This 1993 near-misfire from Disney cried out for a more imaginative director than Kenny Ortega (of High School Musical fame). But it has a saving grace: a wonderful trio of funny actresses—Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, as Salem, MA, sister-witches named the Sandersons, who were put to death in 1693. The mischievous (and not too smart) sisters are accidentally revived 300 years later when a virgin teen boy, Max (Omri Katz), enters their haunted cottage on Halloween night, triggering their return. Magically sapping the youth out of children to keep themselves alive, the Sandersons are on the prowl for kids, and many are on the street in trick-or-treat costumes. Max, his little sister (Thora Birch), and a new girlfriend (Vinessa Shaw) are out to stop them, but have trouble getting anyone to believe their story. Ortega can’t seem to capture any real sense of witch magic, but he does encourage Midler, Parker, and Najimy to be loose with quips, singing, and ding-a-ling antics. Extras include cast and crew commentary, deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes secrets, fun facts and trivia, concept art and storyboards, and a vintage featurette. A strong optional purchase. (T. Keogh)
Hocus Pocus
Disney, 96 min., PG, Blu-ray: $19.99 Volume 33, Issue 6
Hocus Pocus
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