The Problem With SCOOBY DOO and the WITCH'S GHOST

"Gee, why is it that you always pair off with Daphne, Fred?" Today we're diving into arguably the most memorable of the direct to video Scooby Doo movies, but do y'all ACTUALLY remember it or were you just in love with the Hex Girls?
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♡ about ♡
hi, i'm kiki. i use they/them pronouns. i make nostalgia and cartoon based video essays and play music. i try to nurture my inner child's interests while viewing these topics under the lens of modern adulthood. i hope my videos make you feel less alone and help you find joy in little everyday things.
♡ faq ♡
➞ age? 27 (born in 1995)
➞ gender? non-binary/genderfluid
➞ ethnicity? half mangalorean indian, half ??? white (my grandma was adopted so IDK)
➞ profession? interface/experience designer
♡ video production equipment ♡
➞ audio: RODE NT1A & donner livejack
➞ editing: premiere pro CC & logic pro X
➞ thumbnails: photoshop CC
FTC: Not sponsored.
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Tags:
Scooby Doo - Velma - Mindy Kaling - Raggy - Shaggy Rogers - Norville - Velma Dinkley - Fred Jones - Daphne Blake - Warner Brothers - Warner Bros - Warner Brothers Stock - Offbeat Kiki - Hanna Barbera - Scoobtober - Witch's Ghost - Hex Girls - Thorn - Halloween

[@DXHellfire666]

IDK about how others feel here, but as a writer I appreciate and adore videos like this, esp as a man cuz well... especially nowadays you look back at how problematic a lot of the stuff we loved as kids was and as one of those who will inevitably be making stories for future generations, I really love seeing videos like this to really be grounded about the issue and not be held back by nostalgia looking at it. Frankly I have fond memories of it and yes, the description caught me red handed. This movie among other shows around my time kicked off a lot of my interests in women and to this day yeah, I have a weak spot for the goth aesthetic and asskicking girls (Shego... need I say any more?), but its nice to look back more critically, see the ups and downs for what they were, and hopefully work toward something better with my own work using those lessons. So yeah, I really love this video and can't wait to see more - happy to be a new subscriber!

[@offbeatkiki]

Yes!! Thank you so much!! I have pipe dreams of writing for animation or making my own series someday and I try to learn lessons about animation writing through these videos. I love this comment!! Thanks for subscribing!!

[@thegladve]

@@offbeatkiki honestly the way I look at it is that Scooby Doo on Zombie Island along with The Alien invaders work as mysteries while witch''s ghost and cyber chase work as a classic scooby doo adventure, each has it's own charm, personally I appreciate the mystery angle myself because i love being pleasantly thrown into a loop.

[@TempRawr]

I mean it's great that we can look back at movies appeciate the good and hope for better. If only more writers and media makers took this to heart (hard industry out there, small changes to a script and tada such a big improvement).

[@SparkpadArt]

What makes the factual errors stick out even more in these specials is how they clash with the whole selling point of "this time it's real". When it's just crooks in masks, you could at least assume that the characters themselves made a few mistakes or took creative liberties on purpose. When it's supposed to be "real" in-universe, the writers don't have that excuse.

[@ddddd9665]

I think villains are more interesting when they have realistic human flaws. You say it’s problematic, but curry’s manipulation of Velma gives his character…well.. character… Otherwise he would be as generic and safe as the old school scooby villains. Remember the theme of these movies: the villains are REAL.

[@nrnrn999]

Honestly, I don't think it would have worked as well if the first two thirds weren't a more normal Scooby Doo adventure. Like, "It was the townfolks all along" puts you in a sense of it all working out, only for them to completely turn it around in the final act. I forgot they were supposed to be 'wiccan' though. That was certainly an... odd choice. I had it in my head that they were legitimately just witches.

[@kobybarnes3035]

the problem? not enough goth girls.

[@offbeatkiki]

shit that would have been a way better video

[@christopherauzenne5023]

it's not about the amount of goth girls, but the quality of goth. and the hex girls, 100% primo cut goth chicks

[@alexjames7144]

@@christopherauzenne5023 Ah but consider, the forbidden 4th hex girl

[@alexjames7144]

@Coldchary Holy shit I forgot that happened but I'm gonna pretend that's what I meant all along

[@MirandaTheInkling34]

FAXXS!!

[@AlienIOIandroktone]

I always wonder what the cover story that the Mayor and Mystery Inc would come up with. Imagine if Steven King just went missing after a gang went to his hometown, involved themselves in his life, then later he just was gone forever. Add on the fact the townsfolk already left a trail of crime from their initial scam, that's gonna raise more flags

[@mattpace1026]

Don't forget that Ben left his own trail of crime. From there, saying he was nuts and burned himself alive isn't that far-fetched of a story.

[@renji90998]

Tim Curry is a pretty big part of what makes the movie worth watching. Even though looking back it is _really_ obvious that he was a villain. Although when you’re watching as a kid you’re kind of surprised. When he says: “you can’t solve me“ felt like something out of an anime.

[@leebulger7112]

Tim Curry with only a few exceptions is going to be the villian most of the time.

[@SomeNorthProvKid]

I’m starting to wonder if the 4 movies were originally gonna focus on someone specifically in the gang. This movie is focused on Velma while Alien Invaders is Scooby and Shaggy’s movie.

[@josephreitzcomposer6855]

Yes. And Zombie Island (at least at the beginning) focused a lot on Daphane.

[@warwulf1889]

That's an interesting take on things. I didn't even notice that as a kid. Side note, I actually saw these movies a little out of order. I started with this movie, Zombie island, Alien invasion and finally Cyber chase.

[@SomeNorthProvKid]

@@josephreitzcomposer6855 see like thats what I thought but I would like to add that her scenes always were with Fred's. I haven't seen the movie in a long while to remember if there were any themes. I do recall Fred wanting to relive in the Mystery Inc. glory while Daphne wanted to move on to something new. I'm 90% certain I'm not remembering correctly but if I am then I think Zombie Island would be 'Daphne and Fred focused movie' and Cyber Chase the group focused movie. which makes sense I think.

[@josephreitzcomposer6855]

@@SomeNorthProvKid Yes. I had that thought after I made my previous reply. Fred and Daphne shared a lot of screen time so I agree with you there.

[@alexjames7144]

I feel like that's typical of most good scooby media. Most of it is relatively short so having five different character arcs is a lot. Usually one or two of them get to have some special connection to the plot like a family member, love interest or relevant hobby.

[@valerii0180]

In Polish dubbing, they approached the issue of 'Wiccan' completely differently. A witch in Poland is called "wiedźma". This word has a pejorative meaning, a witch uses black magic and does bad things. In opposition to it is a fairy, in polish "wróżka", who does good things and helps others. "Wróżka" can refer to a classic version of a fairy, such as a tooth fairy, but it can also refer to an ordinary human woman (nouns in Polish have a gender, so a man would be called "wróżbita"). So when Ben justifies his ancestor, he says that she was not a witch at all, she was a fairy because she helped others. By translating it this way, the Polish language version managed to avoid the problem.

[@wildwind413]

Imagine how crazy the world would be if studios let their creators make what they want to make the way they want to make them.

[@razkable]

Considering how much money producers team investors companies who do algorithm research to appeal appease to the widest range of fans worldwide to make merchandise profits in america are involved with popular younger aimed themed media sorry but that's never going to happen....no one wants rated r nc17 rated x or tv ma material being seen on tv or the big screen by corruptible minors in the usa

[@RedSpade37]

Well, that's capitalism for you...

[@Matanumi]

@@RedSpade37 note how a lot of creatives suck now

[@mattpace1026]

@@Matanumi And it's exactly because they're allowed to do whatever dumb nonsense they want.

[@low-keydrama1260]

Maybe the whole “only a blood Wiccans can put Sarah in the book” they could’ve had maybe the blood relatives/descendants of those who originally trapped her in the book could do it and Thorn was one of/only one descendant to do it. Idk. It’s just an idea

[@offbeatkiki]

I like this idea!

[@warwulf1889]

That certainly sounds like it would've worked lore wise.

[@adamantiiispencespence4012]

That was honestly my read on it as a kid. Even with the way it was presented.

[@Trypetagenalis]

The nostalgia vibes were hitting for this entire video, but the phrase "Cartoon Network's Cartoon Theater" brought it to a whole new level

[@_L10]

I didn't even realize the contradiction of someone being Wiccan before even Wicca was created. Nevertheless, I still very much enjoyed the movie and loved the darker tones that this movie explored. I do wish that Sarah didn't lock Ben in a bubble while the gang had to get the book to Thorn. They should have done that while Ben and Sarah were having an epic magic battle.

[@offbeatkiki]

An epic magic battle would have been soooooo much cooler

[@gobowwoewow3752]

This movie came out before the Wiccan community has been forced by scholarship to accept that Wicca is not thousands of years old, so this isn't so much a contradiction as it is a dated and naive view of Wicca.

[@FairEnoughDude]

The writers probably just assumed kids wouldn’t know the difference between Wiccans and witches… just like I didn’t before this video lmao Glad these videos are doing well, you’re definitely hitting your stride with this series :)

[@OpticalSorcerer]

Ben's obsession with "clearing Sara's name" would've made more sense if he was ostracized by the town due to her reputation--though that means the twist probably wouldn't have occured, since it makes the villagers seem right for mistreating him.

[@graceruark1086]

In regards to the gang’s complete lack of reaction to Ben’s death, honestly I do wonder about the emotional toll that the mystery hunting would cause. Constantly being scared could desensitize them and then learning that the mystery is fake has implications for the kids associating fear with reassurance that in the end it’s fake (which is shaken by the reality of these films) Somehow, this is the only Scooby-Doo movie I haven’t seen and I’m kind of intrigued bc I love Tim Curry and betrayal narratives (and having seen the Mystery Inc Hex Girls, I’m curious about the originals)

[@daghettoghost5539]

I appreciate the fact she includes actual commercials from back in the day advertising schooby doo related stuff

[@brandonjohnson3122]

LOVE this review! Can't wait for Zombie Island next! Although, in response to the problem from 8:14 to 8:32, they actually DID explain why Ben Ravencroft was at the museum after hours: Fred: So what were you doing here? Ben Ravencroft: I was doing research for my latest novel when I saw the archeologists acting suspiciously and decided to investigate. On a side note, you would probably say that the gang would still question how he was able to get into the museum after hours, well keep in kind the gang was doing the exact same thing as well. They most likely hid somewhere until everyone had left and disguised themselves among the museum exhibits so they could start their investigation. With that in mind, the gang probably assumed that Ben had done something similar and that's probably why they didn't question it any further. Just throwing that out there.

[@offbeatkiki]

Him hiding behind a tapestry is still weird AF lol

[@brandonjohnson3122]

@@offbeatkiki Okay, I'll admit you got me there, but I have a possible theory to that as well. Keep in mind, the chase scene throughout the museum was pretty loud (case in point: the T-Rex skeleton collapsing) and this would've alerted Ben that something was going on. Also, he would've heard Shaggy and Scooby and the Mummies running towards the area he was in, causing him to hide behind the tapestry as an impulse hiding spot. Sure, the reason why he was hiding there was because he set up the whole thing, but since the gang didn't know this, they probably would've thought that he was hiding there to avoid getting hurt or something, and decided to help out by tripping one of the mummies, causing both of them to crash. Just a theory I had.

[@thoroughlyjordan]

I am enjoying these breakdowns, since I used to watch these movies all the time as a kid. One thing I'd like to clarify is the weirdness with the Wicca timeline. Yes, Wicca is a new tradition that was introduced to the world in 1954. But when it started, it was based on the "witch-cult hypothesis": that the people persecuted in the witch trials (European, not Salem) weren't worshiping the devil, but also weren't innocents who confessed under duress and torture. No-the theory posits-they were secretly members of a pre-Christian religious tradition. When it was originally introduced to the public, Wicca was sold as a restoration of that tradtion. The movie takes this original explanation at face value. So Thorn's ancestors fled Europe during the trials and settled in the colonies, where they were able to continue their practice in secret all the way to her great-great-grandmother. Nowadays, it is easier to know that history thanks to large, widely-availible, information sources online. If anything this is a case of Science Marches On (more appropriately, Theology Marches On).

[@Blokewood3]

Thanks for the explanation about the legend of Wiccan history. That explains the timeline, but it doesn't explain the portrayal of Wiccan being passed through the bloodline. That's like someone saying they're 1/16 Catholic.

[@waaurufu]

Thanks you for saving me the trouble of writing out how some Wiccans believe in the persecution of middle age witches supposedly practicing a pagan religion. The reality when studying the history we have is that if this is the case it was an extreme minority and most victims of witch trials were Christians themselves. That's not to say Wicca itself is a fake religion however! The evolution of Wicca from an offshoot of Masonic rites to a full blown pagan revival spread throughout the world is an admirable feat, and should be treated with respect despite its relative newness compared to ancient religions. This movie unfortunately propagates misinformation about an already misunderstood religious movement.

[@thoroughlyjordan]

@@Blokewood3 I would argue that it is meant to parallel how Jews are both a religious group and an ethnicity. Basically, this world's pool of Wiccans is so tight that it functions as an ethnicity too.

[@Blokewood3]

@@thoroughlyjordan But Wicca doesn't actually work that way. Judaism is pretty much the only religion like that.

[@thoroughlyjordan]

@@Blokewood3 That's why I said "this world's" as in, the world the movie takes place in. Obviously it's version of Wicca is already different from our own.

[@alphaomega9993]

This movie is so memorable to me because, when I first watched it with my younger brother (I was 10, he was 6) and they splashed the water on the witch. We FEEL on the floor laughing. I think it was the “What was that?” And exasperated face. We still laugh to this day.

[@offbeatkiki]

lmao that was so goofy in the middle of that scary chase scene. i love how scooby and shaggy consistently disarm villains with silly tactics

[@MorganMalfoy13]

"Like, it worked on the wizard of Oz!"

[@DigiRangerScott]

We’re the Hex Girls! And Tim Curry’s gonna befriend you!

[@puppymcpupsters]

We're gonna befriend ALL OF YOU!

[@DigiRangerScott]

@@puppymcpupsters Earth, wind, fire and air, you’re in love with a pregnant bear!

[@thisistheaccountname]

My absolute favorite film in the series. We used to go to Books A Million in the early 2000's for the Pokémon League there. In the children's book section where the league was held, there was this huge wooden train with a few seats and a television in it. This was one of the few films that they had there and we'd watch it probably every weekend. Still love this film all these years later and just watched it yesterday.

[@tytheaniman497]

The Hex Girls are always my favorite part of the movie. They totally rock! Also Dusk is my childhood crush.🥰 I also like how Ravencroft is a twist villain who caused some magic mayhem. And a real Witch? Definitely a top 10 in my book.

[@thisisacomment.]

ah yes...the movie that started my witch/magic hyperfixation. Glad you're talking about it Kiki❤❤

[@garrettcarter5622]

Ben disappears into a book forever and Shaggy’s all, “Like, I’m glad he’s dead.”

[@razkable]

I mean he did want to take over the world

[@TarotBelle]

This movie awakened something inside of me.

[@offbeatkiki]

SAME LOL

[@jareththegoblinking3191]

I suppose my problem was that this was originally gonna be a typical Scooby Doo mystery with a guy in a mask but that twist with the real witch was added last minute cuz people loved Zombie Island

[@LemonsOnFire]

I have realized that I did not remember most of the movie, just my love for the Hex Girls.

[@mossthebryophyter]

The hex girls have always been some of my favorite characters in the scooby doo universe

[@MissJazz004]

i absolutely adored this movie as a kid, and while it definitely has it’s flaws, i think it still holds up pretty well. it’s always in my fall/halloween rotation every year ever since i was a really little kid

[@DoneRandomLee]

I thought this was a nice followup of zombie island. I say this because zombie island broke the formula of someone in a mask usually for money very early on. I feel the initial half being very much like the old formula helped it because it is getting people back to the old mindset so when one of the redherrings ben ravencroft actually becomes the villain and summons a real witch ghost that does impossible magic like animating plants and making a turkey giant, it really pushes the pedal to the metal. I love the art of this movie especially of the first hex girls performance, I literally took screenshots just so i can appreciate the art. This movie made me love tim curry and probably a early reason I love goth girls. I don't think this is the best but it's a enjoyable movie and imo showed that zombie island wasn't a fluke. They did have genuine talent and it wasn't just "the monsters are real this time" that made the movie special.

[@brandoncornwell1926]

This movie is what has started my love for The Hex Girls

[@elitettelbach4247]

I appreciate the critical analysis of this! I had no idea Wicca was so recent. It’s important to bring up because misinformation is dangerous. Of this four pack of movies, this was the one I’d always seen the least, so it holds the least nostalgia for me. That said, I’m so glad the Hex Girls became recurring characters in the franchise because they’re honestly wonderful and their music slaps. Tim Curry gives such a great performance, especially in the third act. And yes! The scenery and the fall vibes are lovely to look at ❤️

[@zbh9268]

I love Scooby Doo as a franchise whether it's the old school unmasking or the actual paranormal outings. My absolute favorites in the franchise however is when they do both. The Zombie Island team were really the first creators that managed to do both and I'll always appreciate them for that. Plus it partially inspired the Mystery Incorporated cartoon which is probably my favorite incarnation of the franchise so their influence is still felt today.

[@breezyhillproductions349]

My only criticism is I think it made complete sense for the gang not question why Ben was at the museum. They ask him right away why he was there once they met him. He told them he was doing research for his new book but saw the two guys acting strangely so he decided to investigate. His excuse totally aligns with what an author could be doing at a museum so they took his word for it. Also late at night a celebrity wouldn't have to worry about being mobbed by fans.

[@offbeatkiki]

I totally missed that even though I watched the movie 3 times 😭

[@5Detective]

@@offbeatkiki You were obviously Hexxed....

[@kevinthomas2036]

All 4 of these are super nostalgic to me, but I think Zombie Island and Alien Invaders were the ones I watched most of the 4, followed by this and then Cyber Chase. They were scary as a kid, but that’s why I remembered them. Thanks for making these videos.

[@rebeccamichael626]

Thorn - "We're Eco Goths." Shaggy & Scooby - "Eco Goths?" Dusk - "And we don't need your approval." Me - Too bad there's no such things as Eco Goths.

[@decadentgamer3108]

Yeah that line has aged so poorly. I love the Hex Girls but every time I re-watch Witch's Ghost and hear that line, I cringe so much lol It doesn't help that the Hex Girls don't even have a goth sound in their band so to say that they are goths is quite... Inaccurate.

[@Radrock420]

i was (and still am) in love with the hex girls..

[@RandomJayne]

I don't really like how Sarah's backstory invokes the real life Salem witch trials with Ben Ravencroft's claim that she was just a victim of religious xenophobia but then it turns out she really was an evil witch whose persecution was justified. I think the story would've worked better if Ben was a rich privileged descendant of the main instigator of Sarah's persecution and it turned out he did it to to silence Sarah about something bad he was doing, which allowed him to gain/keep the wealth and power that was eventually inherited by Ben and now Ben is profiting off Sarah's suffering by using her story for publicity. Thanks to Mystery Inc. though, people are more skeptical of the idea of ghosts and witches and monsters which is causing people to doubt the "official" narrative surrounding Sarah, so Ben creates a fake witch's ghost to make people think the story was real to maintain his legacy as the descendant of the town hero who rid the world of an evil witch. This naturally attracts the attention of Mystery Inc. so Ben goes to extremes to convince the gang that the witch's ghost is real and they are in serious danger if they don't leave because he doesn't want them to dig deeper and find out the truth. Just like with Zombie Island, it turns out that there is a real ghost of Sarah Ravencroft floating around trying to warn the gang of the danger Ben poses and guide them to clues. The truth was that she was just an innocent pagan and not only was Ben's ancestor the one actually practicing witchcraft, he's actually been Ben the whole time using magic to extend his life and pretending to be his own descendants and blaming everything shady he ever did on either Sarah or Sarah's ghost. Ultimately, he's defeated by the lead singer of the Hex Girls, who is actually Sarah's descendant instead of Ben. Also, because she was Sarah's descendant she was bullied her whole childhood by people calling her a witch until one day she just decided to own it and start a band where she played up the idea of being a witch as her stage persona.

[@lizziemonk927]

Love this idea! It's kinda how my fanfic goes except instead of Thorn being a witch it's an OC. Oc's family were tried for witchcraft yet they were the ones who trapped the real evil (sarah, who in my story is regarded as the town hero it makes more sense that way). Ben promised the descendants he could help clear their ancestors' name but was just using them to get the spellbook. Thorn's still Wicca but instead of a magical deus ex machina she uses her regular music talent to help stop Ben (who gets into a three way spell duel with Sarah, and the OC since I feel they wasted him having powers)

[@oliviamiller1388]

Or also possibly Dexters Laboratory Ego Trip, Codenamed Kid's next door, Samurai Jack, Powerpuff Girls, Johnny Bravo, Courage The Cowardly Dog, or also The CW Channel TV Series The Vampire Dairies, And also The Originals, and Also Legacies!

[@9aracna.]

One thing I will say, is that the gang is assumed to be around 24 - 27 in this movie. That's mostly speculation among fans though and assuming this is connected to Zombie Island in the timeline, as they had been apart for years before reuniting and had successful careers (well some of them at least). I've seen that Ben is supposed to be about 30, but I have no source for that. Just saying for some reason why they're pushed together without it being weird as if they were 19 and 45 or something

[@5Detective]

Yeah, I was curious why that made Kiki uncomfortable. I'm not sure anyone's age is actually stated outright, so from that perspective, it's hard to see an issue.

[@offbeatkiki]

I assumed Ben was in his late 30s early 40s based on how famous he was as a horror writer. It's honestly hard to know but it just always gave me weird vibes

[@9aracna.]

The thing is that 30 now is younger than 30 was back then, especially when it's portrayed in 90s animation. One example is the Rugrats parents. Plus beards/facial hair generally just make you look older. But yeah, not weird to be uneasy about it, just wanted to point it out, sorry, meow

[@SanguineQuest]

@@offbeatkiki I think it's the combination of Tim Curry's voice, the hard lines on Ben's face which serve to age him even more than the glasses and beard, and the fact that he's significantly taller than Velma. The aspects combine to create an illusion of a large age gap. If the character had been more baby-faced like Fred, closer to her height, or had a different voice actor, I'd bet it wouldn't have registered at all. There's still the power differential inherent to him being a celebrity and her being a fan, but considering the big twist is that he's been using her they could have easily made that an overt reinforcement of the theme and taken the opportunity to call out how bad that kind of dynamic can be. Alternatively they could have leaned into how much smarter Velma is than Ben as a way of "balancing," the power differential, but that would have required rewrites in the finale to explain how/why she missed his duplicity.

[@zackc5973]

I had no idea wicca is a religion created recently. I always interpreted them as like a "good witch" that practiced herbal remedies and made medicine from herbs and stuff instead of casting curses and evil spells as a kid from this movie. Thats super weird that they took a religion and turned it into that.

[@darkwoods1954]

I still find it the second best Scooby movie after Zombie Island. I love the Autumnal, Halloweeny feel. Also that it initially seems like a standard masked villain adventure then takes a turn.

[@MORDOPRIME]

was ready to throw hands when i saw the title ngl but you make good points 😞witches ghost is my favourite from these late 90s early 2000s films not sure why it's stuck in my head maybe the hex girls? maybe the final? who knows but i love it

[@MinecraftLovesSteve]

As a new englander, this movie is always in my heart

[@hydraph4843]

Love the sub-urban setting. Seems more real yet you can feel isolated. Why Halloween works. Also, hex girls rule. Also also, I am terrible with remembering names but the bad guy is pretty epic

[@JoyEmpress]

Ah yes, the movie that awakened my intrigued of goth women, women in general and witchcraft. Although, I do agree about the whole "being born Wiccan" thing. Anyone can be Wiccan 🤷🏿‍♀️ great video as always keeks! Looking forward to you covering my other favorite next week :)

[@FriendlyNeighborhoodGeek99]

I loved Witchs ghost, i think it had the best soundtrack out of this mini series lol and it introduced me to goth culture so very greatful for that, great review!

[@Waltman13]

I remember loving the shit out of Witch's Ghost as a kid. Even more than Zombie Island back then. Nowadays I mostly prefer the first film over this as the writing was stronger there, but the 3rd act of Ben betraying everyone and summoning Sarah is still one of the best climaxes in Scooby Doo history. It's easily my favorite part of the film just for how epic and intense it is. Though now that you mention this bit at 5:25, I kinda wish they went more into Ben's writing. Like maybe during the betrayal scene Velma remembers a quote from one of his books. One that she deemed to be the most inspiring because of how deep and well written it was. But once the lies from Ben were revealed, she realizes that the message this whole time was manipulative bullshit that had insanely fucked up meanings behind it which Velma overlooked. Thus the message (and Ben's writing as a whole) now falling apart because once viewed in a different context, Ben's true maliciousness begins to shine fully. This would've made lines like "how could I ever have liked your novels?" and "ben's last book is one the world would never buy." hit more because of how strong the betrayal is. A message of how the best works can become the worst once you know everything about the creator.

[@BigK13372]

Honestly the best way to improve the movie would be to compress the whole Fake Witch mystery to being just the first third of the film, and the rest of the movie will be everything involving the title villain in style of a kid friendly Evil Dead remake. Cause lets face it, Sarah Ravencroft’s book is the Necronomican and it would be cool to see all the townspeople get possessed ala Deadites and the Mystery Inc fighting their way to reverse the spell

[@offbeatkiki]

that sounds sweeeet

[@EmbalmerEmi]

I had all those SD movies on VHS and I love them so much,they stand up to the test of time. They just hit different.

[@justinkunheeyi]

I have so much to say I will say ALL of it. I grew up on scooby doo and Tom and jerry, i love all these movies you’ve done and I still have the DVDs my parents bought me as a kid. I was not a Disney kid and I’m proud of that. But, I like how everybody was into other things in the witches ghost, i was just super obsessed with the creatures Sarah created LOL. Especially the pumpkin monsters, I would draw them bc i was so obsessed

[@hiroramos2819]

Hell yeah the Hex Girls!!!!

[@Mikey.a.d]

I’ve needed this video. The hex girls are so fire.

[@SoulCastleFilms]

I have always wanted to hug Scooby and the Hex Girls were among my biggest animated crushes growing up! Your videos are great and I hope you're doing well, Kiki! 😊👍❤️

[@ericviera5120]

I remember watching the premier of this movie with "The Scooby Doo Project," their take on The Blair Witch Project. I was in college at the time and teaching a Zoology lab. Since "The Scooby Doo Project" introduced the cast with their full names, I used that as bonus questions on a test.

[@Primus1243]

"I just want to hug Scooby Doo." In the words of Dean from Supernatural. "I would die for that dog."

[@bryanegelhoffsanimationtec257]

My favorite simply because the Hex Girls made their debut in it.

[@lilakate3743]

The thought of those "could have been" Scooby Doo movie made me for real tear up, why do they have to do our dog dirty like that ? SMH

[@reideley4398]

I love to see you do a video about Scooby Doo and the Legend of the Vampire

[@FergusonFiller]

legend of the vampire is goated

[@matthewwelsh294]

Another movie with the Hex Girls

[@JAKE42]

this and zombie island were my favourite when I was a preteen during the early 2000s loved the Blair Witch sorta vibes both this and zombie island gave (I dunno if the scene in zombie island where Shaggy was crying due to the peppers was in reference to it but definitely gave Heather vibes). Along with the Scooby doo project promos it was a great time being a Scooby fan back in the day

[@PandoraYeet]

The Hex Girls all being my first crush

[@furonguy42]

This film was the main part of the Scooby-Doo franchise I knew growing up, as it was the only Scooby material I had on VHS. I occasionally caught "What's New Scooby-Doo?" On TV, but I had immediate access to Witch's Ghost whenever I wanted, so it remains the first thing I think of whenever the franchise is mentioned. I love so much of this movie, especially the quality of the animation and of course the Hex Girls. The fall vibes of Oakhaven are so immaculate and lovingly animated that the renn faire scenes and feast at the diner were my favorite scenes as a kid, just because of how nicely everything was drawn. That said, I can't fault any of your observations here. Having rewatched it recently, yeah, the pacing is a little slow. The late reveal of the classic style mystery at the 2/3 mark would be fine if the reveal of Ben's true nature had been better foreshadowed, because as it is, the "monster is real" segment feels like it comes out of nowhere with a very abrupt reveal, and yet the face off against Sarah simultaneously feels slow, as the chase sequence with the pumpkins, turkey et al chasing the van feels like it goes on forever; which leaves me unsure whether the film should have been shorter to tighten up the slow segments, or longer to give some of the reveals, investigation and character development more time to breathe and be dwelled on. The thing that caught me most off guard is how Velma immediately flips out at Ben when he reveals Sarah was a witch, even before she's summoned. Isn't Velma supposed to be the skeptic of the group? Why would she care if Ben knew his ancestor was a witch instead of a wiccan when the actual magic has yet to reveal itself?

[@offbeatkiki]

I agree with you on everything!!

[@FabriceHabiyambere-d9u]

@@offbeatkiki Here's how to fix "Scooby-Doo! and the Witch's Ghost" 1: The gang will wear their 1969 clothes and will have like their 1969 personalities. 2: It is a classic Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! mystery. 3: "The monsters is real" gag will not be used. 3: No one will lure the gang into Oakhaven, they will go there themselves. 4: The Mystery Machine will be from 1969. 5: The underscore will be an 90s version of the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! music.

[@digitaltailsmon4096]

I do feel you made and raised some strong points with this video especially with a novel take on the movie I have not scene before. Personally I disagree with a few things namely the idea of the first 2/3 of the movie is just normal Scooby doo ideas. Personally I loved the feel of it and I also love the tourism angle. It's something Mystery Inc did and I found it be interesting in both this movie and the show as a way to make people a little better for doing these monster schemes or more realistic. Also I think it is a good fake out to make you less suspicious of Ben and his real plan. As for the romance angel of Velma and him while I do get your understandable reservations with the idea I feel that it makes total sense that it would affect Velma and make her less suspicious of Ben. Also I don't see it as romantic affection as personally I see it as Velma being a fangirl like how she'd be in Lochness Monster and other stories. The wickin stuff is very interesting to hear and makes me curious why no one else has brought this up given the series long long long series of inaccuracies with different cultures which is shocking to see this inaccuracy not being shown. I will say I can't wait for Zombie Island next week even if it over talked about in both the fandom and the world around this time of year.

[@akumakami64]

No, every Scooby fan wants to hug Scooby. To finish off my commentary on this? Witch's Ghost was always my favorite one, right up there with the Aliens one. But the reason you say this feels less than it could be is actually what I did and still do love about it: the dichotomy of the Classic Scooby "guy in a mask" reveal placed directly along side the awesome supernatural magic of Ben and Sarah. The first time I saw it, I thought finding the book was the epilogue, some long ending bit. The first half is classic and funny, but the second half is surprising and awesome. Now, could this have been better? Eh, probably, But I wouldn't change it for the world. Because while I will say its probably not the BEST Scooby Movie, it is the most purely entertaining in my own opinion. And here's the funny part for me. The Hex Girls are honestly a zero factor in this story for me. Don't get me wrong, I see the appeal now and am glad they got put in, but as a kid, their songs were the only interest for me.

[@lucky_lulu317]

When I was younger Zombie Island creeped me out yet it was and still is one of my favorite Scooby Doo movies. 😊

[@MirandaTheInkling34]

As someone who grew up watching The Witch's Ghost on DVD i can agree with you Kiki, i really liked how you explained what the problem was also i FULLY agree that Witch's Ghost is a classic/nostalgic.

[@tommyl.dayandtherunaways820]

I think Alien Invaders (my personal favorite) and Zombie Island aged the best out of the four. Cyber Chase ironically feels the most dated despite its (at the time) high tech premise, but there’s an undeniable charm about its early 2000s internet aesthetic. Witch’s Ghost is a good follow up to Zombie Island, though not without its flaws, as you mentioned here, some aspects, like the portrayal of Wiccans, haven’t aged as well, and the twist of Sarah actually being a witch just seems to fall a bit flat the more I think of it, because it effectively implies that the Salem Witch trials were, in some way, justified. In the end though, these films are all masterpieces and I definitely need to rewatch them all now.

[@decadentgamer3108]

Witch's Ghost was always a mixed bag for me. On the one hand I liked how it was a return to form with the supernatural horror that we got with the first animated film of this 90s Scooby Movie trilogy what with it harboring the mysticism that Zombie Island introduced. It also introduced The Hex Girl who were a neat addition as well. But on the other hand, I totally get where you're coming from with the horrible misrepresentation of the Wiccan religion. I learned more about Wicca and Paganism a couple years back and I was so bewildered how Witch's Ghost totally goofed it up with the whole "must be born a wiccan" and Thorn's "1/16" Wiccan blood" nonsense, like seriously? lol It seems that the director didn't look into the Wiccan religion as much as he should've but it probably didn't help that Wicca was a very niche religious practice in the 90s compared to today which probably played a part in the director not bothering doing in depth research. They really should've though, it worked for The Craft lol. Another issue though on a more minor personal level is the whole Hex Girls = "Goth" thing. Don't get me wrong, I love the Hex Girls and I'm glad they exist but as someone who has been in the Goth scene for 15+ years now, I have to be honest that these characters or rather, how they were hyping them to be was pretty shallow. First the whole "Eco Goth" thing which is not real and they don't even try to define what the hell that is and I can assure you that even within the goth scene, there is no sect of people who are all about nature in such a way. And then their music style which is not goth sounding at all. Again don't get me wrong, the songs are great and catchy as is but as a goth, there's no question that they had a total missed opportunity here where they could've had these characters play a straight up Goth rock song but they didn't and just opted for generic (but still good) alternative rock. But again, that's more of a personal gripe, I still enjoy the characters but just being honest lol. Also I don't get why they have Luna playing keyboard in "Earth, Wind, Fire, and Air", there is no synth keys in that song at all lol. I still have some likeness and nostalgia for the movie but there's no doubt that it could've been better. I just personally accept it as a product of it's time and will continue to watch it every Halloween season lol.

[@taallen334]

In my opinion, Ben had a lot of potential to be an intriguing villain if he was psychologically menacing to any descendants of people who were victims of Sarah Ravencroft and had a ruthless in addition to a murderous reputation for silencing them along with descendants of the folks who turned Sarah over and testified against her during the trial. Especially when the elders of the village would have condemned Sarah to be hanged.

[@footh1013]

I'm glad you mentioned the Wicca inaccuracies, it was the reason I believed for a long time that Wiccans were "good witches" and witches/warlocks were "bad witches" 😂 This movie is still a major part of my childhood, so I have good memories of it

[@MorganMalfoy13]

That's probably a lasting effect of the Satanic Panic in the US. Wiccans themselves avoided the term "witch" because of fears of actual jail time. They tried their best to connect wicca to "good magic" as opposed to witches "who did satanic magic". The Satanic panic was truly a terrifying time to live in for pagans and witches. Younger pagans didn't live in that time, but you can still see shadows of it in older books. The writers probably saw that and took it not as an avoidance of prison and abuse, but as a fact.

[@devernepersonal3636]

This movie is the best of both worlds. it would have been better if it had been fully dark. but it was a good movie. lol if this came out today, it's quality would be a million times worse and scooby would be speaking perfect english as he often does now, so thank everything it came out in 1999

[@snusnuterrordome]

The only thing wrong with this movie is that there isn’t more of it

[@greekgamer6706]

This series has made me want to rewatch them all again

[@mintysquidz]

All four of these Scooby movies were hella nostalgic for me as a kid. Witch's Ghost, while far more problematic on rewatch, was my all time favorite Scooby movie. I would watch it so much with my sister and it's honestly what really got me into researching and better understanding Wicca as an actual spiritual practice. Also, it really awoke my love of the goth aesthetic (along with many other badass women in cartoons at the time as well lol). The Hex Girls and the fall vibes are straight up why this movie is so nostalgic for me and to see the Hex Girls get reused in modern Scooby media is so great. With that being said, I really appreciate being able to look back at this movie and be critical of it. Loved your video and how you articulated the unfortunate circumstances that the writers had to go through with this and Cyberchase in your other video. WB has constantly shot themselves in the foot when it comes to their biggest IPs and its so wild to hear how they keep doing it. Also hearing that the Zombie Island team wanted to make these movie as a career but weren't able to use hella sad. Thank you for this critical but completely fair and valid take on these movies. Excited to hear you talk about Zombie Island next!

[@millieboon]

I love the animation how it looks more detailed and they changed some of the designs a bit , I love the which’s ghost and cyber chase

[@BlythePennyBicycle21]

There is still some executive meddling in the films these days, as mentioned in interviews with Tim Sheridan (Curse Of The 13th Ghost), Jeremy Adams (Return To Zombie Island), and Maxwell Atoms (Happy Halloween Scooby Doo). I'd say the films after eased up on it.

[@hellraiserward]

omg the cartoon network cartoon theatre advert just triggered that nostalgia massively.

[@5Detective]

I think this is probably your funniest video yet*- solid jokes throughout. *I should clarify, *of this series so far*

[@offbeatkiki]

that means a lot more to me than you'd think :')

[@nathanlobono5818]

That laugh at 4:20 gave me life. That was so good.

[@offbeatkiki]

that command and conquer clip is already so funny to me on its own! it's one of my favs

[@seancass2210]

I find it quite annoying how people get angry at others criticizing versus things saying "how dare you talk bad about something from my childhood ". Empirical analysis is important for understanding and can give a greater appreciation or new perspective on something and the notion that to criticize somthing means you hate it, makes no senseand is actually quite the opposite. People usually only criticize somthing they like or have a vested interest in and simply want the best for their favorite caricters or intellectual property.

[@lildominator2953]

Despite the flaws people have with this one. It's always gonna be my favorite. I have a genuine love for witch stories and wicca stuff regardless of the fact it may not be entirely accurate. The art style in the movie I love, and Tim curry of course is wasy excellent. Plus goth women are just a heart throb for me

[@celebrityguest.9530]

you're so right omg????? like anytime i turn on this movie i go into it expecting something so much better than it ends up being, the hex girls and ben MAKE this movie but like.. that's just it. they're all there really is to the movie that's memorable and they're not on screen enough to even make it worth it

[@SpidermansSymbiote]

I totally wanna hug Scooby Doo!

[@TomnTammi]

As somebody who has studied Wicca I found that this cartoon missed the mark but then again how many times did a Scooby Doo get really anything correct. I thank you that you did a splendid job and I hope that you don’t stop. You are excellent at what you do. Please keep up with the great work. Blessed Be.

[@Bizcachi]

Great video! I agree with this entry not being as good as i remember due to the lack of spooks at the end but it's still very dear to me bc of the fall vibes and the nostalgia (mostly for the ending)

[@offbeatkiki]

valid

[@nemtudom5074]

Out of the big 4, this is the only one i didnt see as a kid, and watching it as an adult for the first time, my god, that act 3 really goes dark *I love it!* That being said, this is still an excellent movie, even with all its flaws

[@puppymcpupsters]

At this rate the video on Zombie Island is gonna drop on Halloween and frankly I've got tingles up and down my spine at the thought of that

[@razkable]

Zombie island has the perfect Halloween vibe for a kids film...should be seen annually like the Charlie Brown Christmas special

[@puppymcpupsters]

@@razkable I watch it ever year on Halloween and only on Halloween and also sometimes during the summer look man I love this movie ok don't judge me

[@jeremybowser7690]

Hak, kiki. Respect. When I caught that connection to Ben's voice actor, I had the same reaction! :D

[@jameskent5347]

Hey just found your channel and love it. I loved these movies as a kid but funny enough I remember being very confused when one of the Hex Girls said she was 1/16th Wiccan. I was aware of what Wicca was so for me my thoughts when that came up were. “How can you be 1/16th of a religion?”

[@ZekromAndYugiAndDrago123]

Fun Fact: I actually had Scooby Doo and The Witches Ghost on DVD so I watched it pretty religiously, so much so it got scratched from overuse

[@nemtudom5074]

You saying 'mommy' and laughing when you found out its Tim Curry is so adorable!

[@Zeldafan1ify]

not them thinking zombie island was too much for little kids while 6 yr old me thoroughly enjoyed the heck out of it 😂

[@Athesies]

So stoked for the zombie island video! Been loving this series so far, it's fun to see a KZbinr I enjoy watching have similar nostalgic appreciation to stuff I grew up with

[@Dresthatguy-t1n]

When she said "MOMMY" I cackled my ass off 😂

[@austinmccormick8952]

I personally love when there are real monsters or creatures in something of Scooby-Doo

[@nappyk96]

I don't know if it's just nostalgia or what but I remember really liking witches ghost the best out of all the 4 main Scooby Doo movies they made in between 1998 and 2001. The problems brought up with it are valid and I'd probably agree with them if I went back and watched the movie now as an adult I just wanna keep some of the magic of how good I remember it being alive so I don't think I'll be rewatching it. P.S Thorn was my first fictional crush (or at least the first I can remember) so I'd rather not ruin the nostalgic feeling I have for that character either. P.P.S Zombie Island is good and all but I think it's still just my second favorite out of the 4 movies at least going off memory and nostalgia for movies I haven't seen in close to 20 years now.

[@fullmetal848]

I love that clip you did with the " I am escaping to the one place has not been corrupted by capitalism. THE BOOK!"

[@mad_quack]

As a kid, like a young child, I watched zombie island on repeat

[@valerievargas1548]

The Hex Girls appeared in What's New Scooby Doo at one point and also in Mystery Incorporate.

[@matthewwelsh294]

And Legend of the Vampire and Guess Who

[@detch9807]

I think this KZbin channel is underappreciated

[@bebecranney8740]

I agree after seeing all the hype around this film I was disappointed when I saw it the first time. Feels nice to know I'm not the only one.