The Wiz

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Buy This Item The Wiz by Universal Studios  Available from Amazon  $14.98  on 8-25-2008     Directed by Sidney Lumet (<I>Serpico</I>) and penned by Joel Schumacher (<I>Batman and Robin</I>), this lavish 1978 adaptation of the Broadway hit <I>The Wiz</I> 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.<p> <I>The Wiz</I> is probably the grandest take on L. Frank Baum's classic tale <I>The Wizard of Oz</I>. 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 <I>The Wiz</I> 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. <I>--Shannon Gee</I> Reader Reviews This such a fun movie. I totally enjoyed it. It is a classic and my family has been watching it for years. I love seeing the black Michael. To the Native American who doesn't like it because she doesn't see herself in it, so what. This is the African American version of the movie. African Americans have a unique culture, style, and way of doing things. Though we are only 12 percent of the population, we dictatate about 85% of American and World popular culture. We are the most excititing, charismatic, and creative people on the planet. I know you know that. This is a fact. You really did not expect to see a movie called the Wiz with non blacks as the primary characters? That would be silly. I would suggest that you and others who feel as you do create your own version of the the Wizard of Oz. That what we did. It is not a film maker's responsiblity to make you or anyone feel comfortable. A fim maker write movies that speaks to their spirit, and those people who spirits connect with the production support the work. If you expect the world to make you feel comfortable, you are looking for a rude awakening. As far as you don't feel comfortable watching all black or white shows, that is a personal issue. You need to ask yourself why you are so bothered. I don't have a problem watching all white shows if I find them interesting. However, I enjoy seeing productions most with a cast that looks like me. I bet you would have a different spin if they all look like you. Don't hate! Emulate! Celebrate! Congratulate! Ciao PS. Folks: I noticed that this poster gave the original Oz a five rating and it has an all white casts. I wonder what dats all about. Hater!?

The Wiz Available from Amazon Price: $14.98 Updated on 8-25-2008.

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