All the details about Tim Burton’s spooky return to his origins.
Few directors manage to leave such a distinctive mark on their films as the great Tim Burton, whose creations have the unique capacity of captivating both adults and children alike. This time, the properly named Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, a sequel to the original film released 36 years ago, hit cinemas and has shaped up to become one of the essentials in Burton’s filmography. The Deetz family, their granddaughter (played by Jenna Ortega,) and the eccentric bio-exorcist Beetlejuice return to this dark, yet childlike and comedic universe.
In an effort to recapture the magic of its predecessor, Beetlejuice 2 avoids the use of modern visual effects, relying instead on traditional filmmaking techniques, handmade sets, and props. This creative decision also led Tim Burton to once again select the little town of East Corinth, Vermont, as the primary setting, which appears in the film under the fictional name “Winter River.” Production, nevertheless, traveled around the world in search of sceneries that could evoke the singular atmosphere so distinctive in Tim Burton’s works.
East Corinth, Vermont
Photo by @dirtandglassWith a population of fewer than 1,500 inhabitants, this small Vermont village became the fictional Winter River, the setting for both Beetlejuice films. Although the filmmakers had initially considered relocating the set to a new location, they ultimately changed their mind after discovering that Winter River had remained virtually unchanged over the decades. They had to tackle, nonetheless, the reconstruction of some specific constructions that had been deteriorating over time.
They rebuilt key sites such as the Deetz house on the hill and the covered bridge. The original structure had been relocated as a shelter at the Northeast Slopes ski area, having been replaced with a larger, modern bridge. Thus, to recreate the 1980s version of Winter River, the filmmakers simply chose to restore parts of the old bridge. Other iconic locations from the first film, like Maitland’s hardware store on the village’s main street, had to be fully replicated due to their poor condition. Despite this, the village’s traditional historic architecture and rural atmosphere helped retain Beetlejuice 2’s distinctive aesthetic.
Temple Dinsley estate, England
Photo by @coomingsoon_itFilming for Beetlejuice 2 moved to England for scenes set in Astrid’s boarding school, with the former Princess Helena College in Hitchin chosen as the location. This historic building, which had been abandoned in 2022 after the school’s closure, was renovated to resemble a typical New England boarding school. The production team revamped the structure to capture the distinct look and feel of an American institution, while preserving its British architecture, enhancing the movie’s atmospheric blend of fantasy and Gothic style.
Buckinghamshire, England
Photo by @justintherouxBuckinghamshire, a county in southeast England, also offered interesting locations from villages such as West Wycombe, especially known for its historic places. Images of its graveyard – present during the funeral scene – were also taken, as well as its church and the Hellfire Caves which constituted an artificial cave system excavated during the 18th century by order of Sir Francis Dashwood, founder of the secret, hedonist society Hellfire Club. The caves, surrounded by legends about supernatural mysteries and secret rituals, bestowed the film with some of its darkest pictures. The interior scenes, nevertheless, were mostly shot at Warner Brothers Studios in Leavesden, England, where it was easier to recreate the New England style.
As an ideal representation of rural England and its rich history, visible on their Georgian architectural gems; West Wycombe attracts millions of visitors every year as well as numerous cinematographic productions. Bridget Jones’ Diary, Cranford, Sense and Sensibility, and Downton Abbey are some of the famous works that use its landscapes.
Melrose, Massachusetts
Photo by @wbpicturesOnly seven miles north of Boston lies Melrose, a town that prides itself as the perfect compromise between the vibrant, fast-paced life of Boston and the peaceful landscapes of its surroundings. Endowed with a rich historical heritage, where grand old Victorian homes embody the crown jewel, Melrose’s quiet streets have served as the backdrop for spooky moments like the Halloween scenes, including trick-or-treating, and the one where Astrid rides her bicycle. Melrose has much more to offer, nevertheless, as it is often visited for the quality of open spaces and forest areas, with Ell Pond Park as a prime example. This picturesque recreational space features a tranquil lake encircled by a path where visitors can lose themselves in contemplation of the local wildlife, like swans and ducks, and the beautiful colors typical of Massachusetts’ autumn.
