Witchcraft DVD: Rebirth of the Old Religion
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Author: Raymond BucklandAudio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Format: Audiobook, NTSC
Published: 2005-06-30
Studio: Llewellyn Publications
DVD Reviews of Witchcraft DVD: Rebirth of the Old Religion
DVD Review: Footnote to the Wiccan Movement
Summary: 2 Stars
Llewellyn has placed some of their older VHS titles on DVD. First I want to discuss production quality. The DVD portions that are newly recorded look very good. We see Mr. Buckland as he appears today, along with some included footage of some folks doing a traditional celebration. The older material looks like it was transferred direct from tape to DVD. A bit fuzzy, not as clear as we are accustomed to from direct to DVD recordings. Some areas of the recording show the old "tracking lines" from the tapes. Sound recording quality was poor. None the less, it was viewable.
As for the content, this is the original VHS Witchcraft:Yesterday and Today, produced in 1990. Mr. Buckland uses the terms witchcraft and Wicca interchangeably, and witchcraft is a religion. He then goes through some interesting "history". He references some archeological evidence and anthropological theories to give some credence to his version of what was going on 2,500 years ago to the present day. Some of his information is based on actual research; some of it may be his own interpretations of some customs or events. There is definitely a "Wiccan" spin. This is typical of Llewellyn, as they have taken much time and effort to inform and educate the public about our ways and the ways of witchcraft and Wicca. Raymond Buckland was chosen as the "ideal star" for this production, as he sounds and looks like the atypical professor in a college classroom. But his delivery was not all that "magical".
There are visual aids included in the work to give the viewer a basis from which to work; pictures of what is being discussed, tables referencing the discussion and many enactments of various modern day rituals. There is some history of Gerald Gardner. He also makes note of his own linage and how he introduced Wicca to the United States. Buckland takes the "us and them" approach to how witchcraft has been defamed. This needs to be taken in context of why this production was made to begin with. The ultimate purpose was to give outsiders an idea of who we are, via a "documentary" style production, sounding official, and providing information against misinformation.
There is a section on practices that is based on Traditional rituals and practices. There is a discussion on clothing, clothing optional and "skyclad". Then we have jewelry, tools, altar setup, calendar, Wiccan Rede, initiation, self initiation and more. Mr. Buckland presents himself as an expert on the entire matter. Well, yes, he is, of his own Seax Wiccan Tradition.
The material is dated and the practices presented are not of all witches, pagans or Traditions, the ideas are not of all practitioners and there was way too much material here for most of the general public. It is an overview of a particular segment of Wicca and it got very detailed where it didn't need to be. To be honest, the whole production was too long, painfully tedious in some parts and I found myself wanting to cut Mr. Buckland short. But I sat through it for the reviews sake.
There is extra "new material" on the DVD. There is a making of the production: rehearsals and shoots. Buckland gives an "update on Wicca" discussing how many folks have found their way to this new path. There are also deleted scenes, picture gallery, "Music Videos" and a Raymond Buckland biography. To be honest, the music was not all that great to begin with and the recording quality took away any redeeming qualities. Sorry, but there was not much here of real interest. It is very dated and only of interest if you were actually in the video, in my opinion. I had hoped the bloopers would be funny. Tongue tripping and reading issues was all that was presented and nothing really worth mentioning, unless you want to gaze at Mr. Buckland's "deer in the headlights" face as he fumbles his lines.
If you are curious about the original production, or if you are a collector of this material, or maybe a real Raymond Buckland fan, this will be of interest to you. I found it to be a piece of history, of a time period and of an attempt to shed some light on the mysteries of "Wicca" and witchcraft for general consumption. But much of the material is now dated, the original attempt was not as good as it could have been, and Mr. Buckland, while a prominent figure, part of Llewellyn's well known authors group, and a founder of a Wiccan Tradition, was not a very good choice for this documentary in my opinion. The whole production lacks an upbeat and friendly feeling, is spun very pro-Wiccan and whatever was left is wasted by bad production.
Fifteen years later, the face of the Pagan Community has changed dramatically, and this is but a recorded footnote. boudica
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Description of Witchcraft DVD: Rebirth of the Old Religion
A new look at the Old Religion-now available on DVD!Despite horrible abuse and repression, Witchcraft has managed to survive for centuries. Wiccan Priest Raymond Buckland traces the roots of pre-history Wicca to its modern-day practice in his enlightening Witchcraft documentary-now digitally re-mastered and available on DVD!
This updated release features an actual coven of Witches in action, performing rituals of old. Witness a "Self Dedication Ritual," uncover the mysteries of the Sacred Circle, and learn why the "Craft of the Wise" is still attracting a dedicated following today.
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