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List Price: $19.98 | | Label: Universal Studios
Salesrank: 854
Released: February 12, 2008 |
| Our Price: $10.73 |
| Used Price: $9.98 |
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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:
Awesome Movie 
2009-11-02 - This is one of the best musicals of all time! "The Wiz" is MoTown's take on "The Wizard of Oz" without the exploitation of little people (when Dorothy finds herself in Munchkin Land). It's an awesome movie that will definitely be enjoyed for years (and years) to come. The only reason I didn't give this movie 5 stars is for the length of the movie, as it is 3+ hours long. ALSO-- I got the movie for a great price on Amazon!
Michael Jackson shines in this movie 
2009-10-26 - I was pleasantly surprised by this movie but I would have liked to hear more singing from a very young only 19 or 20 year old Michael Jackson in his first real movie! He sings "You Can't Win" and he is totally adorable as the Scarecrow in this movie. The digital remake was a big improvement over previous versions. I also loved the song "Ease on Down The Road" Michael and Diana dance down the yellow brick road singing the song. Michael shines and steals every scene, imo. I was disappointed that he didn't sing more songs solo though. This movie is a must for any MJ fan. Nipsey Russell was really cute in this also. Diana Ross is good but I wanted to hear more singing from Michael and less from Diana. No offense to Diana Ross fans. Totally worth the price.
I LOVE THE WIZ...GREAT MOVIE
2009-10-15 - I bought this as a start to my movie collection so when I move out my parents house next year, I'll have my movies.My mother has the older version, but I have this one.It is a great movie, love MJ in this movie,he's so handsome, sweet, charming and irrestible. I don't see any difference and that's how I wanted it to be. Only thing I don't like is that the cd doesn't have diana ross' song "Soon as I get home." But so far great movie.
one of the biggest slept-on hits of the 70's
2009-10-13 - the wiz, starring diana ross, michael jackson (r.i.p.), nipsey russell (r.i.p.), and ted ross (r.i.p.), was an african-american version of l. frank baum's story 'the wonderful wizard of oz,' not a re-make of the 1939 classic. it had it's own energy, and it's own interpretations of scenery, costuming, and the all-important message of going within to find the answers one seeks. this was apparently lost on the audiences of the times, and didn't do well in the box office. it takes a more culturally aware mind and heart to appreciate this gem, which showcases some incredible songs 'ease on down the road,' the luther vandross-penned '(can't you feel a) brand new day,' 'believe in yourself,' and the showstopper, 'home.' although much has been said about ross' age in playing dorothy, keep in mind that this was not a re-make of the original movie, but a re-interpretation of the storybook and the stage play. dorothy was changed into a shy schoolteacher in search of her sense of self, rather than a little girl on a kansas farmstead. ross does brilliantly and delivers a powerhouse singing and dancing performance. jackson is brilliant as ever as the scarecrow, delivering chaplinesque physical comedy, his own beautiful signature tenor, fluid, funky dance moves, and one of the sweetest performances that reflected so much of his actual personality. comedian nipsey russell brings his sharp wit, showmanship, and surprising sensitivity to the tin man, and ted ross reprises his broadway role as the cowardly lion with a stunning performance of 'i'm a mean ole lion,' and shows off his brilliant stage chops with clever lines, growls and snorts included. the incredible talents of richard pryor, lena horne, theresa merritt, and mabel king round out the performance bill and quincy jones provides the bigger-than-life music production. this was a movie to be enjoyed for what it was, a feel-good romp through a modernized emerald city that was not supposed to be compared to judy garland and her companions, but appreciated as a slice of african-american artistry. such a pity that this classic never received the acclaim it so richly deserved.
Still Awesome!
2009-10-11 - The Wiz is still awesome after all these years. My kids will watch it at least 3 times in a row. The Wiz has created a Star because the kids sing and dance to it every time. It gives me a chance for some quiet time while they entertain themselves. The sound track is cool, too. I don't have hear,"Mom, are we there yet? or He looked at me cross eyed!" Instead, all I hear on the way to our destination is happy singing.
Loving It,
MzDonna
