6.9 | / 10 |
Users | 4.1 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
After three centuries, three witch sisters are resurrected in Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween night, and it is up to two teenagers, a young girl, and an immortal cat to put an end to their reign of terror once and for all.
Starring: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Omri Katz, Thora BirchFamily | 100% |
Comedy | 84% |
Fantasy | 65% |
Holiday | 23% |
Supernatural | 20% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.84:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
French: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps)
Spanish: Dolby Digital 2.0
English SDH, French, Portuguese, Spanish
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
DVD copy
BD-Live
Region free
Movie | 2.5 | |
Video | 3.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 0.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
It’s been surprising to watch “Hocus Pocus” develop a cult following since its release in 1993, amassing a passionate group of fans raised on VHS rentals and routine basic cable showings. It’s a declaration of love that certainly wasn’t there during its initial theatrical run, where the sharp minds at Disney released an exhaustively Halloween-centric story in mid-July, and then seemed surprised when the picture bombed. Any film that displays the ability to rise from the box office ashes and sustain popularity for nearly two decades is a minor cinematic miracle in my book, but I have to wonder, why has “Hocus Pocus” bewitched a vocal minority? A bland, unfunny oddity with overly manic execution and a few strange tonal detours, the feature desires to be a colorful, politely spooky creation, only to elicit blank stares. Perhaps I underestimate the power of its generational hold, yet considering the potential of a broad Disney witch romp, “Hocus Pocus” is an incredibly mediocre movie.
Disney's Halloween extravaganza comes to Blu-ray boasting an AVC encoded image (1.84:1 aspect ratio) presentation. Although working with a varied color palette, the viewing experience is on the slightly softer side, with light filtering pulling out prominent grain, threatening the promise of deep textures during the picture. Detail is moderate, ranging during the run time, finding a few facial close-ups truly expressive, while artificially imagined neighborhood activities don't have a fully enrapturing feel of fabrics and foliage. The witch make-up work also leaves one expecting something more crisply defined, though tighter shots on Midler provide gruesome particulars. Hues look a little muted, only really coming alive during group costume sequences, while the rest of the feature doesn't have the natural snap of color Ortega aims for. Skintones are on the bloodless side. Black levels are satisfactory inside a difficult production that takes place at night, yet distances and interiors are easily read, with only a few moments of crush to contend with. The print looks clean, absent any overt damage.
The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix provides a consistent listening event, maintaining the fantasy mood of the feature with an unexpectedly immersive track. Scoring is prominent throughout, filling the surrounds with a hearty orchestral presence, which sounds full and broad, occasionally dwarfing dialogue exchanges to a minor degree. Performances are securely frontal, finding verbal activity on the thin side, but easily understood, finding competing comedic speeds and group activity adequately separated. Atmospherics are comfortable, with sounds of rushing wind and general witch lair occurrences showing some life, while directional activity is pronounced at times, finding Winnie's demonic voice carrying circular during a few scenes, including an empty high school showdown. Low-end is sparse, rarely engaged.
There are no supplementary features on this disc.
While the script pays attention to the prominent aspects of witchcraft, with living spell books, broomstick flight, black cats, and grotesque faces, there's no overwhelming commitment to a consistent attitude. The script zooms from zany to spooky without much control, keeping the feature winded and, on a few occasions, directionless. The attempt to make a Halloween movie with a dedication to the grim and celebratory elements of the holiday is laudable, yet this idea to monkey around with witches, kids, and Salem deserves a more concentrated approach, focusing on real jokes, bold colors, and a few genuine frights.
25th Anniversary
1993
25th Anniversary Edition | w/ 40 Page Gallery Book
1993
25th Anniversary Edition
1993
25th Anniversary Edition
1993
25th Anniversary Edition
1993
25th Anniversary Edition
1993
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1993
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