Media

Home Theater Movie Renter's Guide - October, 2012

"Hocus Pocus" (Blu-ray) - Reviewed by Jim Milton

Synopsis

Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker play three resurrected witches who wreak havoc on a town 300 hundred years after they were hanged. With just the right mix of “scary” and “fun”, three present day (1993) kids have got to find a way to rid the town of these witches before sunrise or risk having the life sucked out of the town’s children. With the help of a talking cat named Binx and a zombie, they find that sunrise can not come soon enough.

Commentary

In the 1600s, the Sanderson sisters bewitched people. The three aging women, lusty Sarah, plump Mary, and wicked Winifred, were particularly fond of performing a certain spell that would keep them alive and young forever, by sucking the life out of children. This happens within the first 5 minutes of the movie and sets a rather ugly tone from which the film never really resolves. I also felt that a few bawdy references might make some parents uncomfortable while watching this with their youngsters. I mean, even the little girl knows what a “virgin” is and the bus driver hitting on the “hot” witches was unnecessary. Anyway, due to some of the more scary situations, I think this film is appropriate for the 8 and older crowd.

Technical

The special effects actually hold up well for the age of the movie. The flying witches look like they really are flying. Overall PQ is good with vibrant colors and pretty good detail. Crushing was noted in the zombie resurrection scene, but it is forgivable. Sound was lush and lively with occasional deep bass. Surrounds are used generously. Dialog was always distinguishable.

Extras

All of the extras magically disappeared as there are only a few previews of other Disney flicks.