National Film Vault

FILM NOTES

Hocus Pocus was released by Walt Disney Pictures in July 1993, directed by Kenny Ortega. Though it performed modestly at the box office during its theatrical run, the film found an enduring second life through cable television and home video, becoming a genuine seasonal touchstone for an entire generation of viewers. Its blend of comedy, light horror, and practical effects work secured its place as one of the more beloved family films of the decade, and its cultural footprint has only grown in the years since.

This cell, titled Sarah Sanderson, captures a continuous flight sequence featuring Winifred Sanderson airborne on her broomstick, her large purple cape billowing dramatically against a dark background across three successive frames. The shot showcases the practical in-camera work that defined the film's visual approach, and the deep, saturated purple of the cape against the dark negative makes for a visually striking piece of 35mm from one of the film's most iconic sequences.