It feels almost quaint now, looking back, but there was a time before the Disney Channel Original Movie became a full-blown phenomenon, churning out slick musicals and teen star vehicles. Before all that, there was a first spark, a test run wrapped in bandages and charmingly low-budget spookiness. That spark, my friends, was 1997’s Under Wraps, a film that might not have the high gloss of later DCOMs but possesses a simple, heartfelt magic that feels perfectly preserved from the VHS era. It wasn't just a movie premiering on the Disney Channel; according to the network itself, this unassuming mummy adventure was the very first official DCOM, paving the way for decades of tween entertainment.
An Accidental Awakening
The premise is pure kid-adventure gold: Marshall (Adam Wylie, familiar to many from TV's Picket Fences), Gilbert (Mario Yedidia), and Amy (Clara Bryant) are three twelve-year-olds navigating the usual trials of adolescence and a shared love for horror movies. Their lives take a decidedly unusual turn when they discover a sarcophagus hidden in the basement of a creepy old house just before Halloween. Naturally, through a clumsy accident involving moonlight and an ancient amulet (as these things often happen), they bring the mummy inside back to life. Dubbing him "Harold," the kids quickly realize their bandaged new friend is more clumsy goofball than terrifying monster, and they take it upon themselves to protect him from nefarious collectors and return him to his sarcophagus before midnight on Halloween, lest he turn to dust.
Director Greg Beeman, who would later helm episodes of genre staples like Heroes and Smallville, keeps the tone light and adventurous. There's a delightful earnestness to Under Wraps. It’s not trying to be overly clever or edgy; it’s content being a sweet, slightly spooky romp. The scares are gentle, perfectly pitched for a younger audience discovering the fun of a mild fright. Remember that feeling? When a jump scare was more likely to make you giggle than scream? Under Wraps captures that innocent thrill beautifully. The screenplay, co-written by Don Rhymer (who later penned animated hits like Rio) and Mark Hofeling (fittingly, a prolific Production Designer on many subsequent DCOMs, including the High School Musical series), sticks to a classic kids' adventure formula, but it does so with genuine warmth.
More Than Just Gauze and Goofs
The young cast carries the film with infectious enthusiasm. Adam Wylie as the horror-obsessed Marshall, Mario Yedidia as the more cautious, hypochondriac Gilbert, and Clara Bryant as the pragmatic Amy form a believable trio. Their bickering and bonding feel authentic, grounding the fantastical elements. But the real heart, surprisingly, lies within the bandages. Harold the Mummy is played with wonderful physical comedy by none other than Bill Fagerbakke – yes, the voice of Patrick Star himself from SpongeBob SquarePants! Though mostly mute beyond grunts and expressive gestures, Fagerbakke imbues Harold with a surprising amount of personality and pathos. He’s clumsy, confused, and utterly endearing, making the kids' (and the audience's) desire to protect him completely understandable.
Retro Fun Facts: Unwrapping the First DCOM
Being the first official DCOM makes Under Wraps a fascinating piece of television history. It reportedly had a modest budget, even for TV movies of the time, which adds to its charm. Filmed primarily in Chico, California, it has that distinct late-90s small-town feel. The practical effects used for Harold, while simple by today's standards, are part of the appeal – there’s a tactile quality to his design that CGI often lacks. It wasn't a ratings juggernaut initially, but its status as the DCOM progenitor gives it a special significance. It’s fun to think that Mark Hofeling, who helped design the look of this foundational film, would go on to shape the visual identity of so many iconic DCOMs that followed. The fact that Disney chose to remake Under Wraps in 2021 speaks volumes about the original's simple, enduring appeal.
Why It Still Holds Up (In Its Own Way)
Let's be honest, Under Wraps isn't high art. Some of the acting from the adult supporting cast is a bit broad, the plot logic occasionally stretches thinner than old gauze, and the production values scream "late 90s TV movie." But that’s precisely why it resonates with those of us who remember that era fondly. It’s earnest, unpretentious, and focused purely on delivering a fun, family-friendly adventure with a touch of Halloween spirit. It lacks the cynicism that can sometimes creep into modern kids' entertainment. There's a sweetness here, a belief in friendship and doing the right thing, that feels genuinely refreshing. Watching it feels like revisiting a simpler time, perhaps one where you huddled around the TV with siblings or friends, maybe with a bowl of popcorn, completely caught up in the quest to save Harold.
### Final Verdict
Under Wraps is a delightful slice of 90s nostalgia, a gentle gateway horror flick for kids, and a significant milestone in Disney Channel history. It’s funny, heartwarming, and captures that specific brand of innocent adventure that feels increasingly rare. While it might not boast dazzling effects or complex storytelling, its charm is undeniable, carried by a likable young cast and the surprisingly expressive performance of Bill Fagerbakke beneath the bandages. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest stories, told with heart, are the ones that stick with you.
Rating: 7/10 - This score reflects its immense nostalgic value, genuine charm, and historical significance as the first DCOM. It's not a technical marvel, but it perfectly achieves its goal of being a fun, heartwarming family adventure, earning it a solid place in the VHS Heaven library for its pure, unadulterated 90s spirit.
It’s the kind of movie that makes you wish you could stumble upon a friendly mummy in your neighbor’s basement – minus the potential dusting part, of course. A true Halloween treat from the golden age of TV movies.