The Wiz (1978) Reviews

• What happened to the Great musicals..?

  
  By A12X2J7AVZ04IQ on 2002-05-19
  I have to admit I'm impressed with many facets of "The Wiz"; seeing the great Lena Horne singing "If You Believe" is enough. She's still as gorgeous as ever. With the many up 'n coming young Black actresses of the time, it's a shame they used Diana Ross to such poor advantage. In 1978, Debbie Allen or Irene Cara (and I'm sure, many others) could've really kicked some...with the role. Diana proved she could carry a lead role in 1972's "Lady Sings the Blues", but I'm afraid she didn't convince me in this role, though her performance was confident. Michael Jackson is so good at so many things; I'm glad he chose not to make any more narrative films. Nipsey Russell (Tin Man) and Ted Ross (Lion) are wonderful, as is Mabel King (the bad Witch, Evillene). The immensely talented Sidney Lumet directed (12 Angry Men, Serpico, Network), and there's a consistant feeling of angst (I guess, as there should be, but wasn't so prevalent in the original "Wizard of Oz"). The true fantasy element was missing. Most of my comments to this point are perhaps a bit too subjective; it's very hard to review a film musical as recent (?) as this. The last great, successful film musical to this point was Norman Jewison's "Fiddler on the Roof" in '71. For some odd reason, the public lost its interest in great Broadway musicals transferred to the screen. Who can forget the brilliance of "My Fair Lady" or "The King & I"? They still work very well today. Why not "The Wiz" (or "Evita"). I have to agree that they simply don't have the same charm. Could it be George Cukor (My Fair Lady) or Walter Lang (King & I), the old-school, attention-to-detail kind of directors who brought their old-school charm and savvy to those films? Lumet is known for biting satire and gritty drama. "The Wiz" on stage is exhuberant and lively. There's really no social issue involved; "The Wiz", though all-Black, is totally devoid of any sense of racism (another social issue Lumet might've enhanced...and I'm very glad he didn't). "The Wiz" was nominated for 4 Oscars (Cinematography, Sets, Costumes and Adapted Score). I've been wanting to see this for many years and was pleased to find this at the video store on DVD (recently released). This is a worthy film, historically, for the reasons I've mentioned. I don't understand why the closing logo was in a 2.35:1 Letterbox, and the rest of the film was 1.85:1. The price, too, is way out of line, because there are virtually no extras (a trailer and some written character studies...Ross, Jackson, etc. could've been around to give some commentary ...or something...anything). The sets were quite stunning; a wider letterbox would've been appropriate. I would like to have seen the film directed by a less-controversial director...Herbert Ross or even Spielberg...since the most socially conscious issue is a young girl who only wants to go home. The musical adaptation by Quincy Jones was complete and most enjoyable. Do I love this film? No. But I admire so many things about it. See for yourself. Rent it, and, afterwards, decide if you want to buy it. Oh...what happened to the great old Hollywood musical...?
  
  

• You can't win!

  
  By A1DTCJV6KOMJOA on 2001-06-14
  That's the song that introduces Michael Jackson's Scarecrow in The Wiz! I love this movie. It's cheesey as hell and a camp classic the songs are top notch fair and in some cases beat out the lyrics from The Wizard Of OZ! Just listen to Ms. Ross belt out "Home" or when michael and her team up for "Ease on down the road"! The plot is also fun it takes the premise of the original and places it in New York. The dialogue is great with slang and refrences to black pop culture. Lumet paints the film with a colorful glaze of magic and distress by making the colors pop off the screen and the use of glow in the dark images is astonishing. The soundtrack is also a must buy this film is a complete child's fairy tale and it's beautiful. After hearing "Don't Nobody Bring Me No Bad News" you'll be easing on down the road and humming the tunes for days!
  
  

• Unbelievably Fun

  
  By on 2000-06-19
  Boo, hiss to all the naysayers of the one and only 'Wiz'. A few of my friends got together at the DVD store the other night and out of all the available titles settled on this one, primarily for nostaligic reasons. Once we got home and popped it in, well, it was more than just simple sentimentality that carried us off to another world. This musical is awesome. The story is timeless, the songs are unforgettable and the widescreen transfer is excellent. One only wishes for more goodies on the disc.

  I often scratch my head at why Sidney Lumet directed this, but knowing that he is one of the top five directors ever who understands New York City, it now makes perfect sense. The location shots are amazing, especially with the massive Albert Whitlock visuals. And as hard as it may be to watch Diana Ross play a 24 year old single woman, she achieves it with simple gestures and that pure, honey voice.

  It's a huge treat to watch this movie and I look forward to repeat viewings.
  
  

• The years have not changed my opinion of this film!

  
  By A31U2QT7SAL7K on 2003-04-20
  Pluses: the songs, the costumes, Lena Horne, Michael Jackson, Ted Ross, Nipsey Russell, Mabel king, the sets (rivaling the original 1939 classic), and Toto
  Minuses: Diana Ross and Richard Pryor...way out of their league as "Dorothy" and "The Wiz", respectively...and I am a fan of both performers.

  As has been expressed universally by audiences and critics alike, Ross, at the time, was just too old for the part, even though the character was changed into an inner-city teacher. The innocence of "Dorothy" is nowhere to be found in this restructuring. Had the producers stayed faithful to the Broadway show, then they would have had a winner on their hands.

  Unfortunately, they have a movie that somehow got lost over the rainbow and never yielded a pot of gold.
  
  

• An unforgettable "Ease On Down the Road"

  
  By on 1999-11-22
  I really enjoyed this movie. This soulful adaptation, from "The Wizard of Oz", in my opionion was creative and the music was superb! Kudos to Quincy Jones and the other writers and musicians responsible for developing a great soundtrack.

  If one was fortunate enough to see the original stage play, you might be disappointed with the direction of the film. Try to separate the two because they are two separate creative works. (Almost like not expecting the movie to be as good as the book.)

  Overall, all the actors did an excellent job. I especially enjoyed the soulful portrayal of the scarecrow, tinman and lion. Diana Ross did a fair job as Dorothy, though noticeably older than the original character. I especially enjoyed her rendition of "Home".

  I am certain you will enjoy this movie as much as I did and like me, find yourself singing the songs for days.
  
  

• It isn't the "Wizard of OZ"!
  By A3MQGUWWO2H8TX on 2000-06-23
  I saw this movie when I was 7 years old and loved it. Honestly, I believe "The Wiz" needs to be critiqued on its own merit and not how the movie compares to the old classic "The Wizard of OZ".

  The Wiz is lively and full of energy. It is one of those movies that causes you to want to get out of your seat and dance. I found it to be upbeat and unique. The cast was fantastic, especially Michael.

  At 28 years old, I rented the movie again so my boyfriend could see my favorite childhood movie. I love it now as much as I loved it when I was a kid. The songs still make me smile!

  This is a wonderful movie! I am glad that I had the chance as a young white child to be exposed to a black musical, such as "The Wiz" rather then the boring colorless white version! The Wiz definitely has soul!

  You will really enjoy this film. Pass this uplifting experience on to your children!
  
  

• A Wizard of Oz for the African-Americans
  By A1IUH51WI1TTSP on 2004-12-19
  ( *I hope I didn't offend/upset anyone by the title, it's all I could come up with* ). I first saw "the Wiz" as a very young boy (somewhere around 5-8 in year 1 or 2) in Primary School, which had been taped by a teacher when it premiered on TV. I had already seen "Return to Oz" and "the Wizard of Oz" on its 50th Anniversary both on TV. I ordered this DVD for my 20th Birthday (it came a week after that, however) and watching it was so exciting. I really enjoyed the movie and DVD and the songs (alomost all of them) were fantastic. Many farmiliar parts of the story have new twists, like Glinda and the Wizard being seen earlier than the original story says, and the Yellow Brick Road appearing AFTER the Scarecrow. Of course, there were a few similarities between this Universal version and the MGM version, but only by conicidence. I also read the script of "the Wiz" 1975 Broadway Musical on a site (go to the 'Wizard of Oz Links Page' and you'll find it listed there). During the entire movie, it starngely seems to keep changing from day to night to day, and sometimes Toto even disappears from sight too.
  THE MOVIE STORY: Dorothy, Toto, Aunt Em and Uncle Henry live in New York City, receiving the rest of the family to celebrate the birth of Aunt Em's daughter's baby - Dorothy feels excluded and is extremely shy. ( *Even though a lot of people hate Diana Ross as Dorothy, I think that it was good of her to play Dorothy because it's a new twist and some people can relate to Dorothy in this version, afraid to step out into the world and make a big change in her life *). Aunt Em goes about how Dorothy has to find a place for her and Toto. (This next scene I LOVE!!) After that, Toto runs outside into the swirling blizzard storm and Dorothy chases after him, resulting with them being caught up by a tornado (which has a new twist itself), and crash landing into a place where the Teenaged Munchkin Children (finally in blue outfits) thank her for killing Evermean, the Wicked witch of the East (who can be seen as a playground bully in this movie, which has a new way of Dorothy's fall killing the witch without using a house). Miss One (the Good Witch from the North) appears and thanks her also, gives her the Silver Shoes (about time they were SILVER!!) and says that the only way to get home is to The Wiz in the Emerald City by following the Yellow Brick Road ("EASE ON DOWN THE ROAD" is such a GREAT song that you'll want to sing along with the subtitles available). Dorothy saves the Scarecrow and with his help, company and companionship, find the Yellow Brick Road and follow it until they meet the TinMan and the Cowardly Lion (who has a name for the first time). But afterwards, they get attacked (in a subway) by a strange man and many subway monsters, just before Dorothy, Toto and the Lion get put to sleep by the Poisonous Poppies. After that, they finally arrive at the Emerald City (*the Big Green Apple, displaying a funny pun *) and manage in seeing the Wiz, but of course they can't get what they want unless they kill Evillene, the Wicked witch in the West (Slave-Driver to the Adult Winkies and certain other characters, dressed up to resemble her), who sends Flying Monkeys (or actually, the RIDING Monkeys, as in this movie they ride motorcycles - 'Biker Monkeys from Oz!') to capture them. Her attempt to take back the Silver Shoes fails, and Dorothy defeats her, freeing the Grown-UpWinkies (whose true colour is yellow after taking off their slave clothes) and returning to the Emerald City, only to make a very disappointing discovery - unlike other versions, the Wizard doesn't leave Emerald City. But even so, Dorothy realizes that her friends have had what they wanted all the time, and that's when Glinda, the Good Witch of the South appears, telling Dorothy that she can go home. Saying good-bye to her friends and singing about 'Home', she and Toto return home, and the movie end credits play "Ease on Down the Road", ending the movie after 2 hrs 14 minutes.
  The DVD also comes with excellent Special Features such as a 13 min "Wiz on Down the Road" Making of featurette on the Movie, Production Notes (which gives a good reason to understand casting Diana Ross as Dorothy), Biographies and Film Highlights of the Actors and Director, a Theatrical Trailer and a Web Link to Universal. Much later, I found this DVD in a Sale Special with a different back cover, but the Australian version ONLY has the Theatrical Trailer.
  However, even for me the movie takes a little too long and the movie could've been made shorter by cutting a few songs either out altogether or shorter, as most dance sequences go on too long and a scene could've be put in at a different place (like the Winkies taking off their slave clothes), allowing the DVD to have a 'Deleted Scenes' feature and the ending could've been better, like Dorothy and Toto going through the swirl again on their way home. Richard Pryor plays the Wiz, who later played Gus in "Superman 3". There are a few NEW songs in this movie which I belive was not in the 1975 musical and of course not all the songs (I look forward to getting the Broadway CD soon). I do think that maybe this movie could've had a few scenes shot in the New York Park to make it look natural and authentic. But I do like how Michael Jackson's Scarecrow is something of a teenager (he was 20 when he played the part!). As Diana Ross' Dorothy is a teacher in this, there is much symbolism representing herself in the movie, such as when Aunt Em talks to her and when she appears in Oz. And I do agree that although Diana Ross made a good Dorothy, an actual teenaged girl might have been better suited, but there's always still a 'someday' remake.
  (* THE FOLLOWING IS QUOTED FROM "THE ANNOTATED WIZARD OF OZ, pg 69*) "In her "Secrets of a Sparrow" book, Diana Ross argued that each of her 3 companions signifies a different aspect of dorothy's essence: 1) the Scarecrow was a representation of Doorthy's hunger for knowledge, the part of her that longed to know more about life and living. 2) the TinMan personified Dorothy's craving for love, the search for her heart, the deep need in her (in all of us, for that matter) to increase her capacity to give and to receive love. 3) And the Lion, the supposedly mean old lion, was uet another part of Dorothy's psyche. His loud and aggressive roars, designed to distance people by projecting fear and rage into their hearts, was merely a cover-up of his own fears and rage, an armoring to protect the sweetness and vulnerability of his, and of course Dorothy's, gentle heart".
  I have made a review about this Wiz DVD, and I have 2 more plans for "the Wiz": Send a letter to Universal Studios on making a "30th Anniversary Edition" DVD for 2008, and for me to do another movie remake combining the movie and stage for 2035, with maybe a sequel to follow afterwards.
  It was a pleasure to have written this review, and see you on my next review - what will it be? We'll see.
  
  P.S. If you think this movie of 'Oz' is bad, a Much WORSE adaptation is 1976's Australian "OZ: A Rock 'N' Roll Road Movie" (renamed "20th Century OZ" for the USA). THAT movie has no cyclone, but instead is more similar to MGM than the book, having bad language, drugs and other material only suitable for 'those' mature adults! Compared to that ("OZ", 1976), this ("Wiz") is much better!!!
  
  
• "So...u wanted to meet the Wizaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrd!!!!"
  By A3NR4R8ULV6VOL on 2001-07-01
  My brother and I used to say that line over and over and laugh ourselves silly. I LOVE THIS MOVIE! The Wiz wasn't made to mirror the Judy Garland classic, although the theme and plot are the same. The Wiz is a funkier, head-bobbing, get up and dance movie that is filled with heart warming and uplifting messages with a universal theme we all can relate to: "Home".
  
  There are so many wonderful things to love about The Wiz. The costumes. The songs. The scenes. The dance numbers. The characters. The location (filmed in New York city? now that's cool!) Nipsey Russell's sassy dance number at the carnival site as he croons, "slide some oil to me!" Then there's Michael's soulful lament, "U Can't Win". It was the ultimate jam that had everyone singing the catchy hook. The bouncing puppets in the subway chase scene is still eerie to this day.
  
  I absolutely LOVED the color schemes at the Emerald City, green to red to gold & the walking Mike was too cute! The score was !beautifully done and Quincy Jones makes a cameo appearance at the keys, all froed-out.
  
  Its funny how people try to compare and criticize this film, when its clear that it was done with music and choreography at the forefront. The styles and time periods are totally different. You can not compare the two which is why this film is called The Wiz and not The Wizard of Oz.
  
  I was nine when I first saw The Wiz and recently saw it again. After all this time it makes me laugh, cry and dance. When Lena Horne sings "If U Believe" it pulls tears from my eyes every time, and who can forget the sweatshop scene. That number is so uplifting it will have you jumping out your seat singing, "Can't you feel a brand new day?" I also loved Ted Ross's poignant number.
  
  In all, The Wiz is a must have for your collection of oldie but goodies. It's timeless, still jams, AND you have to give Miss Ross some credit for being able to "Ease on Down the Road" in those high-heeled si!lver slippers, sporting that curly "blowout"!
  
  Peace. CLB.
  
  
• Entertaining!!!
  By A3RNC9BGR4J1ZF on 2003-10-10
  This is an all-time classic and a must have and a must own video to have this is a great video and it brings back memories... This video has a lot of legends in here: Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Mabel King, Nipsey Russell, Richard Pryor and others I really did like this video it is good it has some superb acting I remember watching this movie on video when I was a kid this is a must have to any kid who likes fairy tales and it is a good video for the whole family to enjoy if you like any of these people mentioned then I would recommend that you buy this video!!!!! I love it I watch it all the time and now I am introducing this video to my niece and hope that she will have memories of this video to!!!! Diana, Richard, Michael, Nipsey, and Mabel did some fine acting like they always do they are superb actors and they are all talented they all displayed talented and they all made this whole movie very entertaining!!!!
  
  
• I would have given this 5 stars, except.....
  By AXHMUN6GC0WEH on 2004-11-28
  ...Diana Ross was horribly miscast as Dorothy. I'm sorry, but a 24 year old (who was actually 33 at the time) being as naive as she was portrayed in this movie just didn't cut it with me. The role of Dorothy is for a pre-teen or a teenager, PERIOD. It should have gone to someone else, preferably to a newcomer that would have been surrounded by an all-star cast...or to the young lady who originated the role on the Broadway stage, Stephanie Mills (who was a teenager at the time, as was Judy Garland in "The Wizard of Oz", 1939 version). I had seen Stephanie in "The Wiz" on Broadway only a couple of years before this film was made, and she was fantastic. Mills had a phenomenal voice, and to hear Ross try to recapture Stephanie's vocal power on the songs was both laughable and pitiful. Based on Mills' appeal, it seemed like she rightfully earned the role in the film. Unfortunately it went to Ross and that is what killed the appeal for many people. She just was not believable in the role, and apparently a lot of movers and shakers in Hollywood felt the same way, because "The Wiz" was the last major motion picture (excluding TV movies) she was ever cast in.
  
  Overlooking that, "The Wiz" is a very good musical that featured Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow (Mike's performance of "You Can't Win" and "Ease On Down The Road" is outstanding), comedian and dancer Nipsey Russell as the Tin Man, Ted Ross as the Cowardly Lion (who had also been in the Broadway production and won a Tony award for it), Mabel King as the Wicked Witch of the West (her singing "No Bad News" - wow!! Definitely one of the highlights of the film), the incredible Lena Horne as Glenda, the Good Witch of the South and Richard Pryor as the Wiz. I love the musical score (done by Quincy Jones, who also makes a cameo appearance in the film - excellent job) and the choreography (Michael was definitely in his element here). I thought the costumes were a bit cheesy-looking, but being a native New Yorker, I did like the transformation of New York City into the Land of Oz. And for those of you who have a problem with the World Trade Center being the scene for the Emerald City, please keep in mind that this was filmed in 1978, and no one could have known back then just what was going to happen 23 years later.
  
  If you can ignore Diana as Dorothy, then "The Wiz" is a very enjoyable film for the entire family. But PLEASE, no more remakes. Sometimes it's better to leave a good thing alone!
  
  
• A classic
  By A30O82V2Q2HSOS on 2005-01-23
  Being AfricanAmerican I grew up on this movie. Theres barely any of my friends who i know who hasnt seen this movie growing up and didnt like it.
  People complian abou the scenery. It was what the 1970s? it was made? That how things looked back then. what do you expect.
  People complain bou the way the characters looked. Its an adaption of the original Wizard of Oz to better suit the black community i believe.
  
  I loved that movie when i was 5 and younger and i still love it at the age of 18. And the puppet master in teh subway station still gives me the creeps.
  
  I think the dancing and singing is wonderful in this movie. My fav is when dorothy first gets to Oz. and all the kids come off the walls. and when everyone sings Brand new day. Hell.... i like all the songs... i could sit here forever saying what i liked.
  
  I only disliked Diane Ross as dorothy because of her age. I think she was way to old to play dorothy. But she still did a good job.
  
  I kinda wish they would remake The Wiz Now and have new artist in there. Like Usher for the Tin man. Tamyra Gray as dorothy.That would be great.
  
  
• Ease on down to fun and glitz and pure spectacle
  By ALHNHPJOTJ3GZ on 2000-10-24
  In this very updated version of the well beloved children classic 'The Wizard of Oz', we are transported to a world of music, neat special effects, eye popping costumes and fantastic retelling tale of the wonderful wizard of Oz. No version can compared with the evergreen MGM classic and with that in mind, have an open mind, take in what is given to us and enjoy the ride.Based on the Broadway musical of the same name, this film version combines the talents of pop singers and Broadway stars. Excellent cast.Made in the era of early rise of disco, this all black cast gave an impressive performance of their carreer especially Michael Jackson and Nipsey Russell. Diana Ross seems a liitle out of place at times as a timid school teacher but all is forgiven when she gets to belt out soaring ballads and the hit song, 'Ease On Down The Road'. Music reflects the times and it is pure R & B, disco and some soul.A great mix penned by Charles Small, Quincy Jones, Nikolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson. Chereographed By Louis Johnson and many of the production numbers are simply brilliant especially The Emerald City Sequence and A Brand New Day which takes place in a warehouse. Costumes were provided by the top designers at the time and it is fabulous. While with all the preceedings, the story is still the same except for minor changes for the role of Dorothy where she is now a 34 years old school teacher. The rest of the characters are the same. This film cleverly use the backdrop of New York city and was transformed into the magical world of Oz. The Emerald City uses the World Trade Centre and it is truly magnificent. While the yellow brick road takes us all over New York, even the New York city library is not spared, (well only the facade was used). Being a musical, this version doesn't dissapoint. When it was first release, critics said it was outdated and old fashioned. It was the same remark given when The Sound Of Music was released. Now isn't that a trite cliche. I have to give my thumbs up to Sidney Lumet for his first time directing a musical. I throughly enjoy 'The Wiz' and it a shame I was still young to catch it at the cinemas, where it can really be enjoyed. However when it is on video/DVD it is still a worthwhile watch. You do feel like easing down the road with the cast. CATCH IT!
  
  
• Musical extravaganza
  By A35XFZN4MWNKK4 on 2002-11-24
  A hip, modernised, all-black version of L. Frank Baums famous childrens story, The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz. Of course we all know the best version will always be the 1939 Judy Garland classic but surprisingly, The Wiz has something different to offer. Soul music legend Diana Ross oddly takes the role of Dorothy but to her credit she plays the part beautifully and she is vocally superb throughout. In contrast to the traditional teenaged Dorothy, this time round she is a 24 year old, Harlem school teacher who has such little confidence in herself. During a snow storm blizzard, she is whisked away with her dog Toto into the Land Of Oz which mirrors New York city itself and whilst the merry old land of Oz is seen as colourful and confectionary in the Garland version, Oz is immersed in The Wiz as a dark inner-city impressionism and whilst along the way some of the scenery is almost eerie, there are fabulous and dazzling eye-catching shots of New York such as the grand old Emerald city. Joining Diana Ross on her adventures along the yellow brick road are Michael Jackson as the scarecrow who hideously winges his way throug the scripts which does, at times, overflow with schamaltzy cliches, but his vocal performances are as consistently excellent as some of his other work. Nipsey Russell plays the Tin Man to vast effect whilst Ted Ross reprises his role as the Cowardly Lion (he previously had appeared in the Broadway version). Amongst the other array of stars are Richard Pryor playing The Wiz to considerable effect, Lena Horne as Glinda The Good and Mabel King putting in an amusing interpretation of the Wicked Witch of the West as Evillene. The songs are good and Diana gives you goose bumps as she dramatically sings Home at her upmost, fully-forced vocal power at the climax of the film. Her delivery is astounding, strong and passionate and easily sends shivers down the spine. She is joined by Michael Jackson for the fabulously funky and infectious, Ease On Down The Road (a minor hit on both sides of the Atlantic), which is used as the alternative to Follow The Yellow Brick Road. The soundtrack was written and composed by the genius Quincy Jones who later went on to enjoy further success with Michael Jackson at the heigt of his career. The glorious Emerald City sequences are dazzling and the dancing is truly spectacular during these scenes, the munchkin land sequences and during the scene after Evillene is destroyed where they all join together with Diana for the fantastic song, A Brand New Day. The cast certainly make a good job of it and Diana exceeded expectations though the film drew a mixed critical response and bombed at the Box Office much to the dismay of Ross. Though The Wiz doesn't eclipse the magic of The Wizard of Oz, it still has something diverse to offer and certainly was very origanal. Some of the lavish sets are truly spectacular and on the whole The Wiz is an enjoyable viewing experience that deserved far greater recognition that it ever received at the time.
  
  
• A Soul Classic!
  By A19P51V1B7L8QL on 2004-11-29
  I remember sitting in the balcony of the theatre when this movie premiered. The theatre was so packed, literally there was not one empty seat in the house. Michael Jackson (who I just loved till no end) and Diana Ross were the major stars in this exciting black version of the Wizard of Oz. This film is still an all time favorite of mine and after nearly 30 years since its release, it is still a good movie. The music and the choreography in this film was excellent and it had you clapping your hands and tapping your feet from beginning to the end. Considering the fact that this movie was made in the late 70's, the costumes would look a bit cheesy today, but they were just costumes, costumes that were designed in 1978! Since Motown had a hand in the soundtrack department, they would indeed cast Diana Ross as Dorothy. Not taking anything away from Stephanie Mills, who originally played Dorothy in the broadway musical, but Diana who was still with Motown at the time was still hot commodity during that era. She was still in great demand since leaving the Supremes behind to start a solo career. Overall, I think this movie is good for children and adults of all ages.
  
  
• THE WIZ- Right in my backyard.
  By A3GFYSWEDRIA8Y on 2000-10-02
  Oh my god, where do I start? This film is the most memorable film of my life. I had the pleasure of seeing the broadway version when I was 4-yrs old. Then going to see it on the movie screen when it first came out. And of course seeing it about 2,000 times on T.V. and VCR. What makes this movie so special to me is because I live in New York where it was filmed at. Believe it or not, the part where Dorothy(Diana Ross) lands in munchkin-land is about 2 blocks from where I live . It's called Flushing Meadow Park in Queens,NY. Just seeing that gives me goosebumps, knowing that I actually visit that same place every chance I get. For ex. that elevator where "Miss-One" came down from is just stuck in the middle now. The place looks the same but needs work. You just have to see it for yourself, especially if you're a "WIZ" fanatic. I can relate to every place they were at in this movie. They are real. It's NY. Anyway, this movie is in a class by itself compared with the 30's version. ... It's inspirational. Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Ted Ross, etc..did a fantastic job! Everytime I watch this movie it makes me teary eyed. It just touches my heart, especially the ending. They can say what they want about this movie, but the bottom line is that it is the better of the two. This movie actually cheers me up when I'm down. I would personally guarantee that you purchase this timeless classic. It's just that special. The soundtrack... I understand that some people may disagree with the fact that this is a better version, but me and a whole lot of other people think differently.Furthermore, I believe that anybody who has never viewed this movie will come to love it. How can you not? If you're planning on buying "THE WIZ", please enjoy it. I can actually say "I told you so".Thank you.Ricky Thomas"WIZ" fan of all-time.
  
  
• Two part review
  By AEJWU1W2H2VY6 on 2002-04-08
  I rented this movie because my 5 year old will be performing to the song "You Can't Win" from "The Wiz" and I wanted her to get a flavor of the whole musical. Well, watching a movie with a five-year-old is different that later evaluating the movie by yourself as an adult. She enjoyed it and I did too, although after reading other people's less than positive reviews, I can see what they mean. Hence, this is a two-part review.

  For some reason I found myself with tears of nostalgia in my eyes as I was recalling seeing the Broadway musical with my brothers and sisters when I was about 7. The other reviewers are the ones that hyped me to the fact the essential story line when translated from Broadway to Hollywood. Stephanie Mill's version of Dorothy was preferable. To hear her, listen to the remake she did about 5-10 years ago on her album. However, Diana Ross' version of "Home" seemed heartfelt; the tears seemed real. In how many musicals do the characters actually cry during performing a piece? Where Ms. Ross excelled was in her dancing, not the acting. (As far as her acting, she really didn't improve in age in her movie with Brandy several years ago.) However, as another reviewer mentioned, she cut the rug with her silver-shoed self! I know I would have been tripping and falling down the road instead of easing if I had to wear those shoes! If you'll notice, even the cowardly lion had to wear some platform shoes in his costume and still had to dance! As in the 1939 movie, the actors who played Dorothy's friends had to be very agile and sing in what had to have been very uncomfortable makeup and costumes. And it's not like any of the scenes were done in one take!

  This movie was the last in an era when actors and actresses could act, sing and dance, when necessary. Now, the current crop of actors can only do one of them, unless they started in one field and decided to expand to another (no, not you Shaq!). The dances, songs (lyrics and orchestration), costumes, makeup and sets were the real stars of this show. If you think, "Then what else is there to a movie?', that's where the second part of my review comes in.

  The plot, on second examination, does seem kind of patched together from several source materials- New York, West Side Story style (another stage-adapted movie with a miscast lead but won Oscars, by the way), The Wizard of Oz book, the Wizard of Oz 1939 movie and the stage play. I personally liked seeing the urban decay because, living in Chi-town, there are some neighborhoods and sweatshops depicted like the ones in the movie. Plus, the movie didn't have Dorothy, in the beginning, yearning for something. That's what made the transformation, in other versions, from her humdrum existence to the magical, colorful land of Oz so enchanting, yet so overwhelming and frightening that it made her appreciate the people she left behind. Dorothy, in this movie seemed to be content- it was her aunt who wanted to kick her out into the world. And it would have been nice, if like in the 1939 version, the friends she met were at the house gathering. Plus, what was the resolution to her life? Did she move out? Did she take the high school teaching job? To other critics about Richard Pryor, this movie might have been made right during the time when he either ill or substance abusing, therefore, not making him the Richard Pryor of old. However, couldn't you find humor in someone so pathetic that he couldn't win any election he ever ran for except being a dogcatcher (and he said this in front of Dorothy, the avowed dog-lover!)? Yes, the mood was dark, but so have other musicals or other seeming children's movies- Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory (how about the tunnel scene and whatever happened to the kids), Matilda, Return to Oz, The Nightmare before Christmas, the recent remake of The Grinch (come on, Ron!). But hey, so is life in the big city and that's what the movie was addressing. The only scene I did find out of place for a G-rated movie was the torture scene of Dorothy's friends, not to mention the fact that she allowed them to be tortured but not her beloved dog)! I could go on about the plusses and minuses but all in all, if you want a good rollicking time with music and dances that will stay with you, see this- with people under 12 who aren't movie critics!

  Not to pick, but it seemed as if the people who most dished the movie were males. My suggestion- see the cable series, OZ which is out on video. I guarantee, you can't compare that to the original book or movie. Another tidbit, the 1939 version was not the first, as explained at the end of the video. Last tidbit about the original, the song, "Somewhere Under the Rainbow" was almost cut because the movie was running too long. Would your beloved Judy Garland have had a career without it?

  Here's one the funniest exchanges in "The Wiz":

  Dorothy: You're a fake. (to the Wizard)
  Scarecrow: Yeah, as P.T. Barnum said, 'There's a sucker born every minute.'
  Tin Man: Yeah, I was there when he said, although I didn't think I'd be one of them.
  
  

• Better than the wizard if oz......
  By A2YIPHRBKS9B0D on 2004-12-03
  forget what your feelings about Michael Jackson.This movie is awesome.The MUSIC IS JUST GREAT.QUINCY JONES YOU'VE OUTDONE YOURSELF.I just love this movie.
  
  
• My All-time Favorite!
  By AFXDR2VM4J4XD on 2000-01-15
  I've loved this movie ever since I was a child. I know the entire script and every song in the movie. I think this is a classic remake with style and flare that screams do another re-make just like this. The music is wonderful and makes you wish that you were a part of this project. The dancing is just another seasoning that adds to this "can't get enough of stew." Best of all , who can forget the tremendous cast. I'm an actress and it would be my dream to be part of such a landmark presentation. Get it and watch it with your family, your kids will thank you!
  
  
• Wonderful
  By on 2000-10-06
  The Wiz. This is a wonderful musical one of my favorites. If you loved the Wizard of Oz you will epecially love this. With Michael Jackson and Diana Ross this play will be one of the best you have ever seen. All of the characters are updated and funky. I recommend this movie to everyone who passes it!
  
  
• I've Changed My Mind
  By A2DT16LCU7OEBU on 2002-06-08
  OK, OK...I will admit that I trashed this movie over in the VHS section, but understand my only copy was one that I taped from a television showing and it had been badly butchered (edited) by the network to fit the time slot. So my most recent memory of The Wiz has been this terrible copy of this 1978 musical.

  I recently decided to give it another chance to win me over. I purchased the DVD version, and I must admit this new, crisp, complete film with its remastered soundtrack, is a much more watchable and entertaining experience.

  We all know the story, Dorothy goes to Oz via whirling snowstorm, meets up with band of misfits who through their harrowing experiences together learn they can all be better than they had ever imagined. And that life can be good no matter where you live.

  In the past, the cropped version diminished the entire focus of the story, and made it feel dark, and claustrofobic but now
  the Widescreen format greatly enhances the scope of the movie, giving it a more important feel. The color is so much brighter than before that I couldn't believe all the details I had missed that are now clearly visable. The scene where the Munchkins come alive off the Grafitti wall, is really very cool.

  There are entire scenes I had forgotten about that are now included, like the one where Dorothy and others are in the OZ motel room talking about having to kill Evilene. I had not seen that one since 1978, and had forgotten it entirely.

  I still have problems with some of the performances, and I still believe that it was poorly edited, but all in all I was very impressed with the brand new feel of this movie and if you have not seen it in the DVD format, do so, you will be suprised at the difference. I am now looking forward to seeing it again and again.

  The extras on the DVD, are pretty standard, with Trailers and the like. There is a very dated special presentation about the making of the Wiz in which Sidney Lumet discusses his vision of this timeless tale.
  
  

• The Wiz Kicks Butt!!
  By on 2002-10-19
  I've heard a lot of comments about the Wiz, like how it's poorly written, or how Diana Ross is too old to play Dorothy. I think that Diana Ross was phenomanal as Dorothy. So what if she was 34? Her voice was amazing, and she can dance almost too well in those high heels. The music was so good. Michael Jackson blew me away as the scarecrow, and Nipsey Russel and Ted Ross are great as the Tinman and Lion. The acting could have been a little better, but as a dancer, singer, and actress, I still think that the Wiz is one of the greatest musicals of all time. So think twice before you whiz on the Wiz.
  
  
• Why every director is not right for every film
  By A1TYKDKOYIE2TQ on 2003-04-29
  I finally broke down and picked this up on DVD. The music is as stunningly handled (if not stunning in and of itself) as I remembered, and the filming is as strange. Pauline Kael was right; Lumet shoots the musical numbers from about a block away. There are NO closeups of Mabel King (Evillene) during her big solo, "No Bad News," 'til the end of the song. It's like they thought, damn we built these big sets here in Astoria, we better show 'em! And you never saw so many shots of characters moving away from the camera - lots of backs in this film, especially during "Ease on Down the Road." Could it be that Call Her Miss Ross didn't do all her own "easing?" Which brings me to my next point...

  Odd, odd moment. In the "Brand New Day" number, Ross, as Dorothy, triumphantly dances down a bolt of cloth that's been unfurled on the floor, in a medium shot.* After we cut to (yet again) an extreme long shot, Dorothy (probably not Ross, but a double - but, in this film, WHO KNOWS?) executes a passable cartwheel (!) and picks up the fabric and runs off with it, clearing the floor for the real dancers.

  Now, as I say, in any other film, you'd automatically assume they cut to a long shot to mask that a dance or gymnastic double was about to sub for the star; in this film, with its bizarre lack of close shots, that might actually BE Diana Ross who, for all we know, took three weeks to learn how to do a cartwheel, or revealed to Lumet that she had been doing them since she was a little girl. However, we'll never know if she did it herself, because the camera is too damn far away.

  That said, I was less bothered by the idea of Dorothy being a troubled adult than I was in 1978; since then, I have known a lot of introverted, frightened grown-ups. Pity that Quincy Jones (and he's got... a close-up? No, a medium shot in the Emerald City sequence, as he sits pounding at an enormous piano) thought that having Ross sing at the top of her register would make her sound younger. No, it just makes her sound more like a kitty cat. A tired kitty cat, at that.

  Oh, and Joel Schumacher wrote the screenplay. Be afraid...be very afraid.

  *Actually, after studying this shot last night with the pause/still and zoom buttons, I'm not so sure it was Ross even then...
  
  

• Give It A Chance
  By A1DBQUS9XDHD22 on 2003-11-30
  I first saw The Wiz when I was about fourteen or fifteen. I had never heard of it, but I love The Wizard of Oz, and when I saw The Wiz sitting there on the Blockbuster Video shelf I snapped it up so that I could compare the two.

  Well, at first I wasn't all that impressed. It's not at all like the Judy Garland picture, and it really deviates from the book...but you know what? I watched it again. And again. And it really grew on me!

  Diana Ross *was* a bit old to be playing Dorothy...if they were trying to pass her off as a little girl. They changed her age to 24. Michael Jackson was touching as the Scarecrow, a creature who believes he doesn't have a brain, but actually comes up with most of their escape plans when there's danger. Nipsy Russel (spelling?) was convincing as the Tin Man, playing a metal carnival barker who wants a heart so that he can love. And Ted Ross was, I think, the best man they could have picked to play the Cowardly Lion!

  All I'm saying is to try it. If you don't like it then, you can't say you didn't try! ^_^
  
  

• A Dark Lumbering Freak Show
  By A2DT16LCU7OEBU on 2000-04-20
  This film was one of the biggest disapointments in my movie-going life. I had been dreaming of this all black adaptation of Frank L. Braun's classic story of the Wonderful Wizard of OZ since hearing the original broadway cast recording starring Stephanie Mills, way back in 1975. So when it was annouced that the WIZ would be produced with Diana Ross starring as Dorothy, Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow, Nipsy Russell as the Tin Man, Ted Ross as the Cowardly Lion, Lena Horne as the Glenda The Good Witch, and Richard Pryor as the WIZ, I was overjoyed, thinking that with such a great cast and an announced budget of $28,000,000, (which at the time was the most expensive movie musical of all time) it would naturally be a magical movie experience. I couldn't have been more mistaken.

  This over-blown, dark-nightmare of a film was a complete and total disaster, from those cheap looking opening credits to the abrupt and unsatisfying ending. The original story of young Dorothy Gail, an innocent girl yearning to get out of the projects and on to a better life, was changed (to accomodate Ross' advanced age,) to the sad story of a thirty something elementary school teacher who is so afraid of living that she seeks refuge from the real world with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry. They are so tired of this sad sack mooching off them that sweet old Aunt Em takes the bull by the horns and actually tells her it's time for her to go make a life of her own. Then Toto suddenly runs out of the safety of the apartment into a blinding snow storm with Dorothy chasing close behind, and out of nowhere a tornado made of snow wiskes them both off to the scary land of OZ.

  From this point the WIZ takes on the feel of a film pieced together with scotch tape. The directing is so erradic and uneven that each segment feels like it was directed by different people. The editing job if you could call it that, is a car wreck, (I actually believe you could re-edit this movie and make a far better film) it jumps and jerks from one shot to another, with no thought given to flow, or pace. The musical numbers are the best thing about the movie but are way to long and dreadfully over-produced.

  The performances vary from Ross' pitiful Dorothy, who whines her way through this hodgepodge and manages to make you wonder if her performance in "Lady Sings The Blues" was a fluke, to Michael Jackson's equally sad, scarecrow character. In between we find poor Lena Horne's who's role as Glenda was handled exactly the way she was back in the forties and fifties at MGM. She is ushered on-stage for one quick song, and then is seen no more. Richard Pryor is terrible as the WIZ, he is such a loser that he can't even come up with any words of wisdom for this bunch of hapless misfits after being found to be a fraud.

  Finally, there is no joy or happiness in this movie and those are the two things a fantasy such as this must have to ever get off the ground. From the very beginning the WIZ is a tale of sadness and woe, with characters who are so pitiful, you never get the feeling that there might be a brighter day out there for any of them, just a dark and scary place called OZ.
  
  

• Wonderful...when you take out Diana Ross
  By on 1999-11-05
  Don't get me wrong, I love Diana as a singer. But come on, a 34 year old playing Dorothy? And living with her mother when she has a perfectly adequate living? Other than this (And the fact that Ross has an entirely too high voice for this part) the movie shows a good variety of songs, and keeps the original message. Michael Jackson and Nipsy Russell are excellent as the Scarecrow and the Tinman, and the Cowardly Lion steals the show!

  Better than the original "Wizard of Oz" by a long shot!
  
  

• A Classic American Film Musical:
  By A1TYTLET80FO1T on 1999-11-13
  This movie is one of the things I loved most about being a child. I spent countless Saturday afternoons watching this movie. It is a wonderful take on the Wizard of OZ with an Urban twist that appealed to a whole new generation of movie goers. It also showcased a wonderful array of African-American talent. The moral of the movie is the same as that of the Wizard of Oz made more poignant set against the back drop of Urban decay. The moral is... you don't have to go far to find what you're looking for. The person that you want to be is inside of you already. I've seen it a million times and I'll see it a million more.
  
  
• A wonderful adaptation of the "Wizard of Oz"
  By A35BLWDHM3M5R6 on 2000-09-15
  I first saw this movie as a child and was awed by it. I tried to see it every year it aired on television and I never tired of it. The best part is that it ranks right up there with Judy Garland's classical Wizard of Oz. "The Wiz" carries the same story line but in a different format and with different adventures. You really don't have to be diehard fans of Michael Jackson or Diana Ross to enjoy this movie. All of the cast performances were great. To be honest, my favorite characters were the crows who tormented the scarecrow. Now that this movie is on DVD, I am definately purchasing it so that my kids will be able to enjoy it as much as I do. Of course, they have no idea who Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, or Quincy Jones are, nor will they care. I think they will just enjoy the movie as much as I did even though I really didn't know the actors then either.
  
  
• Shrill and Depressing
  By A1IV5A95O2Z03K on 2001-04-02
  I never saw this movie as a child, so nostalgia was unable to assist me in appreciating this movie the way that it helped some of the other reviewers. I found the movie oppressive and unrelentingly dull. Diana Ross sqeals and whines from start to finish, and, though she plays the lead, is completely unable to make her character at all likable. An emotionally crippled 30-something teacher living with her parents is a terrible premise for the main character anyway. She's so pathetic that it's impossible to care for her the way we cared about Judy Garland in the original. I like Diana Ross, but I hated this character, and indeed I hated the entire movie. Watching the thing just made me feel awful.
  
  
• BLACK PEOPLE, BUY THIS FOR YOUR KIDS!!!!
  By A3BC6JTORNUT1B on 2004-07-10
  A MUST for every black child to see!! This is OUR classic production. Many great actors/actresses were young budding talents when they performed in the Wiz. It's great to see them then & know them now. My kids enjoyed the music & loved the dancing.
  
  
• I was surprised!
  By on 2004-08-02
  Many people have said how 'The Wiz' is a boring movie...but if they watch closely, it's much deeper than MGM's film.
  The singing, dancing and acting in the film are pure entertainment. Diana Ross makes me feel as if she IS Dorothy. The emotions she expresses in the film seem so real. Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow is simply Adorable! The fancy (deliberately clumsy) footwork are perfect, the singing is INCREDIBLE and the acting - one would believe that Michael Jackson IS the scarecrow. The injured and hurt personality of the scarecrow really shines in Michael's portrayal.
  The film has many good jokes and a great sense of humour. Yet, at the same time, the film delves into serious themes, such as Friendship and Self-Belief.
  An incredible movie! :D
  
  

• The Wiz: Original Soundtrack (1978 Film)
• Mahogany
• Sparkle
• The Wizard of Oz (Two-Disc Special Edition)
• Claudine (1974)