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The Wiz |  | Actor: Diana Ross
Studio: Universal Studios
Category: DVD
List Price: $14.98
Buy New: $7.64
as of 9/7/2010 17:32 PDT details
You Save: $7.34 (49%)
New (30) Used (14) Collectible (1) from $7.39
Seller: moviemars
Rating:  94 reviews
Sales Rank: 11881
Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Languages: English (Subtitled), English (Original Language), French (Dubbed)
Rating: G (General Audience)
Region: 1
Discs: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Running Time: 135 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.6
MPN: 025192015885
UPC: 025192015885
EAN: 0025192015885
ASIN: B001JV5BF8
Theatrical Release Date: 1978
Release Date: February 3, 2009
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
THIS SOULFUL MUSICAL ADAPTATION OF THE WIZARD OF OZ STARS ROSS AS A NEW YORK CITY SCHOOLTEACHER WHISKED OFF TO A FANTASY VERSION OF THE BIG APPLE. FEATURES DAZZLING VISUALS AND A HOT SCORE.
Amazon.com
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
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Showing reviews 1-5 of 94
 A great film for everyone August 31, 2010
thesavvybamalady (Prichard, Alabama USA)
I remember when the film was being shot on Long Island because my eldest brother was an extra on it. I will never forget it. Then I saw it once until day before yesterday when they did the tribute to Michael Jackson on BET and saw it again, and I tell you this is a great film; I don't know why it didn't get the love initially because you have some great nuggets of wisdom in this film and you can't go wrong. I really felt Stephanie Mills should have been brought on to do the film version. she did a great job on Broadway, why not here? Michael Jackson did a fantastic job as the Scarecrow. that brother quoted more nuggets than most folks. Nipsey Russell and Ted Ross were good as well and I feel there is something for everyone in this movie. Little kids, big ones everyone. Then when Ms Lena Horne, played the Good Witch, honey, she sung the roof off so the film is good check it out!!
 "The Wiz" is no longer a "Wuz" August 30, 2010
L. Boki (San Francisco, CA)
Addendum:
I am probably writing far too late to make a difference if the masterminds at Universal would even react to fans' inquiries and input. Here is the good news that "The Wiz" will be forthcoming in Blu-ray technology. Coupled with the fact that a movie this old (1978) will only see minimal improvements with the Blu-ray technology and the knowledge of existing b-roll content from this project, please, please Universal stop production and add things like the original press conference at Astoria Studios featuring Diana and Michael, Diana's recordings of solo versions of songs from "The Wiz", the dedication ceremony of naming one set in honor of Diana, interviews w/Sidney Lumet about Lena Horne (if no footage of her exist) and interview w/Quincy ("usually available for these kinds of press opportunities) to embellish this release.
It is just so unfair that a movie this old, with a rather strange legacy of having only the Star of the movie be the only actor still living, demands that you enrich the Blu-ray release with more B-roll footage. Finally, a movie where I and probably millions of others may be interested in some of the backstory.....and you announce only a "featurette" which was on the 30th Anniversary version released only 3 years ago.
The DVD has been at least 3 times. Certainly the 30th Anniversary version, with its CD Bonus Disc, probably had a large number of fans previously owning other versions of the DVD or VHS. So often most people, myself included would have little interest in that bonus disc.......now we are. UNIVERSAL PLEASE ADD MORE GOODIES TO THE DISC.....
For those who remembered when "The Wiz" first premiered on 24 October 1978, the naysayers were out with their poisoned pen. Only Rex Reed, of the national press, saw its magic initially. The soundtrack came out about a month before the album. As is most any of his productions, Quincy Jones did a great job with the soundtrack eliciting strong vocal performances from Diana, Michael and Lena. Diana's voice would go up and octave or two preparing her for her iconic "The Boss" album that is considered, vocally, one of her best. And of course, Michael and Quincy would go on to work together on the groundbreaking "Off the Wall" and "Thriller" albums. Lena left an indelible impression with her turn on "Believe in Yourself".
The box office was not initially kind to the movie as expectations were high and the naysayers were ready to go as low as they could go. But it began to find a new life as a midnight cult classic, in much the same way that "Rocky Horror Picture" had done. Not quite as profound as "Horror Show", but, a new lease still the same. Like its predecessor, "The Wizard of Oz" began its annual run on networks, soon embraced by young viewers. Universal had already reported that they made their money back by leasing the movie for syndication. It was as a home video title where it really began to take hold. Universal has released the movie in video formats at least 3 times, the most recent being the successful 30th Anniversary edition a few years ago.
The movie has a potent but sad legacy, in that, only the gorgeous Ms. Diana Ross is the only major star still alive. Richard Pryor, Theresa Merritt, Nipsey Russell and Ted Ross transitioned on early. The passing of Michael Jackson helped greatly to add to its legacy and most recently La Horne. All these factors lead to the new found success for "The Wiz" to bask in.
Diana gets the last laugh as with her previous movies, "Lady Sings the Blues" and "Mahogany" all possess a certain cache and credibility as an actress and a box office draw. It is Michael's only feature film if you don't count "Captain EO". It is a blazing, lasting tribute for Ms. Horne. It certainly reminds us of what a lost it is that Diana has not made more movies. Even her Golden Globe-nominated performance in "Out of Darkness" and her pop-culture outing with Meron/Zadan "Double Platinum" were both successful tele-pics that are in constant reruns.
Now, as it becomes a Blu-ray converted title, "The Wiz" takes its place in cinematic history. It reminds you of the greatness of Michael Jackson and Lena Horne.......and it leaves you yearning for more movies from Diana! Hopefully, Hollywood begins banging loudly on her door (Tyler Perry apparently has been in high pursuit of her) to get her back in front of the camera.
Bought it as a gift July 26, 2010
M. Reeves (Johnson City Tennessee)
Bought this CD for my nephew. He had the origonal and it was stolen by a visitor. He loves the extra cd with the music from the film.
Nice gift.
The wiz July 6, 2010
S. Shobowale (Evanston, IL USA)
Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! It will hold your attention and keep you moving in your seat. Fun family movie. Loved the actors.
Funny & different June 30, 2010
Maria Eugenia Amaro Vellon
I liked the story itself and I think that the perspective given is really a nice one. I enjoyed it a lot, even thought I don't usually like musicals.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 94
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