Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #88193 in DVD
• Released on: 1999-04-13
• Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Colour, Dolby, DVD-Video, Letterboxed, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, French
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 134 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
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, utilising 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

Customer Reviews

THE WIZ - Michael Jackson. Diana Ross...
This film is a classic! Stars including Michael Jackson (as scarecrow), Diana Ross (Dorothy), Tedd Ross (cowardly lion), Nipsey Russell (Tinman), Lena Horne (Glinda the Good Witch) and Richard Pryor (The Wiz). There is a great storyline, based on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, with great catchy songs to sing along to. This is the perfect film for any generation and you will definatley be watching the film over and over again!!! The Wiz is a definate MUST SEE!!!

Soul Funk soundtrack sets your toes tapping!
Thsi video is excellent! Anybody with a love of good music will love this contempory remake of the classic 1939 film. In particular, songs such as "Ease on Down the Road" and "You Can't Win" will have you tapping those toes, or maybe even dancing around you living room! Some of the acting leaves something to be desired, but the excellent and funny script makes up for that. You will pity the Lion, dance along with Dorothy and laugh with the Crows, so if you love musicals this is the film for you!

The Wiz
Our school went to see the Wiz at the cinema and i haven't been able to get the song words outta my head since i recommend this film to any musical lover or anyone that enjoyed the Wizard of Oz. The story is easy to follow and easy to dance too. After watching it our school did it as a play and it was great fun.