The Wiz (Criterion Collection): 4K UHD Review
It’s been more than 40 years since I have seen Sidney Lumet’s film adaptation of the Broadway musical, The Wiz. While I of course remembered Michael Jackson and Diana Ross’ Ease on Down the Road, I truly forgot a big chunk of the film and its’ many musical numbers. Written by Joel Schumacher and produced by The Fast and the Furious director, Rob Cohen, the star-studded musical was a box office failure when it was released in 1978. While I never saw it theatrically, I know I watched The Wiz numerous times on television in the early 80’s. I just didn’t remember it being such a strange film.
The Wiz opens on Thanksgiving evening in Harlem. Dorthy Gale (Ross) and her Aunt and Uncle are hosting a holiday dinner at their apartment. While everyone is having a good time, Dorthy remains a little too shy to socialize with the relatives and friends. When Dorthy’s dog Toto runs out into a snowstorm, Dorthy chases after him, only to be caught in a magical whirlwind that transports them both to the land of Oz.
Dorthy lands in Oz, only to discover that the Wicked Witch of the East broke her fall. While Dorthy feels terrible that she took a life, she also unknowingly freed the Munchkins of Munchkinland that Evermean aka the Wicked Witch held prisoner. All Dorthy wants is for her and Toto to find a way back home. When she learns that all-powerful Wiz can send her home, she heads down the yellow brick road, in hopes of finding Emerald City. On her journey, she meets the Scarecrow (Michael Jackon), who wishes for a brain, the Tinman (Nipsey Russell), who would like a heart and the Cowardly Lion (Ted Ross), who would love to get some courage.
Yes, The Wiz is pretty much the same story as The Wizard of Oz, but with more of a Motown vibe. While there are some things that I really admire about the production, as a whole, The Wiz is definitely a mess. Ross, who is an incredible singer, comes across pretty stiff as Dorthy. Side-by-side with Jackson’s energetic Scarecrow, there is just no comparison. Ross is great as the lion, but one of the biggest disappointments is Richard Pryor’s Wizard. It’s a typical early Pryor performance that brings little magic to the screen. The same can’t be said for the incredible set design, which is clearly where most of the budget went to.
The new 2160p presentation was sourced from the original camera negative and approved by producer Rob Cohen. As I mentioned before, the set design is one of the best things in The Wiz and the new 4K restoration with Dolby Vision really makes the sets pop. From the graffiti designed clothing of the Munchkins, to the yellow brick road and the emerald-green lights of Emerald City, the colors truly burst off the screen. We do get a Dolby Atmos track as well, which I believe improves on the musical elements in the film. I wish I could say I was a fan of The Wiz, but it only really worked for me in pieces. However, fans will be pleased with this release.
Bonus Features:
- New 4K digital restoration, approved by producer Rob Cohen, with Dolby Atmos soundtrack
- One 4K UHD disc of the film presented in Dolby Vision HDR and one Blu-ray with the film and special features
- New audio commentary featuring scholars Michael B. Gillespie and Alfred L. Martin
- Archival interviews with director Sidney Lumet and actor Diana Ross
- Trailer
- English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- PLUS: An essay by critic Aisha Harris
By: Marc Ferman