From Alchemy to Science: The Evolution of the Magic Box

The concept of a science-inspired magic box combines the wonder and enchantment of magic with the logical and rational principles of science. This unique fusion brings a new dimension to the world of magic, allowing for tricks and illusions to be performed using scientific knowledge and principles. One of the main features of a science-inspired magic box is the use of scientific props and tools to create illusions. These props may include magnets, mirrors, prisms, or chemicals that can produce dramatic reactions. By combining these scientific elements with sleight of hand and other traditional magic techniques, performers can create mind-boggling effects that seem impossible to explain. The science-inspired magic box also encourages a deeper understanding of the scientific principles used in the tricks.

Witch Hazel is simply delighted to be the ugliest witch ever as told to her by her magic mirror. That is until Bugs Bunny shows up trick-or-treating. The mirror mistaking the rabbit's mask for his real face soon rescinds the title that he gave Hazel as ugliest and bestows it on Bugs. Which of course infuriates Hazel to no end. This is another great Looney Tunes short, and while I was never the biggest fan of Witch Hazel, this is one of the best cartoons with her in it. This animated short can be seen on Disc 1 of the Looney Tunes Golden Collection Volume 2. It also features an optional commentary by legendary voice actress June Foray who seems to remember quite a lot. Plus, the short has a musical score and effects only track as well.

We all know Bugs as a trickster, a heckler and a very smart guy who outwits anyone who tries to encroach on his life, but to know him as someone who could actually be frightened for once. Make no mistake, the rolling calf is pure evil and if it so much as breathes on you with its hot breath then all sorts of wickedness is sure to befall you.

The science-inspired magic box also encourages a deeper understanding of the scientific principles used in the tricks. For example, a magician may perform a levitation trick using magnets and explain the magnetic forces at work. This not only amazes the audience, but also educates them about the scientific principles behind the illusion.

User Reviews

The first thing you notice is the great artwork: cool drawings of the inside of the house and great colors. These restoration jobs on the Looney Tunes Golden Collection DVDs are tremendous.

Bugs is out trick-or-treating and, of course, stops at Hazel's house. Bugs is wearing a witch's mask, too. Bugs asks the "lady" if she has anything for a "little witch." Hmmm, thinks Hazel, "I don't remember seeing her at any of the union meetings." Hazel winds up thinking the visitor is so little and ugly - which is a compliment. She winds up trying to find out Bugs' secret to being so ugly.

The humorous dialog making ugly the ideal and beauty the opposite, Hazel then discovering it's not another witch but a rabbit and how she reacts. and those wild colors all make this a lot of fun to watch. It's another Bugs Bunny winner.

"Broom-Stick Bunny" is a memorable Warner Bros. cartoon not for the presence of Bugs Bunny but rather for the presence of Witch Hazel, wonderfully voiced by June Foray. Hazel manages to steal all the laughs away from Bugs, and her best moments occur with her hysterical laugh, matched with some wild gyrations and ubiquitous bobby pins. She also sings her own fractured version of "A Cup of Coffee, a Sandwich, and You" at the opening of this short.

As for that wabbit, it seems as if the Bugs Bunny of the mid-1950s, especially in films directed by Chuck Jones, is quite polished and refined compared to the more prankish 1940s Bugs. As a result, Bugs may at times not be quite as funny as he was a decade earlier, and such is the case with "Broom-Stick Bunny." This is not to say that Chuck Jones was an inferior director. Quite the contrary; Jones deserves a great deal of respect for all that he did for the Warner Bros. cartoon department.

Check out "Broom-Stick Bunny" on Disc 1 of the Looney Tunes Golden Collection Volume 2. And for an added treat, listen to June Foray's audio commentary about her experience as a Warner Bros. cartoon voice artist.

Witch Hazel is simply delighted to be the ugliest witch ever as told to her by her magic mirror. That is until Bugs Bunny shows up trick-or-treating. The mirror mistaking the rabbit's mask for his real face soon rescinds the title that he gave Hazel as ugliest and bestows it on Bugs. Which of course infuriates Hazel to no end. This is another great Looney Tunes short, and while I was never the biggest fan of Witch Hazel, this is one of the best cartoons with her in it. This animated short can be seen on Disc 1 of the Looney Tunes Golden Collection Volume 2. It also features an optional commentary by legendary voice actress June Foray who seems to remember quite a lot. Plus, the short has a musical score and effects only track as well.

To summarise, this short is creepy and fun, and incidentally my personal favourite of the cartoons starring Witch Hazel. The animation here is stunning, and the story is top notch too. Bugs is still great, but it is Hazel who steals the show, her voice, her laugh, her mannerisms are all enough to make her truly memorable. The script is fine, but the sight gags are better I think, with a wonderful(and hilarious) ending. Also the part when Bugs tears up causing Hazel to cry as well almost made me do so too, Bugs's expression was so cute. Mel Blanc excels as always as Bugs, but June Foray steals the show with a bravura vocal performance as Witch Hazel. Overall, really fun to watch. 10/10 Bethany Cox

This is a wonderful followup cartoon for Witch Hazel. In the previous film, Bugs rescued the rather dim Hansel and Gretel from her evil clutches. In this cartoon, Hazel has a new voice (June Foray--also the voice of Rocky Squirrel). Hazel is thrilled that her magic mirror continues to tell her that she is the ugliest of them all. that is until Bugs shows up wearing an ugly witch's mask while Trick or Treating. Hazel thinks Bugs is a real witch and is jealous of her ugliness so she determines to slip this other "witch" a magic potion to make her pretty. Accidentally, Hazel herself swallows the potion and becomes a ravishing lady bunny--at which point she walks off in the sunset with Bugs.

The cartoon is very funny, cute and well-written. A must-see for cartoon fans.

It's Halloween and Witch Hazel is preparing a potion to ensure that she keeps ugly. Meanwhile Bugs is trick or treating dressed as a very ugly witch. When Hazel opens the door to Bugs in costume, she fears that she is not the ugliest witch in the world. When she eventually finds out that Bugs is a rabbit, it only places him in more danger as Hazel needs rabbit to finish her potion.

I have seen several other cartoons with this witch Hazel character in them and I haven't really taken to her as a regular character, although as an one off she can do the job reasonably well. Here the film gets off to a slow start where Bugs is still in costume but gets better when the actual chase begins. The problem is that this chase is left far too late in the film to make up for the lack of good laughs in the first place. The chase has laughs but the fact that it comes late in the game is a letdown.

Bugs does OK in his role and manages to do his usual stuff even if he has more running away to do than he has actual trickery. Hazel is alright but I just don't really like her as I never see her as a character so much as just a big witch stereotype (which is what she is). She gets a few laughs here but her dominant character doesn't really fit with Bugs' style of humour.

Overall this is reasonably funny but inexplicably leaves the good stuff till right near the end of the cartoon instead of spreading it out. One of the better Witch Hazel cartoons, but that really isn't saying a great deal.

Witch Hazel is having some insecurity issues about getting prettier as she grows older and asks her magic mirror if she is still the ugliest witch of them all. The mirror reassures her that she is. That is until a trick-or-treating Bugs Bunny (dressed as a witch) shows up at her house. The mirror then tells Hazel that Bugs is uglier, which just doesn't sit well with our favorite witch. Colorful animation, if a little sketchy for my tastes. Lively music from Milt Franklyn. Wonderful voice work from legends June Foray and Mel Blanc. It's a very funny short with great characters. Probably my favorite Witch Hazel cartoon.

One of the great things about the Looney Tunes cartoons was how they put spins on the real world and popular culture. They do that in "Broom-Stick Bunny", as perpetually cackling Witch Hazel gets all vain about being the ugliest witch of all, and finds that another witch (actually Bugs Bunny in his Halloween costume) is uglier. So, she sets - or rather flies - about trying to get him. But Bugs has his own plans, natch. Most likely involving Hazel's mirror (hint: this mirror is supposed to say that Hazel is the ugliest of all).

So, this might not be the best Looney Tunes cartoon ever, but it's a real pleasure to watch. Mel Blanc and June Foray are a great voice combo.

I agree with the preceding poster: those tears are genuinely moving. We all know Bugs as a trickster, a heckler and a very smart guy who outwits anyone who tries to encroach on his life, but to know him as someone who could actually be frightened for once. wow. A silly 7 minute cartoon and yet I still cry when I see that scene. Even Witch Hazel, who is about to murder the bunny with a huge ax so she can mix him into her caldron, begins to cry. Thankfully, the heavy emotions go pouf. when Bugs tries to comfort the weeping hag with the tea she made. She turns into a hottie witch and the Magic Mirror Man goes after her with lust.

Broom-Stick Bunny (1956)

Witch Hazel is at home on Halloween proud as can be since she's the ugliest woman around. Then there's a knock at the door where another ugly witch is but it turns out to be Bugs Bunny in an outfit. The real witch then decides she needs some rabbit to complete her next meal. This is a pretty good entry with Bugs being at the top of his game and Hazel being a pretty good villain. I'm sure the film could have thrown in more homages to other "scary" type of films but that's just a small issue. Bugs gets a lot of good lines but the real charm of the film belongs to Hazel are her dire need of being ugly. The twist ending is a very nice one and gets the biggest laugh of the film.

"Broom-Stick Bunny" is an American Warner Bros. cartoon from 2956, so this one had its 60th anniversary last year. Looking at the names working on this one (Jones, Pierce, Blanc, Foray), I expected it a good watch and this also has to do with the rating here on IMDb and quantity of votes. This is certainly one of LT's more famous films. But I was disappointed. The first 4 minutes are based on the strange assumption that the female protagonist never heard of Halloween and trick-or-treating and it cannot be saved by a random Snow White reference (the mirror). Afterward, the bunny chase ensues and it is fairly forgettable except for how easy he is to catch for some reason. The final transformation as well as Bugs' phone call also hardly make sense at all, let alone entertain. This is absolutely not a great watch and I am surprised so many find it appealing. Gotta give it a thumb-down. Not recommended. To end the review still on a (somewhat) positive note, I want to say that this is the first film I have reviewed with June Foray in it since her very recent death shortly before her 100th birthday. And even if this one may not have been a quality piece, we should be grateful for the gigantic body of work she left us.

***SPOILERS*** ***SPOILERS*** Broomstick Bunny starts as a chase short set on Halloween with a clever angle; Witch Hazel, who abhors being beautiful, is shocked when another witch (Bugs Bunny trick-or-treating) appears who is even more hideous than her. Hazel tries to feed the witch tea drugged with beautifying potions, but Bugs has to take off his mask first - which causes Hazel to remember a key ingredient in the potion she is mixing.

But Chuck Jones makes this short immortal with a stunning turn of events. Hazel is about to chop Bugs' head off, but we are suddenly treated to a totally unexpected reaction - genuine tears of fright by Bugs. Hazel, seeing the humanity in Bugs' tears, suddenly can't go through with it, as Bugs suddenly reminds her of her beloved pet who is no longer with her.

The comedic punchline then comes when Bugs gives Hazel tea to calm her down - both forgetting it is the beautifying tea that leads to a hilarious aerial chase and Bugs' bemused warning to air-raid HQ.

This is a great cartoon for Halloween, and I love it, and I'm really (and I mean really) into witches.

I like it when Bugs gave Witch Hazel the "puppy eyes" and when he hands her a cup of tea to cheer her up (which is really a beauty potion) and she turns into a beautiful woman. Did you all know that Witch Hazel's voice actress June Foray was the model for "beautiful" Witch Hazel? I had heard it on the audio commentary for this cartoon on the "Looney Tunes Golden Collection: Volume Two" DVD box set.

I also would like to point out that there is another Witch Hazel in the 1952 Donald Duck cartoon "Trick or Treat."

Chuck Jones's 'Broomstick Bunny' is an odd cartoon. Bugs Bunny goes trick-or-treating disguised as a witch, unwittingly stealing the position of "ugliest of them all" from the former holder of the title, Witch Hazel (brilliantly voiced, as always, by June Foray). When she finally realises Bugs is a rabbit, Witch Hazel's thoughts turn to the rabbit's clavicle she needs for her latest potion. With its stylised, scrawled backgrounds, 'Broomstick Bunny' nicely establishes an off-kilter atmosphere and then fails to do much with it. Rather than outwitting his pursuer with his normal brand of heckling, Bugs simply runs for his life throughout the cartoon! At one point, in genuine fear for his life, he cries big, salty tears and it's unclear whether this is part of a ruse or actual emotion but, on the evidence of Bugs's persona in the rest of the cartoon, it would seem to be real. He comes across as a weak, easily tricked character (a carrot on a fishing rod? Come on!) right up until his closing double-pun wisecrack, which is the best thing in the whole cartoon. Although the creepy, angular look of 'Broomstick Bunny' sets up an unsettling atmosphere, the most troubling thing in the film is who exactly this Bugs Bunny impersonator is and what he's done with the real McCoy!

. . . the vast majority of witches were, to quote Dorothy Gale of Kansas, "old and ugly." Glinda the Good Witch of Northern Oz notwithstanding, the tide of Witch Warts & Whiskers never really turned until BROOMSTICK BUNNY, which concludes with the classically ugly Witch Hazel transforming into a cartoon caricature of her Real Life voice artist, young redhead June Foray. It was just a tiny step from Hazel\June to Elizabeth Montgomery's TV Sit-Com role as that Chronic Nose-Twitcher, Samantha Stevens. The rest is History, right down to Charlize Theron and Emily Blunt glamorized to the nines as they duke it out in the current theatrical release, THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER'S WAR. Though Theron and Blunt may not play Quidditch on broomsticks, their Witchy powers far exceed anything that Hermione managed at Hogwarts. Their main bone of contention is the Man in the Mirror, a twin to Witch Hazel's own Looking Glass Guy. The tide of horrid hags with warts & whiskers is bound to sweep back in soon, as the current Reign of Beauty Queen Witches represents Hollywood Lookism at its worst. It's all but certain than President Hillary will issue an Executive Order during her First 100 Days mandating that all future witch roles will put food on the tables of only old and ugly actresses.

This 1956 "Looney Tunes" cartoon short called "Broom-Stick Bunny" is one fun entertaining and clever cartoon that's always a joy when watched. It involves "Halloween" time with Witch Hazel being at her castle and she wants nothing more than to stay ugly, well Bugs is going to her place to trick or treat, and once she finds out he's a real bunny the episode becomes a chase and twist of fighting between pretty looks and staying ugly! The cartoon is funny as the Magic Mirror is the telling tale of the story as wanting to be ugly backfires for the witch! Nice cartoon with a twist!

. . . appearing in general fiction books, magazines and films. From the eponymous ingredients spelled out in FRIED GREEN TOMATOES to the toe jam preparations delineated in THE COOK, THE THIEF, HIS WIFE AND HER LOVER, Tinsel Town has not been shy about documenting the best in Fine Dining (aka, Comfort Food or Good Grub). But what can a gourmand report about BROOM-STICK BUNNY? A partial list of ingredients for Witch Hazel's brew is pictured near the beginning and again in the middle of this brief cartoon. Strangely, such common makings as "3 cups arsenic" and "1 dorsal fin" appear in a different order in these two views of presumably the same page. Is Hazel's cookbook in a constant state of flux, like the pictures decorating the walls at Hog-warts Academy? Only the Mirror knows.

For Witch Hazel (who's all gleeful cackling and flying hairpins) there's nothing more satisfying than being reassured (by the Genie in the magic mirror) that she is, indeed, the ugliest one of all.

Yep. There's no bigger compliment than that for this snaggle-toothed old hag.

And, so (on Halloween night) when an even uglier little witch comes a-knocking at her door (hollering out "Trick or Treat!") you can be darn certain that old Witch Hazel is gonna do everything within the wickedness of her power to reclaim, once again, that crown of supreme ugliness for herself.

Anyway - (IMO) - "Broom-Stick Bunny" may have been a "Bugs Bunny" cartoon, first and foremost - But, with that aside - It was, without question, Witch Hazel (and all of her hysterical histrionics) that stole the show here, over, and over again.

This episode has a good mix of Bugs's antics. Bugs Bunny suffers some indignities and a close shave with death but comes out on top and has the closing one-liner.

The graphics and copy which flash through the episode are hilarious, but easy to miss, starting with Witch Hazel's certificate guaranteeing her identity as a witch and upstanding membership, and which later accords with her comment that she hasn't seen Bugs Bunny, in disguise, at any of the "union meetings".

The reason for the chase and attempted murder of Bugs, all comes down to the witch's Recipe 102, which demands inter alia, swamp water steeped in a skull, a cup of arsenic, diced spider, hornet's heel (3), and a rabbit's clavicle, not foot. Witch Hazel was perfectly willing to co-exist with Bugs, trying to wheedle out his secrets of ugliness, and with attempted reversal of ugliness by a witch's spell, but after all, all's fair in love and witchcraft. It is only that outlandish recipe requirement that leads to the mayhem.

Witch Hazel is a fantastically ugly creature — down to her bulbous nose, the tip of which often creases as it weighs down upon her prominent chin — but you have to study her face.

Her self-conscious laughter at her own running comments is another fine aspect of this episode. For example, after sharpening the knife with which to kill Bugs, she touches the blade, notes that it is "Sharp enough to split a hare". It is not an original pun, but she thinks that it is and then has another giggling frenzy before darting away, leaving a further trail of hair pins in her wake.

Bugs Bunny has frequently had close shaves with death. I'd vote that his tears in this episode were a pre-meditated ruse, even if he were sympathetic and supplied, unknown to him, the 'poisoned' tea to Hazel.

From its first minute, this episode might seem a little bit too cliché and a little bit too boring, yet this episode proves to be a very memorable, entertaining one. This episode has fantastic animation, quotes, laughs and plot turns. It also has an ABSOLUTELY HIDEOUS witch!

Bugs Bunny is trick-or-treating and he happens to arrive in the house of a REAL witch. She invites Bugs Bunny in for tea - thinking that he is actually a witch. The tables begin to turn.

This may not be the most rip-roaring Bugs Bunny episode, in fact some might go even so far as to say it is "dead boring". However, if you look past the slightly slow plot, you will see that this is an episode well worth watching! :-)

This includes one of my favourite Looney Tunes quotes:

Bugs Bunny: (Having just met the witch) She isn't pretty now, but she was someone's baby once.

I recommend this cartoon to anyone who likes Bugs Bunny and for anyone who likes funny Halloween things. Enjoy! :-)

The River Mumma

Moreover, the science-inspired magic box can inspire young minds to develop an interest in both science and magic. It offers an engaging and interactive way for children to learn about scientific concepts and principles, while also experiencing the joy and excitement of performing magic tricks. This approach can potentially ignite a lifelong curiosity and passion for both science and magic. In conclusion, the science-inspired magic box brings together the worlds of science and magic, creating a unique and fascinating form of entertainment. It combines scientific knowledge and principles with traditional magic techniques to create mind-bending illusions. This not only captivates audiences, but also promotes an understanding and appreciation for science..

Reviews for "The Magic Box: Merging Science and Illusion"

1. Jane - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the "Science inspired magic box". The items included were nothing more than simple science experiments that could easily be done at home with basic household materials. I was expecting something more advanced and exciting. The instructions provided were also very basic and lacked detailed explanations. Overall, I feel like I wasted my money on this box and would not recommend it to others.

2. John - 1 star - The "Science inspired magic box" was a complete letdown. The experiments included were extremely basic and not at all what I expected from a science-themed magic box. The materials provided were cheap and low-quality, and the instructions were poorly written and hard to follow. I was hoping for a box that would challenge and engage my child's scientific curiosity, but instead, all we got was a bunch of boring and predictable experiments. Save your money and look elsewhere for a better science kit.

3. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really excited to try the "Science inspired magic box" with my kids, but it turned out to be a major disappointment. The experiments were not well thought out and didn't provide the wow factor that was promised. Additionally, the items included were flimsy and felt like they were going to break easily. The box lacked variety and depth, leaving us wanting more. I would not recommend this box to anyone looking for a truly engaging and educational science experience.

The Enchanted Box: A Journey into the World of Science and Magic