Retro animation lovers and Halloween heads can celebrated a haunted holiday classic with a new double-feature DVD celebrating the 45th anniversary of Witch’s Night Out. On shelves and streaming June 11 from MVD Entertainment and Cross/Rogers, the release presents Leach/Rankin’s 2D “Anytown” specials, The Gift of Winter and Witch’s Night Out.
The Gift of Winter (1974)
Welcome to Anytown where the lands become freezing, bleak and awful every winter. The people rise up in protest to stage an exhausting march through the sub-zero wilderness to the Ministry of Winter and confront Winter himself, demanding a change.
These unlikely rebels with their heartfelt cause are: Mayor Goodly, Nicely, Bazooey, Rotten, Malicious and two spunky kids named Small and Tender, who save the entire project by persuading the all powerful, icy-hearted Winter to bestow his great gift upon the world. It’s what makes the season full of wonderment, The Gift of Winter.
Witch’s Night Out (1978)
It’s a spooky surprise when a witch’s magic wand falls into the wrong hands in this nostalgic Halloween special!
When a witch hears of a party being held at her haunted mansion, she decides to bring on the fun by showing off her magical tricks and turning the kids Small and Tender into whatever they want to be for Halloween. However, when her wand disappears, Anytown is turned upside down!
Created by animation director Jonathan Rogers (as John Leach) and art director Jean Rankin, the films feature voice work by comedy icons including Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner and Catherina O’Hara, Valri Bromfield and Fiona Reid. Cross/Rogers, which manages the films, is co-founded by Jonathan Rogers and animation veteran James Cross.
The double-feature release includes special features such as:
- Partners in Crime: A quick interview with Johnathan Rogers and Jimmy Cross talk about their partnership to bring new adventures to families!
- A Moment in Time: A 19-minute conversation between Johnathan Rogers and Jean Rankin
- The Development of Winter: A three-minute behind the scenes featurette
Learn more at thegiftofwinter.com and witchsnightout.com.
