Fun movie! During the shooting of this film Quincy Jones got acquainted with Michael Jackson and convinced him to let him produce his next album. We would not have the albums Off The Wall or Thriller without this movie.
Very true.. Michael Jackson’s adult career can be traced back to this. It also put a stop on Diana Ross’s screen career.. I remember she was absolutely panned in this.. but Michael’s role was praised as the best performance in the movie.
Most of my memories of this film are from seeing in on cable tv, and I absolutely adore it. For some reason the scene of the Apple shaped sun rising over the “emerald city” (at 2:40 ), with that hopeful look on Dorothys face, is burned into my memory and I just get such a warm fuzzy feeling when I see it. I’m so glad this movie is beloved by so many, and all the soul/funk inspired music is just too good to be forgotten.
yup!!! cable tv!! how i always watched this amazing film. im a huge wizard of oz fan and as a kid my mom once found the wiz and was like "hey tony you wanna see a wizard of oz with michael jackson?" and i was like huh? then i watched it and fell in love. as i grew older i really noticed how important this film is to the black community and i just love it sm. it tells my fav story of all time while also having representation of the black community. truly a masterpiece. just recently got it on dvd too !!
@@hearts4ozma I remember it being a regular feature on The Disney Channel. Whenever someone just dismisses it as the “ Black version of the wizard of Oz” my immediate response is that “ it is an adaptation of L Frank Baum’s Wonderful Wizard of Oz featuring many talented black performers “ .
Thanks for the support you very nice and welcoming people ^^ I suppose 5 years ago I felt more "tense" about admitting my soft spot for this movie. I care much less if someone thinks I'm dumb for liking a film they don't.
It’s sooo magical having some the greatest stars of those times in this movie especially Micheal he’s still and forever be my favourite artist and singer
I loved every bit of this movie. So surreal and so imagantive; a classic fairy tale retold in a modern paralell urban setting. And the music was so upbeat and funky! It needs to be brought to the West End.
A few years ago, my school did a Wizard of Oz play and just so happen I played The Scarecrow the same role that Michael played. I dedicated my performance to him I'm a big fan of Michael he's the big brother I wish I've had.
Whenever HBO had free weekends in the late 70s this movie was always on. I watched it many times!! We thought we were big time watching movies at home with no commercials lol
+Justin W...... IF you mean & talking about the one called...... "The Wizard Of Oz" (1939) i kinda like it "MUCH BETTER" then this one although it was just o.k for 1978 but i have the 1939 version of the movie....... "The Wizard Of Oz" on a two-disc 70th. Anniversary Edition but there are other different version as well there's also......"Return To Oz (1985) & The Muppet Wizard Of Oz (2005) & The Great & Powerful Oz (2013)
The trailer is Classic. All around just a Brilliant Film. That will carry for eons,especially since most of the entire Star Studded cast has passed away
I love this movie...i remember seeing it when it came out.. Went on a field trip with my 4grade class Came back and bragged to my brother that it was better than the wizard of oz.. Still think so..
When the Broadway version was enjoying its successful first run, Liza Minnelli and Jack Haley, Jr., who were married at the time, loved it and wanted Jack, Sr. to come with them to see it. Jack agreed, but groused all the way to the theater, saying it could never match what he and Judy Garland and the others did. By the time the show was over, he was on his feet applauding! And word had reached backstage that "the original Tin Man" was in the house, so they asked him to come up on stage and take a bow! So again, it's not a matter of one being "better" (and what does that really mean?) than the other, it's a matter of both being great. 🙂
This movie was given to me as a gift my mommy bought it for me, it was the best choice she has ever made☺️. I would literally tap dance all throughout the house y’all oh my goodness
@@reneastle8447 If it didn't flop in an alternative universe, the blaxploitation genre would be still thriving. Since it did flop, it completely killed off the blaxploitation genre. Probably for the better as a lot of blaxploitation stuff hasn't aged well.
I loved this movie as a kid until the part when the subway station came alive. That scene freaked me out and I couldn't finish the movie. I was about 5 or 6 at the time, and this movie really isn't for kids that young imo. But I also went to see Jurassic Park on opening day in '93 and had no problem with dinosaurs eating people.
@@AliceDontCareSnickerSnack I know. However, It is such an insult to all those behind the scenes that make a movie to not consider them that I felt the need to say something.
As bad as this movie was panned (and rightfully so with Diana Ross cast as Dorothy), it is a cult classic mainly because of the great overall acting performances of the other cast members especially Michael Jackson. Kudos to Quincy Jones for one hell of a Film Score and Musical Direction along with Ashford & Simpson Sad thing is that all the main and co-cast members in the movie have passed on except for Diana Ross! And a history note regarding this movie: This was the 1st major motion picture to ever be filmed at the original World Trade Center.
I had no problem with Diana Ross playing Dorothy as an adult, because the character has been portrayed as such before; the 1902 stage smash had Dorothy as a 19 year-old and the second movie version had her at the age of 18.
It did not do well because it did not resemble the Broadway show in which it was based which is a shame because of the Broadway show is really amazing and far better than this movie.
RIP twin towers. How can you re-make the Wiz when this version hit it out of the park? A pre-royal MJ, Diana in her prime and all the great actors in this movie....
"Oh," what?" The designer's name wasn't on the screen. The designer was Tony Walton, who also created the look for _Mary Poppins;_ In fact, he was married to Julie Andrews for a time. He's won an Oscar, an Emmy, and three Tonys. As for _The Wiz,_ he was nominated for Oscars in the categories of Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design.
this movie is very dear to me, I loved this movie as a kid and I watched it so many times and knew all the songs..
Me too
I listened to the soundtrack album over and over back then.
Same here✊🏾💯💯
I can watch this movie over and over.
So can I..Love this Movie
xsparklex84 me to
I have The Wiz Live on DVD.
TV one on Thanksgiving
@@isaiahwilliams7150 I really enjoyed that! Shanice Williams was amazing as Dorothy.
Fun movie! During the shooting of this film Quincy Jones got acquainted with Michael Jackson and convinced him to let him produce his next album. We would not have the albums Off The Wall or Thriller without this movie.
Thank u for sharing 🙏🏽🙏🏽
Very true.. Michael Jackson’s adult career can be traced back to this.
It also put a stop on Diana Ross’s screen career.. I remember she was absolutely panned in this.. but Michael’s role was praised as the best performance in the movie.
😂love the underwear dance scene ax
"And my irresistible attraction to the wrong women" I died! 😂😂
LOL!!
It's interesting to hear him say that in this preview, because Nipsey re-dubbed that line in the finished film.
@@MaskedMan66 it sounds very different. You’re absolutely correct
@@Jacobsladder1993 I didn't realize it myself until I saw this. Always interesting when they use alternate takes.
*WORD!🙏🏿*
The fact Sidney Lumet directed this was a massive surprise
Most of my memories of this film are from seeing in on cable tv, and I absolutely adore it. For some reason the scene of the Apple shaped sun rising over the “emerald city” (at 2:40 ), with that hopeful look on Dorothys face, is burned into my memory and I just get such a warm fuzzy feeling when I see it. I’m so glad this movie is beloved by so many, and all the soul/funk inspired music is just too good to be forgotten.
yup!!! cable tv!! how i always watched this amazing film. im a huge wizard of oz fan and as a kid my mom once found the wiz and was like "hey tony you wanna see a wizard of oz with michael jackson?" and i was like huh? then i watched it and fell in love. as i grew older i really noticed how important this film is to the black community and i just love it sm. it tells my fav story of all time while also having representation of the black community. truly a masterpiece. just recently got it on dvd too !!
This is beautiful I have the movie
@@hearts4ozma I remember it being a regular feature on The Disney Channel. Whenever someone just dismisses it as the “ Black version of the wizard of Oz” my immediate response is that “ it is an adaptation of L Frank Baum’s Wonderful Wizard of Oz featuring many talented black performers “ .
Alot of people seem to dislike this film... But for some sick reason I enjoy it.
you aint sick man. You just know talent
Nothing sick about enjoying it, especially since it's G rated.
I don't understand what's not to like and sick? Please you have taste
It's not sick to enjoy this film, it's a good film to people who have a good taste in talent.
Thanks for the support you very nice and welcoming people ^^ I suppose 5 years ago I felt more "tense" about admitting my soft spot for this movie. I care much less if someone thinks I'm dumb for liking a film they don't.
It’s sooo magical having some the greatest stars of those times in this movie especially Micheal he’s still and forever be my favourite artist and singer
It the 40th anniversay of the wiz and i still love this movie
Now its been 45 years.
I loved every bit of this movie. So surreal and so imagantive; a classic fairy tale retold in a modern paralell urban setting. And the music was so upbeat and funky! It needs to be brought to the West End.
Nice opinion bobby
A few years ago, my school did a Wizard of Oz play and just so happen I played The Scarecrow the same role that Michael played. I dedicated my performance to him I'm a big fan of Michael he's the big brother I wish I've had.
Did you do the moonwalk?
One of my favorite movies of all time
One of my favorite movies
Whenever HBO had free weekends in the late 70s this movie was always on. I watched it many times!! We thought we were big time watching movies at home with no commercials lol
great movies, great soundtracks, great story, but the GREATEST of them all is MIchael
My excitement for the Wiz Live this December on NBC brought me here
The scene when they are in the subway always creeped me out :P
😡😡😡
This whole movie creeped me out
Same
Bruh the subway is not scary and not the whole movie I have the movie and it's not scary
Richard Pryors performance is underrated and overlooked!
Especially since he's in the movie only for a short time.
It's always interesting to see comedians in dramatic roles.
My favorite film
I am eleven years old and i know every song and dance to this movie. i grew up on this movie.
Why aren’t today’s filmmakers citing this as an inspiration for a film
They're probably afraid to, since it didn't do well at the box office.
@@MaskedMan66 well Idk about you but I certainly would
@@broadwaybabywmh As would I!
Maybe becouse today they would find a reason to call it offensive.
@@MarcoArielMavilTorres I'm sure they'd have fits about the director, the producer, and the screenwriter all being white.
This version is better than the NBC one. The music in this version is much better, the arrangements are more disco and fun.
+Justin W I resent that! They are equally enjoyable versions
Lies, this was retarded.
Tom André Svellingen It was just his opinion but it was retarded.
+Justin W...... IF you mean & talking about the one called...... "The Wizard Of Oz" (1939) i kinda like it "MUCH BETTER" then this one although it was just o.k for 1978 but i have the 1939 version of the movie....... "The Wizard Of Oz" on a two-disc 70th. Anniversary Edition but there are other different version as well there's also......"Return To Oz (1985) & The Muppet Wizard Of Oz (2005) & The Great & Powerful Oz (2013)
I agree
I remember this being on tv once...I loved this movie but i never finished it! The cast is amazing love you Michael !!
This movie is a part of me. You could describe my or write anything about me without mentioning this movie
Could or couldn't?
amazing musical
1 of my all time favorite movies!
Mabel King is awesome in this. Deliciously wicked and what a voice!
She had been in the Broadway version, along with Ted Ross, who reprised his Cowardly Lion for the movie.
I had no idea michael jackson was in a movie! Whoa I gotta watch this
Why wasn’t this a hit? I love the Wiz! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
White people couldn’t relate to it at the time and black people were disappointed with its transition from stage to screen.
Because apart from the music, it was almost nothing like the phenomenally successful Broadway stage version.
Still, the soundtrack album went double platinum, so it was a hit in that way. ;-)
I didn’t think it was that bad, it was really good to me!
I love the wiz with Diana Ross and Michael Jackson and everyone in my favorite movie
The trailer is Classic. All around just a Brilliant Film. That will carry for eons,especially since most of the entire Star Studded cast has passed away
R.I.P MICHAEL JACKSON
😢😢😢😭😭😭😭😭
may he rot in pain
@@someguy2972 you aint bad
I remember watching this on Disney Channel
This movie brings back so many memories
I love this movie...i remember seeing it when it came out.. Went on a field trip with my 4grade class
Came back and bragged to my brother that it was better than the wizard of oz.. Still think so..
They're too different to really be compared.
When the Broadway version was enjoying its successful first run, Liza Minnelli and Jack Haley, Jr., who were married at the time, loved it and wanted Jack, Sr. to come with them to see it. Jack agreed, but groused all the way to the theater, saying it could never match what he and Judy Garland and the others did. By the time the show was over, he was on his feet applauding! And word had reached backstage that "the original Tin Man" was in the house, so they asked him to come up on stage and take a bow!
So again, it's not a matter of one being "better" (and what does that really mean?) than the other, it's a matter of both being great. 🙂
Michael Jackson :)
Welcome to the 70s!
Groovy!
This movie was given to me as a gift my mommy bought it for me, it was the best choice she has ever made☺️. I would literally tap dance all throughout the house y’all oh my goodness
I was a kid when it came out, and had the soundtrack album and played it over and over again. 🙂
This film used to scare me when I was a kid. LOL. I love it now though. Classic.
Nice I remember when I was in middle school and did a musical for this movie. It was fun.
Omg Micheal Jackson is cool he is my mom’s favorite singer
If you like his singing you should go watch his music videos and concerts. Best dancer and entertainer of all time.
Bravo!!!!!!!!!!Michael &Dianna.
I hate that this movie flopped, but I am glad it has attained cult classic status.
What if it didn't flop? What if it was a blockbuster success? That would've been brilliant.
@@reneastle8447 If it didn't flop in an alternative universe, the blaxploitation genre would be still thriving. Since it did flop, it completely killed off the blaxploitation genre. Probably for the better as a lot of blaxploitation stuff hasn't aged well.
UNDERRATED!
Classic movie 🎥
I loved this movie as a kid until the part when the subway station came alive. That scene freaked me out and I couldn't finish the movie. I was about 5 or 6 at the time, and this movie really isn't for kids that young imo.
But I also went to see Jurassic Park on opening day in '93 and had no problem with dinosaurs eating people.
This needs to come back and be a hit 2019 is the year we all make this a #1 hit come on
Legends in one movie
Orange is the new black brought me here
I'd throw my pie for you lol
Oh shit me too
same
me too lol
keen and peel brought me here. .😅
They are showing it on BBC TWO in an hour. I am ready. ❤
Now on peacock yay!
Look how magical it looks
I remember when it came out, I just never saw it. I may have to now
I love Michael in this movie, he is so cute!!!
Happy 45th Anniversary!
Just by listening to the music it's obvious to see that the songs were made with Michael Jackson in mind..
No, because they were written for the stage first.
its sad to know that only:
diana ross=dorthey
Joel schumacher= writer
are the only two people who worked on this movie to still be alive.
Quincy Jones is alive
That's not true, there are hundreds of people who worked on this movie that are still alive.
@@janX9 I think they meant principal cast and crew members
@@AliceDontCareSnickerSnack I know. However, It is such an insult to all those behind the scenes that make a movie to not consider them that I felt the need to say something.
janX9 not that serious lol, just stating the main cast and production
happy 40th anniversary
As bad as this movie was panned (and rightfully so with Diana Ross cast as Dorothy), it is a cult classic mainly because of the great overall acting performances of the other cast members especially Michael Jackson. Kudos to Quincy Jones for one hell of a Film Score and Musical Direction along with Ashford & Simpson
Sad thing is that all the main and co-cast members in the movie have passed on except for Diana Ross!
And a history note regarding this movie: This was the 1st major motion picture to ever be filmed at the original World Trade Center.
I had no problem with Diana Ross playing Dorothy as an adult, because the character has been portrayed as such before; the 1902 stage smash had Dorothy as a 19 year-old and the second movie version had her at the age of 18.
This is my favorite movie of all times!
Where can i see it full?🙏🏽
This is one of my favorite movies, I loved it!! I am surprised so many don't :P
Me too
I think you'd be surprised at how many DO! ;-)
A guilty pleasure for me.
Brook the talking skeleton on ONE PIECE reminds me of the Scarecrow...
Yohohoho- yoheeheehee
FYI, the scarecrow is played by none other than Michael Jackson!
1:27 his face 😂😂😂
see you on blu ray in april
Woaaaarrr looks trippier than return to oz 😳
It's Always Sunny brought me here !!
When are we gonna acknowledge that this is actually a horror movie
The subway scene😌🥺
frrr 🤣
It’s not a horror movie but definitely not an uplifting movie either. It’s a weird hybrid - a bad one at that
@@billsimms2511 Not uplifting?! You missed "Everybody Rejoice," "When You Believe" and "Home," didn't you?
It's a fantasy movie, and fantasy tales generally have scary parts, but it's hardly all scary.
Love this movie 🎥
Cool flick
Great film. Underrated
I need this quality don’t want to watch it in HD
How do I change that
This movie was awesome I can’t believe it didn’t do well
It did not do well because it did not resemble the Broadway show in which it was based which is a shame because of the Broadway show is really amazing and far better than this movie.
People wanted MGM all over again, and they didn't get it.
cool
This Movie Is Also From The Studio That Brought You The Pink Panther.
I remember watching this in Elementary in music class I was like 7
Who's here from Good Mythical More?
I’m here from tik tok😂
What video?
No idea what that is. I'm here for The Wiz
Never heard of it.
Now this movie called The Wiz is bombed in the box office!
Sadly yes
And has since become a cult classic.
@@MaskedMan66 BullShit!!!!!!!!
I really loved this movie I have it on video
This film is like one big bad trip... especially where the lion wants to throw himself off the building.
Ozites can't die, so it wouldn't have done him any harm.
something I probably have to puff and drink a 40 to watch 😊
your right
the world trade center was used/featured in this movie awesome movie. came out the year after my birth
💜💜💜💜💜
I remember watching this on my iPad lol 😂
❤️Michael my babe
i didnt even know this existed till today .....
preach..
Michael Jackson ❤️❤️❤️❤️😍😍1:26
What are those orange things at 01.26
trashcans
People panned this movie but just like the original this one is a classic to. I love both and I watched both.
She was too old for the role.
Michael Jackson was the only one who saved this thing.
I wonder if Disney will make a animated remake despite I like this one too.
0:52 EHYYAHAHAHYAH
I wanna watch this so bad
It’s often played around thanksgiving
Nobody's stoppin' ya! ;-)
I Do Think That This Movie Came Out In The Same Year As The Pink Panther.
RIP twin towers. How can you re-make the Wiz when this version hit it out of the park? A pre-royal MJ, Diana in her prime and all the great actors in this movie....
baby baby dock dock suppy suppy
It's crazy cus Michael Jackson turned into royalty like just a few years later
"The Wiz Live!" is an excellent production.
Is michael acted in this movie ?
Where can i see this movie ?🙏🏽
I have The Wiz Live on DVD.
Me too! Great show, and wonderful to see Stephanie Mills as Aunt Em.
So I was thinking "Man, this looks terrible and nightmarish (from about :49 to 1:31). Who designed this?". Then I got to 3:19, and I was like, "Oh."
"Oh," what?" The designer's name wasn't on the screen. The designer was Tony Walton, who also created the look for _Mary Poppins;_ In fact, he was married to Julie Andrews for a time. He's won an Oscar, an Emmy, and three Tonys. As for _The Wiz,_ he was nominated for Oscars in the categories of Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design.
Wow this is pretty interesting 🤔