Special Effects-Hocus Pocus

  

Hailey Spencer  

Film Appreciation 

FILM 115-IN1

Professor Trevor 

October 13th, 2025 


    One of my favorite Halloween movies to this day is Disney's Hocus Pocus. I will never forget how much I enjoy the Sanderson sisters and their performance by actors Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. Their scenes are some of my favorites in the film especially when they perform "I Put a Spell on You" to hypnotize and distract the adults at the Halloween party. Despite watching this film numerous times, I didn't know much about the various special effects it utilizes. I was familiar with the use of some effects like computer generated imagery, but I knew little about the process of creating them as well as some of the practical effects. After watching an episode of VFX Geek, reading an article, and watching a behind the scenes video about the making of the film, I learned more about some of the special effects present in the film and the time and effort involved to create them. 

    One example of a special effect used in this film is the use of a blue screen for the flying sequences. Whenever the Sanderson sisters are flying on their brooms, blue screen technology is utilized to create the illusion of them soaring through the air. The actresses playing the Sanderson sisters were filmed on brooms against a blue backdrop that was later digitally replaced during post-production. To achieve this effect, they were suspended from wire rigs to create the illusion of flight. Additionally, miniature puppets were used to represent the witches and the VFX team did their best to ensure the transitions between the puppet shots and the blue screen were practically invisible. 

    Another example is the use of CGI when Thackery Binx is turned into a black cat by the Sanderson sisters. According to episode 9 Computer Graphics Techniques by VFX Geek, Disney hired a now defunct visual effects company, Rhythm & Hues, to create a visual utilizing photo realism. The cat needed to have a realistic body but a head that was replaced with CGI whenever it was talking. To achieve this effect a live cat actor was filmed and a computer generated head was later added on. To better aid the animators, a clay model of the cat's head was created and later traced into the computer creating a 3D wire framed model. This allowed the animators to fully manipulate the model and make it appear like the cat was actually talking. 

    Lastly, there is the use of practical effects like prosthetics for the zombie Billy Butcherson. Actor Doug Jones, who played the character, had to wear foam latex prosthetic makeup that covered his entire face and neck. To make it appear like his mouth was stitched shut, nylon cording was attached to the prosthetic using an adhesive. For the scene where the moths fly out of his mouth, the filmmakers placed live moths and dirt into a latex pouch (Schaefer). During the filming of the scene, Jones used a knife to cut the stitches on his prosthetic mouth and the moths flew out of the latex pouch attached to dentures to ensure he wouldn't accidentally swallow any of the insects. 

    Ultimately, Hocus Pocus would not be the Halloween cult classic that it is today if it weren't for its use of various special effects. The use of CGI, practical effects, and blue screen technology all contributed to making the world within the film feel not only magical but fantastical. From the realistic, withered, and decomposing appearance of the prosthetics used for the zombie Billy Butcherson to the CGI cat head, the combination of techniques benefited the film greatly. They helped create a spooky and incredibly memorable atmosphere that is not only nostalgic but fun to watch. These techniques allowed the filmmakers to bring this whimsical and magical version of Salem to life and will continue to be watched every Halloween for generations. 

                                                                         Works Cited

Mr.Reto2812. “Making Of: Hocus Pocus (1993).” YouTube, YouTube, 14 Oct. 2014, www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LEBXOMfSKE.

Schaefer, Sandy. “Star Trek’s Doug Jones Pulled off a Disgusting Practical Effect for Hocus Pocus.” SlashFilm, SlashFilm, 11 May 2024, www.slashfilm.com/1579992/hocus-pocus-billy-moths-real-doug-jones-star-trek/.

VFX Geek. “Movie Magic HD Episode 09 - Computer Graphic Technics.” YouTube, YouTube, 29 June 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEkmDECUBGE&t=297s.






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