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 home video and cable television, becoming a genuine seasonal touchstone for a generation of viewers. Its blend of comedy, light horror, and practical production design gave it a warmth that has kept it in circulation for decades, and it remains one of the more beloved family films of the early 1990s.

This cell captures Mary Sanderson across three consecutive frames from what appears to be an interior scene, with warm overhead lighting visible in the background. Kathy Najimy's performance as Mary Sanderson is caught mid-expression, moving through a moment of laughter or delight, giving the strip a lively, animated quality that reflects the character's comedic energy throughout the film.