As a longtime fan of the original “The Wizard of Oz” and someone who has seen more adaptations of this classic tale than I can count, I must say that each new interpretation brings its own unique charm and twist to the story we all know and love.
The film “Wicked” gets added to the 2024 movie schedule, as we were heading to meet the Wizard, the Marvelous Wizard of Oz.
However, one might wonder if he truly deserves the title of “wonderful”. This notion has been challenged since the 1939 portrayal of The Wizard of Oz (a role that didn’t originate in that movie adaptation), and it becomes even more debatable with the release of the Wicked film, featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. In this narrative, the wizard is not merely a humbug but possesses motives that are arguably less than admirable.
Why not explore different adaptations of L. Frank Baum’s classic 1900 book while we eagerly await Wicked Part 1, set for November release? Let’s stroll together along the Yellow Brick Road and discover these other interpretations instead?
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
This iconic film, first released in 1939, remains as relevant and engaging as ever, earning numerous accolades throughout its storied history. Despite its age, it continues to captivate audiences, making it a timeless masterpiece worthy of repeated viewings.
On my latest flight to Japan, I had the pleasure of watching multiple films, including a repeat viewing of the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz“. My son sat next to me as we both enjoyed the film together.
One of the most creatively spun tales, “The Wizard of Oz,” narrates the journey of Kansas explorer Dorothy (and her canine companion) who are mysteriously whirled away by a tornado and deposited in a bizarre, unfamiliar land.
Immediately identifiable figures include: The Tin Man, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, Glinda (the Good Witch), among others. Notably, there are also less virtuous characters such as the Wicked Witch of the West, the flying monkeys, and the somewhat mysterious Wizard.
Everything’s just splendid, utterly splendid! If you haven’t caught the original “The Wizard of Oz” yet, it’s a definite must-see before heading off to watch “Wicked”. The tale of Elphaba, the so-called wicked witch, stands well on its own, but the experience is enriched significantly if you’re already familiar with other characters such as the Wizard, Glinda, and particularly the Scarecrow. By the way, I couldn’t help but bring this up…
The Wiz (1978)
As a gaming enthusiast reminiscing about movies, let me tell you about “The Wiz,” a classic film directed by the legendary Sidney Lumet. This flick boasted an all-star black cast with Diana Ross, Nipsey Russell, Richard Pryor, and none other than Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow! Believe it or not, despite its beloved status today, “The Wiz” was a commercial flop when it first hit the big screen.
Given a budget of $24 million and earning $21 million at the box office, The Wiz took its time to find its footing with fresh audiences, eventually becoming cherished. This is reminiscent of the original The Wizard of Oz, which started with a budget of $2.7 million and managed only $3 million at the box office. Over time, it’s become clear that this film was initially a much bigger failure than it appears today.
Regardless, as both “The Wizard of Oz” and “The Wiz” have become timeless classics, let’s discuss the unique retelling where Dorothy, portrayed by Diana Ross, is a school teacher from Harlem who finds herself transported to Oz during a snowstorm.
The remaining part of the film follows a pattern similar to the initial one, yet it’s enriched with numerous melodies and presents an extraordinary rendition of Oz filled with dancing crows and, let me rephrase that, ladies of the night. Instead of hopping along the yellow brick road, they leisurely glide on it.
If you watch just one Oz film other than the 1939 classic prior to seeing Wicked, I’d recommend choosing The Wiz. Trust me, it offers a unique experience.
Return To Oz (1985)
In the follow-up to the 1939 film, titled Return to Oz, we find Dorothy committed to an asylum. This unexpected turn of events occurs when her relatives, Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, refuse to believe her tales about Oz.
As I lay there, the doctors were preparing to administer shock therapy on me – but just in the nick of time, I was saved! When I returned to Oz, it wasn’t the same magical land I remembered. It had been transformed, and I couldn’t help but wonder what had happened while I was gone.
Here, she encounters fresh associates such as a chatty rooster, an oversized man with a pumpkin head, and a mechanical being. She’s also pursued by some truly unsettling characters known as The Wheelers.
If it seems surreal or like a dream to you, don’t worry, because at one point, I too believed I had dreamt the movie, but upon further investigation, I discovered that I had indeed watched it as a kid, and yes, it was just as strange as I recalled.
According to the third book, “Ozma of Oz,” the movie “Return to Oz” features Dorothy facing a new antagonist, the Nome King, who is quite eerie. If you’re intrigued by this, I strongly recommend giving it a watch. Although it deviates significantly from the story told in “Wicked,” it’s still a fascinating oddity worth exploring.
The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz (2005)
Imagine your preferred Muppet character. Now, visualize them in the land of Oz, which is quite similar to what you find in the movie ‘The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz‘. This time, the role of Dorothy is taken by singer Ashanti, who dreams of singing backup for the Muppets instead.
Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately), she ends up being carried off by a tornado, embarking on a new journey that closely resembles the original tale… except this time, it’s filled with the lively antics of none other than the Muppets! [Cue an energetic drum solo from Animal.]
Yet, the “with Muppets” twist sets this account apart significantly, as it might just be the zaniest version of the tale ever spun. How zany is it? It’s so zany that it includes an unusual scene where Quentin Tarantino brandishes a sword against Kermit the Frog.
Yeah. It’s that kind of movie. Check this one out for a laugh and a healthy dose of Gonzo.
Tom and Jerry & The Wizard of Oz (2011)
In a somewhat unusual analogy, doesn’t it remind you of how, in the “The Lord of the Rings” movies, Sam and Frodo venture out independently to cast the Ring into Mount Doom, while their comrades engage in battle to create that very chance for them?
In essence, “Tom and Jerry & The Wizard of Oz” seems to share a resemblance, given it’s essentially a retelling of “The Wizard of Oz,” albeit with Tom and Jerry playing peripheral roles within that narrative.
To set the record straight, let me clarify that this film doesn’t hold a candle to the grandeur of “The Lord of the Rings” series. Yet, within its light-hearted narrative, Tom and Jerry seem to take a back seat while Dorothy embarks on her unique journey.
As a die-hard Tom and Jerry fan, I’d highly recommend giving “Tom and Jerry in Oz” a watch if you’re eagerly anticipating the magical world of Oz depicted in “Wicked“. It may not be an extended film experience, but it certainly offers a delightful sneak peek into the enchanting land of Oz!
Oz The Great And Powerful (2013)
Despite not being among Sam Raimi’s top films, “Oz the Great and Powerful” could potentially serve as an excellent counterpart to the upcoming “Wicked”. This is due to the fact that, similar to “Wicked”, OtGaP is a prequel to the story of “The Wizard of Oz”, but unlike its predecessor, it focuses on Oscar Diggs, also known as the wizard, as the main character rather than the “wicked” Witch of the West.
The movie delves into the wizard’s connection with the trio of witches, offering an impressive visual experience. Subtle hints of the upcoming narrative can be spotted, but what’s captivating is experiencing Oz from a fresh angle. If you’re intrigued by a dramatically distinct interpretation of the tale, it’s definitely worth checking out.
And, that’s the list. For more news on all things Wicked-related, be sure to swing by here often.
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2024-10-05 23:07