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List Price: $19.98 | | Label: Universal Studios
Salesrank: 722
Released: February 12, 2008 |
| Our Price: $9.98 |
| Used Price: $9.17 |
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MPAA Rating: G (General Audience)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
Ease on down the yellow-brick road with the 30th Anniversary Edition of The Wiz, starring superstars Diana Ross and Michael Jackson! Relive all of the magic of this beloved musical when Dorothy is whisked away to the enchanting wonderland of Oz, where she encounters the Scarecrow, the Tinman and the Lion. The Wiz features spectacular musical numbers from legendary producer Quincy Jones and an all-star cast including Lena Horne, Richard Pryor, Nipsey Russell and Ted Ross. With a digitally remastered picture and the unforgettable soundtrack in new 5.1 surround sound, it's an experience of the land of Oz unlike anything you've seen before!
Description of The Wiz (30th Anniversary Edition w/ Bonus CD):
Directed by Sidney Lumet (Serpico) and penned by Joel Schumacher (Batman and Robin), this lavish 1978 adaptation of the Broadway hit The Wiz was the biggest production filmed in New York City up to that point, utilizing the newly revamped Astoria Studios and locations around the city. Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, and Ted Ross (reprising his Tony-winning role as the Lion) star in this Academy Award-nominated musical for the whole family. The Wiz is probably the grandest take on L. Frank Baum's classic tale The Wizard of Oz. The production team created sets with a sense of urban magic and spectacle: a New York subway station literally comes to life, and the massive plaza between the World Trade Center towers is transformed into the Emerald City, featuring nearly 400 dancers with three costume changes. Like all good musicals, the Quincy Jones arrangements are highly hummable long after viewing (especially the funky "Ease On Down the Road" and the inspirational "Brand New Day"). In an era before MTV, the camera stays nearly stationary as Ross and Lena Horne vocally soar through their numbers. Their stage-like performances successfully make the leap to film, making The Wiz a testament to their singing talents and star presence. The then-thirtysomething Ross raised some eyebrows playing the traditionally teenaged Dorothy, but she and her supporting cast (including Richard Pryor as the Wiz) carry the tunes with an infectious verve that will appeal to folks of all ages. --Shannon Gee
The Wiz (30th Anniversary Edition w/ Bonus CD) Reviews:
Great movie! 
2009-12-21 - Considering when it was made, it's very well done! Can't believe I hadn't seen this one yet but glad I have now!
THE WIZ Shines like the Emerald City
2009-12-18 - I have seen THE WIZ on various formats from VHS to the 1999 DVD release but this recent release is a treat for the eyes and ears, thanks to the restoration of the film and soundtrack. The picture looks great compared to the 1999 release, hands down and sounds fantastic with its 5.1 surround remix. Didn't care much for the CD as I have the soundtrack on vinyl and CD. Kudos for a remastered release.
Wonderful Movie!
2009-12-15 - I loved this movie! I had so much fun watching it. My grand-daughters loved it as well. Michael was a great actor! Others cast in the movie also gave wonderful performances. It contains wonderfully positive messages, lots of great singing and dancing, and should be considered a classic!
Best Movie
2009-12-05 - I first watched this movie when I was four years old. I was an MJ fanatic. Anything that had Michael in it, my mom would literally have to pull me away from the tv screen. I am now 17 and still love this movie to death. It's a classic for black americans. It may not have made big when it hit theaters but alot of movies don't get the recognition they should and some just aren't for everybody. This movie was funny and sometimes corny but it it always enjoyable to watch. I loved Michael Jackson's "You Can't Win" and when he said "Think of Teenie" to make the Tin Man cry. Only Diana Ross can run in those Ruby Red Pumps the way she did. I think everyone should watch this movie and just give it a chance. This is something I would definitely want my future kids and grandkids to see.
The Wiz
2009-11-13 - Great movie. I bought it because I wanted to once again see MJ in this role. His performance of the song "You Can't Win" is indeed perfection! It is a great family movie.
