The 25th Anniversary Edition of Hocus Pocus available on Digital, Movies Anywhere and Blu-ray 9/2

One quarter of a century ago, three 17^th century witches—Winifred (Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Mary Sanderson (Kathy Najimy)—brewed the perfect magical movie for the whole family: Walt Disney Pictures’ live-action comedy/adventure “Hocus Pocus.” In celebration of the film’s silver anniversary, “Hocus Pocus” is being re-released to home audiences with a spellbinding new way to experience the film: the Trivia and Treats Edition. On Sept. 2, fans can watch it instantly on Digital and Movies Anywhere, and bring it home on Blu-ray.

“The 25^th Anniversary Edition of “Hocus Pocus” includes the original theatrical film and the We ︎ Hocus Pocus: Trivia and Treats Edition, featuring pop up video extras including fun facts, trivia, deleted scenes, cast and crew commentary, and behind-the-scenes secrets”… The Multi-Screen Edition of “Hocus Pocus” includes a Blu-ray and Digital Code giving viewers the flexibility to watch the film on different devices.

In “Hocus Pocus,” the Sanderson sisters are in for a devil of a time when their restless spirits are accidentally conjured up on Halloween night, in 1993 Salem, Massachusetts. Banished 300 years ago for practicing their sorcery, this trio of triple-threat demons vowed to one day reappear—and now they’re back—weaving an outrageous web of comedy and chaos. However, to guarantee their immortality, the things they need are the very things that could bring them down: Max Dennison (Omri Katz), his little sister Dani (Thora Birch), and the Allison (Vinessa Shaw), three kids with the power to make or break the witches’ spell. The film is directed by Kenny Ortega (“Hull High,” “High School Musical” series) from a screenplay by Mick Garris (“Sleepwalkers,” “Critters 2”) and Neil Cuthbert (“The Adventures of Pluto Nash,” “Mystery Men”) and a story by Kirschner (“Frailty,” “An American Tail”) and Garris.

My Thoughts

I can't believe it's been twenty-five years since Hocus Pocus was first released. I was a senior in high school when it first came out, so I was just about the same age as Max.  I went to see this film six times in theaters (movies didn't cost as much back then!). Decades later, it's still my favorite Halloween film.

If you aren't familiar, Hocus Pocus, its the story of three sister witches. They are hung for their crimes, but before they die, they lay down a curse on Salem and promise they will return. Fast forward to the 1990s, and a virgin lights a candle in their old house on All Hallow's Eve. Poof! The witches are back and ready to devour the children of Salem. Max, his sister, his would-be girlfriend, and a cursed puritan who was turned into a cat two-hundred years ago (portrayed by Sean Murray, no less), are the only people who can save the town.

I love everything about this movie. I love the Sanderson sisters and their unique personalities. I love the zombie ex-boyfriend. I love when they curse the whole town with a song. While it should be corny, it's not. It's a fun movie that has become a classic. I don't know anyone who doesn't sit down and watch at least once in October. This year, I'll be enjoying it a little early along with my black cat Onyx. Binx is his favorite character.

My DVD copy of this movie is getting pretty worn, so I was thrilled to see it was available on Blu-ray. It's only $9.99 on Amazon, which is a great price for a classic film everyone should have in their library.