HOME VIDEO : VCR Viewing : ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’ Returns With a Scare

Over the past year, Anchor Bay has released several unjustly neglected Disney titles, including “Return to Oz,” “The Happiest Millionaire” and “One Magic Christmas.” The video company is now giving new life to a terrifically scary 1983 release, “Something Wicked This Way Comes” ($15 for video; $25 for DVD).

Jack Clayton, who directed the classic 1961 chiller “The Innocents,” based on Henry James’ “Turn of the Screw,” was at the helm of this well-produced adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s story, which asks the moral question: “How much would you pay to have your darkest wishes come true?”

Vidal Peterson and Shawn Carson play young boys living in the quiet Midwestern burg of Green Town, Ill. One night, Mr. Dark (a wonderful Jonathan Pryce) arrives in town with his Dark’s Pandemonium Carnival. Though on the surface it looks like a normal carnival, it is anything but, and Dark and his company end up causing havoc among the townspeople. It’s up to Peterson’s father (Jason Robards), a mild-mannered librarian, to save the town from Dark’s demonic clutches.

Pam Grier and Diane Ladd also star in this film, which can be enjoyed by both children and adults. But kids should definitely watch with the lights on!

The video is available in both wide-screen and full-frame. The latter includes a written interview with Bradbury. The DVD is also available in both options.

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MPI is offering a limited collector’s edition of its two popular John Wayne western titles, “Hondo” and “McLintock!” ($30). The set is authorized by the John Wayne Estate. In addition to the remastered prints of the 1953 classic “Hondo,” as well as the rollicking 1963 comedy “McLintock!,” this edition features photo galleries, movie memorabilia, original theatrical trailers and interviews with Wayne’s son, Michael, who was the production assistant on “Hondo” and producer of “McLintock!,” and with Andrew McLaglen, the production manager of “Hondo” and the director of “McLintock!”

To order the Wayne videos call (800) 323-0442.