Another hard-to-find Disney title.
Now that Under Wraps (1997) is finally available to stream on Disney+ for the first time, fans of classic Disney Channel Original Movies have another reason to revisit the network’s nostalgic ’90s era. But the arrival of one long-overdue title raises an obvious question: When will Tower of Terror (1997) receive the same treatment?
Based on the popular Disney theme park attraction of the same name, Tower of Terror is a made-for-television horror-fantasy film that premiered on the Disney Channel in 1997. The movie stars Steve Guttenberg as Buzzy Crocker, a struggling journalist who investigates the mysterious disappearance of five people from a Hollywood hotel elevator in 1939. Kirsten Dunst co-stars as his niece, Anna, who helps him uncover the truth behind the hotel’s dark history.
The film draws heavily on the eerie atmosphere and supernatural mythology of the original Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Its haunted hotel setting, ghostly residents, and mystery surrounding the vanished guests give it a distinctive place among Disney’s more unusual television productions of the decade.
Despite its nostalgic appeal, however, Tower of Terror remains surprisingly difficult to watch legally. The film has never received a widely available streaming release, leaving fans largely dependent on physical media. For those who want to own a copy on DVD, you can find them for around $20 to $40 on Amazon.com, depending on condition and seller.
That price isn't outrageous for a hard-to-find Disney title, but it is a frustrating barrier for a made-for-TV movie that originally aired decades ago. The film is also far from a forgotten masterpiece. Its storytelling can be clunky, and its modest production values occasionally show their age. Still, Tower of Terror has a creepy atmosphere that makes it an enjoyable watch, particularly for viewers who appreciate vintage Disney television, supernatural mysteries, and the spooky appeal of the original theme park attraction.
Its connection to a beloved Disney destination also makes its continued absence from streaming especially puzzling. With Disney+ serving as a home for much of the company's film and television library, adding Tower of Terror would be a welcome move for longtime fans and a new generation of viewers curious about Disney's darker, more offbeat productions.
The recent arrival of Under Wraps demonstrates the appeal of bringing older Disney Channel titles back into circulation. Whether that will translate into a streaming release for Tower of Terror remains unclear, and Disney has not announced a release date.
For now, fans hoping to revisit the haunted Hollywood hotel will have to keep waiting, or hunt down a DVD. Given the film's cult appeal and its connection to one of Disney's most iconic attractions, Tower of Terror deserves another chance to haunt audiences. Hopefully, Disney+ will open its doors to this long-overlooked gem sooner rather than later.