Okay, settle in, maybe grab a Crystal Pepsi if you can find one, because we're rewinding the tape back to a time before the TGIF theme song lodged itself permanently in our brains. Remember flicking through channels, maybe landing on Showtime, or browsing the "New Releases" shelf at Blockbuster and stumbling upon a familiar name with a slightly unfamiliar feel? That's where many of us first met a certain blonde teen discovering her magical heritage in the 1996 TV movie, Sabrina the Teenage Witch. It’s the bewitching blueprint, the spell before the sitcom storm, and a fascinating little piece of 90s nostalgia all its own.
### The Original Incantation
Long before the rapid-fire gags and the iconic sitcom aunts we came to adore, this earlier vision introduced us to Sabrina Spellman, played by the already-familiar face of Melissa Joan Hart, fresh off her run explaining it all as Clarissa Darling. Here, Sabrina arrives in the quaintly named Riverdale (a nod to its Archie Comics origins) to live with her eccentric aunts, Hilda (Sherry Miller) and Zelda (Charlene Fernetz). The setup feels familiar: turning sixteen means inheriting latent magical powers. But the feel of this movie, directed by Tibor Takács – who genre fans might remember gave us the surprisingly creepy 80s horror gem The Gate – leans more into teen drama territory than outright comedy. There's a sweetness, sure, but also a slightly more grounded, almost earnest approach to Sabrina's bewilderment and burgeoning abilities.
### High School Hexes and Heartthrobs
The central plot revolves around Sabrina navigating the usual high school anxieties, amplified by her newfound secret. She’s got her eye on Seth, the BMOC with floppy 90s hair, played by none other than a very young, pre-superstardom Ryan Reynolds. Yes, that Ryan Reynolds! Seeing him here is a trip in itself. Sabrina, wanting to catch his attention, naturally turns to a little magical assistance, leading to the expected comical complications and moral lessons. It’s classic teen movie fare, elevated by the supernatural twist. The stakes feel appropriately high-school-level – winning the cute boy's affection, fitting in, dealing with the resident mean girl, Katie La More (Lalainia Lindbjerg). It captured that universal feeling of wanting things you couldn't quite have, only Sabrina had a potential shortcut... that usually backfired spectacularly. I remember watching this and thinking how cool it would be to have just a little magic to navigate those awkward teen years, even if it meant occasionally turning your rival into a pineapple (Spoiler Alert: that doesn't happen here, but the potential felt real!).
### Before They Were Sitcom Stars
While Melissa Joan Hart is instantly recognizable and slips comfortably into the role that would define a huge chunk of her career, it's fascinating to see the different interpretations of her aunts. Sherry Miller's Hilda and Charlene Fernetz's Zelda offer a slightly less zany, perhaps more traditionally witchy vibe than Caroline Rhea and Beth Broderick would later embody. They provide guidance, but the dynamic feels distinct. And then there's Salem. Oh, Salem. Voiced here by Nick Bakay (who thankfully carried over to the series), the animatronic cat puppet used in the movie... well, let's just say technology has come a long way. It has a certain low-budget charm, bless its heart, but lacks the expressive sassiness the improved sitcom puppet would later nail. It’s one of those delightful quirks that firmly plants this movie in its mid-90s TV movie context.
### Retro Fun Facts: The Pilot Spell
This movie wasn't just a standalone adventure; it was produced by Hart's own mother, Paula Hart, through her production company Hartbreak Films, specifically as a pilot for Viacom, intended for Showtime. Its success directly led to the greenlighting of the ABC (and later WB) sitcom series we all know and love. While writers Barney Cohen, Kathryn Wallack, and Nicholas Factor penned this initial script, the series would, of course, evolve significantly under different creative guidance (Nell Scovell developed the series). It’s fun to spot the differences: Harvey Kinkle (Tobias Mehler) exists here, but he’s more of a sweet, secondary friend-zoned character compared to Seth's main crush status. The tone, the pacing, even the look of the magic feels slightly less polished, more earnest, reflecting its TV movie roots and budget (reportedly around $4 million – peanuts compared to even modest features today). Filmed primarily in British Columbia, Canada, it definitely has that distinct look often found in TV productions of the era. Apparently, the initial pitch involved Sabrina potentially using her powers in slightly darker ways before settling on the lighter romantic-comedy angle seen here.
### Charming, If A Little Dated
Watching Sabrina the Teenage Witch the movie today is like finding an old photo album. It’s undeniably dated in its fashion, its slang, and its charmingly simple special effects. Yet, there’s an undeniable warmth to it. It captures a specific brand of earnest 90s teen entertainment perfectly. It lacks the sharp comedic timing and iconic supporting cast of the series, but it possesses a gentle sincerity. It’s the origin story, the slightly awkward first draft that still managed to cast a spell strong enough to launch a beloved franchise. For fans of the sitcom, it's a fascinating curiosity, a glimpse into an alternate beginning. For lovers of 90s TV movies, it’s a perfectly pleasant dose of nostalgia. Did we all secretly wish we'd discover magical powers on our 16th birthday after seeing this? Probably!
VHS Heaven Rating: 6/10
The rating reflects its status as a perfectly watchable, charming-if-unspectacular TV movie pilot. It successfully launched Melissa Joan Hart into sitcom stardom and laid the groundwork for a cultural touchstone, featuring early turns from familiar faces. However, compared to the sharper, funnier series it spawned, or even standout theatrical releases of the era, it feels understandably modest. Its production values and slightly slower pace mark it clearly as a product of its time and format.
Ultimately, the Sabrina TV movie is a sweet, nostalgic time capsule. It might not be the version most remember, but popping this metaphorical tape in offers a warm reminder of where the magic truly began – a sprinkle of 90s stardust that still holds a little charm.