Runes are ancient symbols that were used by pagan cultures in Northern Europe. These symbols were often inscribed on objects such as stones, bones, and wood, and were used for divination, communication, and magical purposes. Each rune had its own meaning and significance, and by combining different runes, pagans were able to create words and phrases with deeper meanings. There are multiple runic alphabets, but the most commonly known one is the Elder Futhark, which consists of 24 runes. Each rune not only represents a letter of the alphabet but also carries its own symbolic meaning. For example, the rune Fehu represents wealth and abundance, while the rune Ansuz symbolizes communication and divine inspiration.
The eco-friendly keepcase is covered by a glossy slipcover reproducing the same unconventional, vaguely spoilerific cover art. The only insert supplies your code and directions for the Digital HD with UltraViolet that is included with your purchase.
He discusses shooting in Ontario and, less extensively, Massachusetts , points out cost-cutting measures taken to stretch the low budget, testifies to the historical accuracy of even the smallest details, and acknowledges sparing use of CGI. It was treated like other mainstream horror movies, too; given a wide release in over 2,000 theaters, where even in February its fourth place opening with the weekend s second highest per-theater average among wide releases seemed pretty impressive.
For example, the rune Fehu represents wealth and abundance, while the rune Ansuz symbolizes communication and divine inspiration. One way that pagans used runes was through the practice of runic divination. By casting or drawing runes from a bag or a set of runes, pagans would interpret the symbols to gain insights into their past, present, and future.
The witch dvd
Writer/Director: Robert Eggers
In its opening credits, The Witch is given the subtitle A New-England Folktale and that's not merely a ploy to attract residents of America's Northeast. The closing credits include a disclaimer that much of the film's depictions and dialogue have been taken directly from journals, diaries, and court records.
In 1630, a family of six devout Puritans from England is banished from an American plantation community over the "prideful conceit" of patriarch William (Ralph Ineson, who you might but probably should not remember from his recurring role in the UK's "The Office"). William, his wife Katherine (Kate Dickie), and their four children try to make it on their own as farmers residing near a forest. The family's latest addition, the infant Samuel, disappears during a game of peekaboo with eldest daughter Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy), an incident that understandably weighs down on the entire clan.
After Thomasin and eldest son Caleb (Harvey Scrimshaw) go missing in the woods and return worse for the wear, the family must confront the evil forces afflicting them. Suspicion falls upon Thomasin, but no one in the family, not even young twins Mercy (Ellie Grainger) and Jonas (Lucas Dawson) can be ruled out from having had a hand in these troubling occurrences.
Written and directed by young newcomer Robert Eggers, The Witch is not your typical horror film. So many of those are interchangeable tales of haunted houses and psycho killers. They're almost always contemporary too. The Witch, on the other hand, commits to its distant period setting. The dialogue is evidently authentic and sometimes difficult to hear or understand, but you're able to follow along enough to get a sense of this settler family's faith and fears.
The distinctive setting and texture renders The Witch uniquely atmospheric. How many times have you seen a movie where a family dinner gets interrupted by the sound of bleating goats? Not many, eh? The dramatized era and historical research require a different mindset of the viewer, which in turn makes it easier for the film to disarm with unpredictability. Possibilities are raised but not oversold, leaving us to speculate who or what is really behind these mysteries.
Though perhaps not well-documented, it should be well-known that critics appreciate movies that are different. We watch hundreds of movies every year and many of them are alike. Something bold enough to stand out as truly original tends to be celebrated. The Witch certainly was, drawing critic approval ratings in the 80s and 90s on Metacritic and Rotten Tomatoes. Those favorable reviews, quite rare for a genre whose lack of originality is often bemoaned, may have sparked some contrarian reactions from the general public. Even on IMDb, a site which skews towards serious and discerning young male moviegoers, the film carries a fairly average 6.9 out of 10 user rating.
In truth, the modest rating may also reflect that The Witch isn't the most accessible or digestible of movies. It's got the make-up of an art house picture but belongs to a genre that doesn't typically feature prominently in art houses. It was treated like other mainstream horror movies, too; given a wide release in over 2,000 theaters, where even in February its fourth place opening (with the weekend's second highest per-theater average among wide releases) seemed pretty impressive. The film held okay for a second weekend in which it expanded slightly. Then it began to drop in a fairly steep if not that unusual fashion. Mostly done, it's sitting on $25 million domestic and $32 million worldwide, potent sums for a starless film that reportedly cost just $1 million to produce. It is a close second place behind Ex Machina among all the theatrical releases of A24, a young studio whose frequent acclaim has not often translated to commercial success.
On Tuesday, The Witch hits Blu-ray and DVD, each equipped with digital copy in matching definition, from A24 video partner Lionsgate.
VIDEO and AUDIO
The Witch utilizes the relatively narrow 1.66:1 aspect ratio that hasn't been in standard use for a long time, especially in America. The Blu-ray presents the film's striking compositions in clean, sharp, and vivid fashion. The 5.1 DTS-HD master audio soundtrack is similarly effective and commendable. The tough to process dialogue will make the disc's lack of a non-SDH English subtitle track a little disappointing for some.
BONUS FEATURES, MENUS, PACKAGING and DESIGN
Extras begin with an audio commentary by writer-director Robert Eggers. He has the enthusiasm of a first-time filmmaker plus even more as someone with a unique, original vision he fully believes in. He discusses shooting in Ontario (and, less extensively, Massachusetts), points out cost-cutting measures taken to stretch the low budget, testifies to the historical accuracy of even the smallest details, and acknowledges sparing use of CGI. It's an above-average track that fans might find worth a listen.
"The Witch: A Primal Folktale" (8:28) is a brief but sufficient making-of featurette. It supplies cast and crew interviews along with some behind-the-scenes still photos.
Next up, a rarity for a Lionsgate title, is a Q & A with cast and crew (27:59) held last February in Salem, Massachusetts. Eggers, Anya-Taylor Joy, author Brunonia Barry, and Salem Witch Trials historian Richard Trask discuss the movie, with a focus on historical accuracy and witchcraft portrayal more than anything else. It's a little choppily edited but has value.
Finally, a 16-still viewer-navigated design gallery shows off costume and character sketches as well as plans for the farm house and photos of its construction.
Found by exploring the disc's files (but not the menu, where it is presumably hidden) is a 6-minute, 28-second outtakes reel, showing off the kid actors being kids and thus requiring direction from both Eggers and their older castmates. It also features an uncooperative canine and helpful crew members.
"Trailers" repeats the disc-opening trailers for Green Room, The Adderall Diaries, Mojave, Tusk and Ex Machina. The Witch's own attention-grabbing trailer is not included.
The menu loops a screen-filling montage of scored clips. The Blu-ray resumes unfinished playback of anything and everything.
The eco-friendly keepcase is covered by a glossy slipcover reproducing the same unconventional, vaguely spoilerific cover art. The only insert supplies your code and directions for the Digital HD with UltraViolet that is included with your purchase.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Though it won't be everyone's cup of tea, The Witch is certainly a breath of fresh air in the stagnant world of horror. Unsettling, atmospheric, and original, this low-budget film warrants a look from more than just genre enthusiasts. Lionsgate's Blu-ray gets the job done.
DVDizzy.com Top Stories:
Reviewed May 16, 2016.
Text copyright 2016 DVDizzy.com. Images copyright 2015 A24 Films, Parts & Labor, RT Features, Rooks Nest Entertainment, Maiden Voyage Pictures, Mott Street Pictures,
and Lionsgate. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
VIDEO and AUDIO
Each rune would provide a different perspective or guidance depending on its meaning, allowing pagans to seek answers to their questions or dilemmas. In addition to divination, runes were also used for magical purposes. Pagans would inscribe runes onto talismans, amulets, or other objects to enhance their power or protection. By combining different runes, pagans could create powerful magical spells or enchantments. For example, the combination of the runes Thurisaz, Ansuz, and Raidho could be used for protection during travel. Interestingly, runes were not only used for communication within the pagan community but also as a means of communication with the divine. Pagans believed that by inscribing runes or chanting runic spells, they could invoke the power or guidance of specific gods or spirits. This belief in the magical and spiritual significance of runes was deeply ingrained in pagan culture and played a significant role in their rituals and practices. Today, runes continue to hold a mystical allure and are often used by modern pagan and New Age practitioners. They are seen as a connection to the wisdom of ancient civilizations and a means of accessing deeper insights and spiritual guidance. Whether used for divination, magic, or personal exploration, runes remain a fascinating and important part of pagan traditions..
Reviews for "The Language of Nature: Pagan Runes and Earth-Based Spirituality"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I found "Pagan Runes and their Meanings" to be quite disappointing. The book promised to provide a comprehensive understanding of pagan runes, but it fell short in many aspects. The explanations were overly simplistic and lacked depth, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. Additionally, I was hoping for more historical context and cultural significance, but the book barely touched upon these aspects. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a thorough exploration of pagan runes.
2. Mark - 1 star - "Pagan Runes and their Meanings" was a complete waste of money. The content was nothing more than a shallow overview with generic meanings that can be easily found online for free. The illustrations were poorly done and added no value to the book. I expected more in-depth information, insights, and perhaps some personal experiences, but the book failed to deliver on all fronts. Save your money and find a better resource if you're genuinely interested in pagan runes.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I purchased "Pagan Runes and their Meanings" hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual and magical significance behind these ancient symbols. Unfortunately, the author barely scratched the surface. The book felt rushed and lacked the necessary research and expertise to provide meaningful insights. It felt more like a random compilation of basic information rather than an in-depth exploration. I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied, wishing I had chosen a different resource to learn about pagan runes.