The Wiz (1978)

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 Amazon.com

 Great Movie
This is another one of my all time favorites!! I love this movie because it was funny and a great watch. Get it!!!

Toya April 5, 2008

 African American Version
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!? March 19, 2008

 The Wiz
I love this movie and the price including shipping was extremely reasonable!!! It's a classic and it plays well! Thanks again for everything! February 13, 2008

 I loved this movie!
I dont know what everybody else is talking about but this movie was and is the ish!!All the singing and songs were great!Go Motown January 29, 2008

 Non-diverse and noninclusive = just plain wiz.
I felt very uncomfortable with the lack of diversity of this movie. As a native American, I would have liked to see some native Americans in this film as I feel that every movie should represent the diverse ethnic ratio of its audience. In America we have a myriad of races so every movie's cast should be indicative of that, otherwise it's ethnocentric. When movies are noninclusive, like this one, it makes viewers feel uncomfortable. The following races make up the racial patchwork quilt of American diversity rainbow.

* White alone, 74.7%, or about 215.3 million
* Black American 12.1% or 34.9 million
* Asian American (Includes people from the subcontinent and southeast Asia) 4.3% or 12.5 million,
* American Indian 0.8% or 2.4 million
* Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 0.1% or 0.4 million
* Some other race 6% or 17.3 million
* Two or more races 1.9% or 5.6 million

Now, it goes without saying that not only should every workplace be representative of these statistics, but every movie and TV show as well, in order for everyone to feel comfortable. It's the compassionate thing to do. Please don't misconstrue that I have anything against afro-Americans, I certainly don't. I don't feel comfortable when I watch all White shows either. I've never seen an all native American show, but I assume I'd feel uncomfortable if I did.

I know only too well the hypocrisy of the whiteocracy. But thanks to this movie I've seen the errors in the blackology of the blackocracy.
October 23, 2007

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