A Brief Review of "Return to Oz"
08-25-99 | 03:55 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: NY, NY
I always found this 1985 fantasy to be one of the most underrated and misjudged films.
Owing far more to the style of the Baum books than to the 1939 film, "Return to Oz" was directed by Walter Murch, the Academy Award winning editor of "Apocalypse Now" and "The English Patient." He treats the story and visuals with a seriousness and gravity that is lacking in most fantasy films. Fairuza Balk is utterly believable as Dorothy--it's hard to believe she was only nine at the time. And the sets and wonderful Will Vinton claymation effects enhance the unusual, surreal atmosphere.
The Anchor Bay DVD offers a choice of widescreen (non 16x9) 1.85:1 or full-frame presentations, a 5.1 soundtrack and an interview with Fairuza Balk on her experiences on the set. I wish more were offered... like a director's commentary... but it's still a good disc and a must for fans.
Owing far more to the style of the Baum books than to the 1939 film, "Return to Oz" was directed by Walter Murch, the Academy Award winning editor of "Apocalypse Now" and "The English Patient." He treats the story and visuals with a seriousness and gravity that is lacking in most fantasy films. Fairuza Balk is utterly believable as Dorothy--it's hard to believe she was only nine at the time. And the sets and wonderful Will Vinton claymation effects enhance the unusual, surreal atmosphere.
The Anchor Bay DVD offers a choice of widescreen (non 16x9) 1.85:1 or full-frame presentations, a 5.1 soundtrack and an interview with Fairuza Balk on her experiences on the set. I wish more were offered... like a director's commentary... but it's still a good disc and a must for fans.
08-26-99 | 10:29 AM
#2
DVD Talk Legend
I recently rented this from Netflix (I hadn't seen it in about 10 years). It is a wonderful transfer, both picture and sound, and the interview with Balk was a neat extra. I would have loved to see a trailer also, since I don't remember the trailer for this film and I'm curious how Disney tried to advertise it.
Anyway, the film itself is surprisingly good although I find myself wishing it were better. The effects and set design are wonderful and really evoke the spirit of the original novels. However, I found myself wanting more...
It's hard to put into words -- I guess the movie wasn't as "fun" as I hoped it would be (??) Great acting and fantastic production values, but unfortunately (IMHO) not a classic.
Anyway, the film itself is surprisingly good although I find myself wishing it were better. The effects and set design are wonderful and really evoke the spirit of the original novels. However, I found myself wanting more...
It's hard to put into words -- I guess the movie wasn't as "fun" as I hoped it would be (??) Great acting and fantastic production values, but unfortunately (IMHO) not a classic.
08-26-99 | 10:33 AM
#3
DVD Talk Legend
I'd also like to add that Anchor Bay deserves kudos for releasing this. It's great to see things like this, widescreen Condorman, road show edition Happiest Millionaire, and the upcoming SE of Watcher in the Woods. At the early stages of DVD, it's quite amazing that these things are coming out and with such great quality too!
Anchor Bay is doing a better job with releasing Disney titles than Disney is!
Anyway, I just wanted to acknowlege the company that helped get Return to Oz onto DVD. I find myself buying lots of Anchor Bay titles now, simply to help support a company that seems to be going out of its way to release obscure little "gems".
Anchor Bay is doing a better job with releasing Disney titles than Disney is!
Anyway, I just wanted to acknowlege the company that helped get Return to Oz onto DVD. I find myself buying lots of Anchor Bay titles now, simply to help support a company that seems to be going out of its way to release obscure little "gems".
