Okay, settle back into that comfy armchair, maybe imagine the faint whir of a VCR nearby. Today, we're easing on down the road to a version of Oz unlike any other – the dazzling, sometimes bewildering, but undeniably unforgettable spectacle that is 1978’s The Wiz. While technically a late 70s release, this film absolutely became a fixture on rental shelves and TV screens throughout the 80s, a vibrant splash of urban fantasy that felt both familiar and startlingly new. It wasn't just another trip to the Emerald City; it was a journey through a fantastical New York City, brimming with soul, style, and some truly eye-popping production design.
### A Different Kind of Twister
Forget Kansas farmland; this Dorothy isn't dreaming of amber waves of grain. Diana Ross, in a casting choice that sparked considerable debate even then, plays a painfully shy 24-year-old Harlem schoolteacher whisked away not by a cyclone, but a swirling snowstorm blizzard, landing in a gritty, graffiti-tagged, magical urban landscape. This fundamental shift, penned by Joel Schumacher (yes, that Joel Schumacher, years before his Batman outings) adapting the hit Broadway musical, immediately sets The Wiz apart. Directed by the legendary Sidney Lumet, a filmmaker far more associated with searing dramas like Network and Dog Day Afternoon, the choice seemed almost as fantastical as the story itself. Lumet brought a certain groundedness, even amidst the surreal, filming entirely on location in New York City and at Astoria Studios in Queens.
### Easing On Down the Yellow Brick Road
Our core quartet remains, but reimagined. Dorothy’s journey to find the titular Wiz, who might hold the key to getting her home, leads her to encounter figures born from urban decay and imagination. First up is the Scarecrow, brought to life with infectious energy and astonishing physicality by a young Michael Jackson. Plucked from a dingy patch amidst crow-hecklers spouting philosophical quotes, Jackson's performance is a kinetic marvel. It’s impossible not to be charmed by his loose-limbed dancing and earnest yearning for a brain. Reportedly, Jackson considered the Scarecrow his favorite film role and spent countless hours perfecting the character's movements, enduring uncomfortable makeup sessions daily.
Then there's the Tin Man, played with smooth charisma by Nipsey Russell. Found frozen in an abandoned amusement park (a stunning sequence filmed at Coney Island), Russell’s Tin Man isn't just seeking a heart; he's a former carnival barker lamenting his lost love, adding a layer of soulful melancholy. His silver costume, designed by the legendary Tony Walton, was apparently quite restrictive, but Russell glides through his scenes with effortless cool. And who could forget the Cowardly Lion? Ted Ross, reprising his Tony-winning Broadway role, delivers a performance full of bluster and vulnerability, emerging from one of the stone lions outside the New York Public Library. His plea for courage is both hilarious and genuinely touching.
### Spectacle and Soul
Visually, The Wiz is often breathtaking. Tony Walton's production design is a character in itself, transforming familiar NYC landmarks into fantastical settings. The dilapidated subway station ruled by the menacing Kalidahs (terrifying puppet creations!), the sweatshop kingdom of the Poppy Girls, and the truly stunning Emerald City sequence filmed at the then-new World Trade Center plaza – it’s a feast for the eyes. The budget ballooned to around $24 million (a huge sum for the time, roughly $110 million today!), and you can see every dollar on screen in the elaborate sets, costumes, and large-scale musical numbers.
And the music! Produced by the incomparable Quincy Jones, who also supervised the music, the soundtrack is packed with iconic tunes from the original Broadway show by Charlie Smalls, including "Ease On Down the Road," "Brand New Day," and the powerhouse ballad "Home." Jones brought his signature sophisticated funk and soul arrangements, perfectly complementing the film's urban vibe. While some critics felt the film dragged in places, the musical numbers often provide exhilarating bursts of energy.
### Behind the Emerald Curtain
Despite the incredible talent involved, The Wiz famously stumbled at the box office upon release, earning back only about $13.6 million domestically, and received mixed reviews. Much criticism was leveled at the casting of Diana Ross, who, despite her undeniable star power, felt miscast to many as the naive Dorothy (a role originated on Broadway by the much younger Stephanie Mills). The decision was largely driven by Motown's Berry Gordy, a major force behind the production. Furthermore, Sidney Lumet's directorial style, while visually impressive, sometimes felt at odds with the light fantasy, occasionally grounding the material too much.
However, like so many films we cherish here at VHS Heaven, time and home video gave The Wiz a second life. It became a beloved cult classic, particularly celebrated within the Black community for its groundbreaking all-Black cast and its vibrant reimagining of a classic tale. It stands as a significant moment in cinematic history, showcasing incredible talent like Michael Jackson on the cusp of global superstardom and featuring a rare comedic turn from the legendary Richard Pryor as the man behind the curtain himself, the Wiz. Let's not forget the smaller, memorable roles too, like Lena Horne's radiant Glinda the Good Witch.
### Final Thoughts
Watching The Wiz today is like opening a time capsule filled with glitter, soul, and astonishing ambition. It's flawed, yes – the pacing occasionally lags, and the central casting choice remains debatable. But the sheer audacity of its vision, the infectious energy of its musical numbers, the iconic performances (especially Jackson's), and the dazzling production design create an experience that still resonates. It captures a specific late-70s/early-80s energy – a blend of urban grit and fantastical escapism that feels uniquely its own. It wasn't the smash hit Universal and Motown hoped for, initially labelled a costly disappointment, but its enduring legacy proves that sometimes, the most interesting journeys down the yellow brick road are the ones that take a few detours.
VHS Heaven Rating: 7/10
Justification: While ambitious and visually stunning with iconic music and memorable performances (Jackson, Russell, Ted Ross), the film suffers from pacing issues and the controversial central casting of Diana Ross, which impacts the narrative's core. Lumet's direction, though competent, doesn't always feel suited to the fantasy genre. However, its cultural significance, cult status, and undeniable artistic merits, particularly in design and music, earn it a solid score.
It’s a film that dared to dream differently, and even if it occasionally stumbled, you can’t help but admire the view while you ease on down its unique road.