 novel and has captivated audiences with its gripping story ever since. Produced by Walt Disney Productions and distributed by the Buena Vista Distribution Company, the film was released on March 21st, 1975.

Escape to Witch Mountain was the starting point of a series of films focused on the adventures of Tia and Tony. The sequel, Return from Witch Mountain, followed in September 1978 and was released in theaters as a double feature with its predecessor. The trilogy concluded with Beyond Witch Mountain, produced for television as a movie for CBS by Walt Disney in 1982.

In 1995, The Wonderful World of Disney released a made-for-TV remake of Escape to Witch Mountain, featuring a different cast and with some changes to the original story. This was followed by Race to Witch Mountain, an all-new feature film directed by Andy Fickman which was released in theaters in March 2009.

Witch Mountain performed decently at the box office, with a Domestic North American Total Lifetime Gross of $20 million. That consequently made it Rank No. 145 on the list of 'Rated G' films in accordance with the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). Furthermore, it accrued a total of $8.5 million in rental income within the region.

Escape to Witch Mountain was a beloved fantasy story filmed in various scenic locations across the United States. From the beaches of California to the rugged Rocky Mountains of Colorado, this adventure film showcased an array of stunning landscapes, establishing a sense of realism and wonder for viewers. Every location chosen by the filmmakers added something special to the story, creating a unique and captivating experience.

Most of the Escape to Witch Mountain scenes were shot at the Walt Disney Studios. In addition, the film crew visited Carmel and Monterey in California, Felton, Santa Cruz County, Menlo Park, Peninsula School (formerly the Coleman Mansion), Pebble Beach in Northern California, and Palo Alto on California Avenue.

A visit to the filming locations of "Escape to Witch Mountain" could be a truly rewarding experience. Not only can travelers take a nostalgic tour of the film sites, but they can also explore some of the most stunning natural sights in the country. From the majestic red rocks of Utah's Monument Valley to the sugary sand beaches of Pebble Beach and Carmel, California, there is something for everyone.

Tia and Tony arrive at the orphanage in a state of deep shock. The car drives up the road through the woods, finally coming to a stop in front of Pine Woods. The pair gets out, taking in the sight of their new home.

It is an old wooden building with a large chimney, surrounded by tall trees and overgrown vegetation. The air is thick with the smell of fresh pine needles. Mrs. Grindley (Reta Shaw) comes out to meet them, greeting them kindly and introducing them to the other children living there.

Although Pine Woods is formally listed as "39 Pine Woods Lane," you'll actually find it at the Peninsula School in Menlo Park, California - 920 Peninsula Way to be exact. Nestled in the heart of Palo Alto, California, Peninsula School is a world-renowned private school with a long-standing track record of providing excellence in education since 1971.

To get to Peninsula School in Menlo Park, head south on US-101 and take the Willow Rd exit. Turn left onto Willow Road and follow it until you reach the intersection of Willow Road and Peninsula Way. Turn right at the intersection, go just over a quarter mile and you'll find yourself at 920 Peninsula Way.

Public transportation is also an option. If you're taking Caltrain, get off at Menlo Park Station and hop on one of the Stanford shuttle buses heading to campus; they will drop you off just outside Peninsula School's main entrance.

Crocker Mansion on Pebble Beach served as an Escape to Witch Mountain film set. Located on the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links in California, Crocker Mansion is a one-of-a-kind architectural marvel. Constructed in 1925 by William Nickerson, Jr., this magnificent estate overlooks the Pacific Ocean and some of the most beautiful coastlines around.

Its grand ballroom and formal dining room feature hand-painted ceilings, massive fireplaces, and luxurious furnishings that bring old-school charm to every inch of the mansion. Outside, expansive gardens and manicured grounds offer a tranquil environment.

Mrs.Grindley decides to bring her children from the orphanage to the cinema. The kids are very excited because they always enjoy visiting the city. They usually pass through town by school bus, where they sing songs, laugh, and talk.

However, on that special occasion, they stop by the cinema and watch Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs. The scene was filmed at the Fine Arts Cinema, which is a 500-seat theater located on California Avenue.

The establishment first opened on August 19, 1926, with Perlmutter & Potash's Partners Again. It had an American Photo-player organ and was later renamed the Mayfield Theatre after a nearby community. In 1951, this classic Spanish Mission-style building was revamped with a sleek Moderne faade and marquee which allowed for its renaming to the Cardinal Theatre.

For example, if you are near San Francisco International Airport, take Highway 101 south toward Palo Alto. Once you reach the Mountain View exit and pass El Camino Real, turn right onto California Avenue. After a few blocks, you will come to 429 California Ave on the left-hand side of the street.

Tim is playing the mouth organ in his room when Tia comes in without knocking. She gives Tim her bag, which was broken during a fight between them and Truck (Dermott Downs), asking him to fix it. Tim takes the bag and accidentally opens a map, where they can see strange country names.

Deranian (Donald Pleasence) stops to talk with the search group about the children. One of the hunters Cort (Eugene Daniels) asks if Deranian is the person who will pay the reward for the children. The attorney confirms it and says the reward is $5,000, but he needs the children alive.

Located on the beautiful California coast, Big Sur is home to the iconic Bixby Creek Arch Bridge. Spanning 800 feet and rising 130 feet, this bridge was constructed in 1932 using a reinforced concrete arch design. From underneath its impressive shadow, visitors can admire the majestic rocky cliffs overlooking lush green hills and scenic valleys.

Getting there involves a drive along the scenic Pacific coast, and the bridge itself is located on state route 1, about 70 miles south of Carmel or 85 miles north of Morro Bay. Once you reach the bridge, you'll find ample parking at Bixby Canyon Ryder Park.

When the children escape with the bear, the sheriff (Walt Barnes) decides to round up the townsfolk to form a search party. He explains that the children are dangerous witchers who need to be caught. The team carries guns with them and starts looking for Tia and Tim.

6191 Highway 9 in Felton, California is a unique piece of property situated between the San Lorenzo River and Santa Cruz Mountains. A courthouse previously stood on the lot that has been an important part of the local community for generations, offering unbeatable views of the mountains and providing access to beautiful hiking trails.

With its close proximity to Felton Grove and Roaring Camp, 6191 Highway 9 offers plenty of entertainment opportunities as well. To get to the Escape to Witch Mountain location, begin your trip by taking Santa Cruz Highway 17 North towards Scotts Valley. From there, take a left onto Mount Hermon Road and stay on it for 4.5 miles until you reach Casa Del Fuego Drive. At this intersection, take a right and the entrance to the highway will be just 0.8 miles down the road.

This Walt Disney film showcases the studio's signature versatility, telling the story of two psychic orphans seeking refuge in Witch Mountain from an evil industrialist who wants to exploit their abilities for his own gain. Despite being captured, they eventually escape, determined to find out where they really come from and unlock the secrets behind their supernatural powers.

Vincent Canby of The New York Times opined that while its lack of scariness kept it from being exciting, The Washington Post's Tom Shales commended its presentation of kids outsmarting adults. On the contrary, Geoff Brown noted the film had potential yet was wasted with trifling comedy bits and magic tricks.

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