The Wiz film on DVD

I had seen The Wiz on film a long time ago, possibly when it was released in 1978, but didn't remember how cleverly it used New York City icons and locations to tell its story. That was the most fun part of seeing the film again today.

Some of the music holds up to the test of time, but a lot of performances don't. Diana Ross's Dorothy is rather two-dimensional and doesn't even improve much when she's given some beautiful songs to sing. Michael Jackson seems to have the most fun as the Scarecrow relying on dance ability to keep his performance lively. And it's nice to know that Nipsey Russell should be remembered for something other than Match Game.

Poor Lena Horne is hampered by a very static camera position during her one number; it makes her look like she's been stapled to that starry backdrop with the baby/angels all around her. Ms. Ross suffers the same fate while singing "When I think of Home" at the end of the film.


The Wiz
Music and Lyrics by Charlie Smalls
Book by William F. Brown
Film directed by Sidney Lumet
Released by Universal in 1978
Cast: Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Ted Ross, Richard Pryor, Mabel King