''Witchtrap'' (also known as ''The Presence'') is a 1989 American

supernatural horror film Supernatural horror film is a film genre that combines aspects of horror film and supernatural film. Supernatural occurrences in such films often include ghosts and demons, and many supernatural horror films have elements of religion. Common them ...

written and directed by Kevin S. Tenney and starring James W. Quinn, Kathleen Bailey, and

Linnea Quigley Barbara Linnea Quigley (born May 27, 1958) is an American actress, film producer, model, singer, and author. She is best known as a B-movie actress, and is often referred to as a " scream queen" due to her frequent appearances in low-budget horror ...

. The film follows a team of

parapsychologists Parapsychology is the study of alleged psychic phenomena (extrasensory perception, telepathy, precognition, clairvoyance, psychokinesis (also called telekinesis), and psychometry) and other paranormal claims, for example, those related to near- ...

who attempt to exorcise a haunted inn with the help of a device designed to lure in and trap evil spirits. Despite the film's title, its central villain is a

warlock A warlock is a male practitioner of witchcraft. Etymology and terminology The most commonly accepted etymology derives ''warlock'' from the Old English '' wǣrloga'', which meant "breaker of oaths" or "deceiver" and was given special applicatio ...

. ''Witchtrap'' was released

direct-to-video Direct-to-video or straight-to-video refers to the release of a film, TV series, short or special to the public immediately on home video formats rather than an initial theatrical release or television premiere. This distribution strategy was p ...

Cast

* James W. Quinn as Tony Vincente * Kathleen Bailey as Whitney O'Shay * Judy Tatum as Agnes Goldberg * Rob Zapple as Felix Goldberg * Jack W. Thompson as Murphy * Clyde Talley II as Levi Jackson *

Hal Havins Hal Havins is an American actor known for his roles in horror films such as '' Night of the Demons'' and ''Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama''. Select filmography Film * 1988 ''Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama'' as Jimmie * 198 ...

as Elwin *

as Ginger Kowowski * Kevin S. Tenney as Devon Lauder * J. P. Luebsen as Avery Lauter * Richard Fraga as Amazing Azimov *

Lynn McRee Lynn McRee is an actress known for her role as List of Scream (film series) characters#Maureen Prescott, Maureen Prescott in the Scream (franchise), ''Scream'' film series. Filmography Film References External links

* Nationality mis ...

as Q.T. Secretary

Critical reception

A contemporary review in ''

Variety Variety may refer to: Arts and entertainment Entertainment formats * Variety (radio) * Variety show, in theater and television Films * ''Variety'' (1925 film), a German silent film directed by Ewald Andre Dupont * ''Variety'' (1935 film), ...

'' criticized the film's ending as "cryptic", and noted that the "makeup effects by Judy Yonemoto are okay". In his book ''Creature Features: The Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Movie Guide'', John Stanley wrote that "due to flat, nonatmospheric lighting, mediocre actresses and inadequate effects, ''Witchtrap'' limps along without much conviction." Brian Orndorf of Blu-ray.com called the film "an engaging feature" that "builds to a satisfying grand finale, only making a few missteps in tone and technical achievements", though he noted that "the screenplay's interest in spiritual debates is perhaps better left to a more sophisticated picture".

Home media

In March 2017, the film was restored in 2K and released on

DVD The DVD (common abbreviation for Digital Video Disc or Digital Versatile Disc) is a digital optical disc data storage format. It was invented and developed in 1995 and first released on November 1, 1996, in Japan. The medium can store any kin ...

and

Blu-ray The Blu-ray Disc (BD), often known simply as Blu-ray, is a digital optical disc data storage format. It was invented and developed in 2005 and released on June 20, 2006 worldwide. It is designed to supersede the DVD format, and capable of sto ...

Vinegar Syndrome Cellulose acetate film, or safety film, is used in photography as a base material for photographic emulsions. It was introduced in the early 20th century by film manufacturers and intended as a safe film base replacement for unstable and highly ...

References

External links

* * {{Kevin Tenney 1989 horror films 1989 films American supernatural horror films American ghost films Films about witchcraft 1980s supernatural horror films 1980s English-language films 1980s American films