Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		4.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.0

Witch Story 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 5, 2024

1989’s “Witch Story” brings the ways of Italian genre filmmaking to Florida for a tale of possession and partying. Co-writer/director Alessandro Capone doesn’t have much in the way of budgetary power to help the endeavor, and he’s not particularly strong with pacing and performance either. “Witch Story” has some bits and pieces of peculiarity to hold attention, but it’s not an inspired take on supernatural and satanic happenings. Capone has slasher formula to follow, but suspense isn’t invited to the picture, with most of the movie struggling to generate a level of panic the story initially promises.

Long ago, young Rachel (Suzanne Law) was being prepped with the “power of evil,” raised by her mother, Helena (Deanna Lund), a witch looking to prepare for Satan’s arrival. An angry mob gathered to take care of Helena, burning her alive. Today, a collection of college kids are traveling from New York City to Florida, joining siblings Carol (Michele Peacock) and Ed (Gary Kerr) as they look to take control of a house once owned by their deceased father. Arriving at the Hayes Estate, the gang is ready for a week-long party, but the reality of the dwelling is sobering, forced to deal with a spooky house in some disrepair. Joined by cousin Simona (Nancie Sanderson), Carol and Ed try to make sense of their living situation, but the demands of friends and lovers takes control. However, there’s a darker power on the property, with the spirit of Rachel and the fury of Helena taking control of the houseguests, with possessions and violence inspiring the survivors to search for help, making their way to Father Matthew (Ian Bannen), who understands what’s going on.

Helena’s fury is explored in the opening sequence of “Witch Story,” with the all-powerful woman of Satan easily overwhelmed by an angry mob carrying torches and pitchforks. She’s killed in the name of God, but she’s not done with Florida yet, with the story making a time jump to 1989, catching up with Carol and Ed’s mission to claim mysterious property. Capone doesn’t color outside the lines when concocting a supporting cast, finding the young people the usual types in horror, including Paul (Jason M. Lefkowitz), the gross one of the bunch, with the overweight character welcoming his bullying while doubling down on disgusting behavior.

“Witch Story” explores relationships in the group, though most attention is reserved for Susan (Amy Adams…not that Amy Adams), who’s one of the first to be possessed by the forces of evil, including a dinner time striptease, taking off her clothes around a Kentucky Fried Chicken feast (please don’t ask what Paul does with the coleslaw). And there’s Simona, who’s openly flirtatious with her cousin, Ed. Sexual activity is mostly limited in “Witch Story,” with the tone eventually changing to spooky things happening in the house, leading to a few POV killer shots and tarot deck events. Murders occur as bodies are claimed by Satan, and some exploration gets to the bottom of the mess, with Rachel in need of a playmate, with or without permission from human hosts.

Witch Story 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

"Witch Story" is listed as "newly restored from its 35mm original camera negative." The viewing experience provides a detailed look at frame information, exploring the dimensional rooms of the cursed property, and exteriors are deep, especially during town tours with the angry mob (clarity breaks the "period" illusion of the opening sequence, as one can easily see the modern world in the distance). Skin particulars are appreciable, surveying the varied ages of the cast and their wear and tear during the film. Clothing is fibrous. Decorative additions are open for study. Primaries do well with period style and signage, bringing out bold reds and blues. Moodier lighting is preserved, and greenery is distinct. Skin tones are natural. Highlights are tasteful, with the "tunnel of light" in the finale appealingly bright. Blacks are deep throughout the viewing experience, doing well with shadow play and evening activities. Source is in good condition.

Witch Story 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA English track for "Witch Story" definitely shows its age, as musical offerings are slightly warbled, especially noticeable when scoring selections take command of the movie. Dialogue exchanges are clear, but they wrestle with some sibilance issues at times. Sound effects are appreciable.

Witch Story 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historians Troy Howarth, Nathaniel Thompson, and Eugenio Ercolani.

• "Directing a Witch Story" (32:02, HD) is an interview with director Alessandro Capone, who establishes his passion for cinema, beginning with a childhood viewing of "Sleeping Beauty." Such fandom for scary movies carried throughout his life, but music found a place as well, including a near-miss job with the band Goblin in the 1970s. Capone's career was launched with 1979's "Brilliantina Rock," and he was soon tasked with navigating the Italian film industry, including work on 1980's "Trhauma." Making connections, the interviewee recalls his path to direction, stumbling through financing disappointments and aborted projects. Finally, 1989's "Witch Story" arrived, and the city of Mount Dora, Florida wanted nothing to do with it, with the production chased out of locations, also dealing with protests due to the material's grisliness. Production achievements are noted, including makeup work and explosives that nearly hurt the child actress in the feature. Capone closes with his memories from the changing ways of the business, and shares his concerns about the "algorithm."

• "The Light of Witches" (11:37, HD) is an interview with cinematographer Roberto Girometti, who recalls the mess of the Mount Dora, Florida shoot, facing resistance to the material from locals. The interviewee also details technical challenges, including lengthy dolly shots and lighting issues. Girometti admits he doesn't watch horror movies, requiring a quick education in how to craft them, and he details his relationships with cast and crew, trying to make "Witch Hunt" a pleasant journey for all.

• "Producing the Witch" (33:40, HD) is an interview with Giuseppe Pedersoli, who comes from a long line of film professionals, including his father, actor Bud Spencer. Finding an early chance to work for Sergio Leone, Pedersoli received a massive moviemaking education, using this wisdom to get into producing, including time on "Witch Story." The interviewee recalls dealing with issues in Florida, becoming the face of the production when protests arrived, and he shares memories of cast and crew. Talk of "Witch Story" is limited, with Pedersoli exploring more highlights from his career, including collaborations with his father, absorbing his experience as well, winding his way through many professional opportunities during his decades in the business.

• Making Of (44:11, SD) examines the creation of "Witch Story" with director Alessandro Capone, cinematographer Roberto Girometti, and composer Carlo Maria Cordio.

• Audition Footage (45:39, SD) offers tapes of aspiring actors working hard to charm the producers, showing their stuff to land a gig.

• "The It-Brit Connection" (16:51, HD) is a video essay by Mike Foster.

• Image Gallery (2:07) collects BTS snaps.

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included.

Witch Story 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Witch Story" ends up in a Priest vs. Evil situation, with Father Matthew added in the third act to amplify the dangers coming for all the characters, while Bannen offers some much needed thespian seasoning to a cast of amateurs who can't always find their way to a recognizable reaction. However, instead of an increase of danger and a general tightening of tension, "Witch Story" simply lumbers to a climax, with Capone's slack style and concern with padding leading to a largely uneventful viewing experience. There's Satanic panic, oversexed young characters, a creepy house, ghostly happenings and possessions, and…well, Paul. However, there's just no life to "Witch Story," making for a tough sit with uninspired filmmaking.