Product Details

• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: A&E Home Video
• DVD Release Date: April 26, 2005
• Run Time: 50 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0007WFULU
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #52,900 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Every October 31 pint-sized ghouls and goblins wander through neighborhoods knocking on doors and asking for treats . . . little do they know they're actually carrying out an ancient tradition dating back thousands of years. Join Harry Smith of CBS's The Early Show as he leads this 3000-year expedition through the history of the characteristically pagan holiday of Halloween. Discover how the "trick-or-treat" custom originated during the harvest festivals in ancient Ireland when food and sweets were used to coax the dead into remaining in the spirit world. Learn how Christianity tried to co-opt the celebration by turning it into All Saints Day but how the underlying--and sometimes controversial--dark elements of the holiday have survived. THE HAUNTED HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN takes a captivating journey through the mysterious tales behind the spookiest night of the year. DVD Features: Interactive Menus; Scene Selection

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 42 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Short but Informative History of Halloween September 19, 2005

By Tim Janson HALL OF FAMETOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:DVD

Like Christmas Unwrapped, this A&E special, which pops up every year around Halloween, is hosted by Harry Smith. It tells the history of Christmas dating from the time of the Druidic festival of Samhain right up to the 20th century. Along the way noted scholars and authors are interviewed as the roots of Halloween are traced over the centuries. Clips from horror films such as Halloween are included. Also discussed is Mexico's Day of the Dead holiday and various cities are visited to explore their Halloween traditions and festivities. It's a bit of a fluffy pieces but it's all good fun and I still enjoy watching it each Halloween season.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Informative! April 4, 2007

By Larry M. Smith VINE™ VOICE

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

The History Channel has always put out some great programs and i think this one was truly the most interesting and informative out of them all on holidays in the USA. Even though, they dont show this very often on History Channel (or any other "Haunted History"), its very rare that you will see it, maybe every now and then, but, not all the time as most reviewers would suggest..just so you know. I would buy this, not just for the information of the History, but, for the rare viewing that it gets. Highly Recommended!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great to view every time Halloween rolls around October 9, 2006

By R. Taylor

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is an interesting and informative documentary that gets you in the spirit of Halloween. A 'must have' for those that love this holiday!!!!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An Awesome Documentary on the holiday 'HALLOWEEN'!!! June 16, 2008

By Pumpkin Man

Format:DVD

If you love history and HALLOWEEN, then this is the treat for you. You see how HALLOWEEN began 3,000 years ago, why we carve pumpkins, why children wear costumes and trick-or-treat, how ghost stories started, etc. It shows how HALLOWEEN looked during the 40's and 50's! (Which is one of my favorite parts!) They even talk about the film, HALLOWEEN. They also show news archives about razor blades in apples, and Devil's Night. I love the HALLOWEEN decorations that they show later in the movie. I highly recommend this HALLOWEEN treat if you love the holiday! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST HAVE July 24, 2006

By Melissa M. Heisler

Format:DVD

LOVE HALLOWEEN AND LOVE THIS DOCUMENTARY. A MUST HAVE FOR ALL HALLOWEEN LOVERS!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and interesting documentary September 28, 2008

By B. Thomas

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought this DVD for myself because I wanted to be able to view it every Halloween. It's just a fun seasonal product. Have some Halloween decorations out, fix a hot toddy, put on some spooky music beforehand to set the mood, pop some popcorn and fix caramel apples, invite the neighbors over and watch this fun, cute documentary. Maybe follow up with a scary movie like 1408.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars 50 minutes of Halloween's fascinating history November 20, 2009

By Joker

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

Narrated by Harry Smith (of CBS's The Early Show), The History Channel's "The Haunted History Of Halloween" is a neat little history of the pagan holiday known as All Hallows Eve, or simply "Halloween". This DVD explores the deep and fascinating history that began 3,000 years ago by the Celtic tribes in Ireland. You'll learn how Christianity became appealing to the Celts and how the new religion had merged with the old religion. You'll learn how the ancient holiday called Samhain was absorbed by the Christians, though many pagans carried on old practices and beliefs under the name "Halloween" rather than "Samhain". The roots of Halloween had been established. Martin Luther also had a huge impact on Christianity and Halloween by starting the Protestant Reformation. The Puritan opposition to Halloween in the American colonies is also discussed. This DVD also discusses the witch hunts of Europe and the American colonies, most notably in Salem, Massachusetts, which were designed to combat witchcraft and paganism. You'll learn how Virginia was the birthplace of American Halloween and how Irish immigrants injected life into Halloween in America. Also discussed is the American pumpkin replacing the Irish turnip for jack-o-lantern carving, the widespread belief in magic and the occult throughout colonial America, and the symbolism of such classic symbols of Halloween as black cats and bats. Also discussed is Mexico's Day Of The Dead on All Souls Day, which combines Christian and pagan elements.

Halloween's popularity fluctuated throughout the twentieth century based on what was going on in America and the world during certain time periods and events. A little place called Anoka, Minnesota is the Halloween capital of the world. The reason? Watch to find out.... Also discussed is the post-World War II baby boomers who embraced Halloween with trick-or-treating and costume parties and are a big reason why Halloween is so popular today. The darker aspects of Halloween are also presented, such as pranks and vandalism, Devil's Night in Detroit, poisoned candy, the huge uptick in horror movie making in the 1970s and '80s, and Christian groups who are anti-Halloween.

The DVD concludes with the reality of today - that Halloween is the second biggest holiday in the U.S. in terms of total sales. A big reason is because the baby boom generation grew up with Halloween in the '50s, '60s, and '70s and liked it, so they have carried that enthusiasm into adulthood by going to costume parties and decorating their homes, etc. They have passed that enthusiasm onto their kids. Generally, these days Halloween is viewed by most people as an opportunity to have a good time, whether they embrace the darker aspects of the holiday or not. Just go to a costume party. You'll see everything from a belly dancer to The Joker to the Grim Reaper to President Obama.

If you want to get educated on the history of Halloween and its fascinating origins, then definitely buy this DVD. You'll gain a greater appreciation for the darkest and funnest holiday of them all, Halloween. Extremely highly recommended. Read more ›

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic primer for those wanting to learn about halloween February 29, 2008

By Douglas Marshall

Format:DVD

Take one part nostalgia and one part history and you get this fantastic DVD. I rented this one on a whim and fell in love. It may not do the same for you- but it perfectly captures the nostalgia of the americanized version of halloween that so many of us love.

But rather than stopping short at being a love letter to October 31st- this documentary is an outstanding starting point for those wanting to learn more about the long and amazing history of the holiday through it's many incarnations. This one doesn't try to be an exhaustive resource- but rather act as a primer and a broad overview.

You will get a background on some of our popular traditions in modern halloween, as well as learn about the miraculous life (and many near deaths) of All Hallow's Eve.

There are a few good laughs, lots of information, and all in a nice easy to digest package. If you enjoy Halloween at all- you can't miss with this one.

In fact- this is one of my dvds i watch when i need a little halloween spirit :)

Well worth the money and time spent.