Review of Return to Oz (1985) by Scott A — 15 Jun 2013

I don't know how I never saw this film, being such a huge fan of The Wizard Of Oz and all.

Okay, two things really bugged me to not be able to give it five stars like the original film, and the prequel that was just released.

One, Dorthy and her family are much younger in this sequel. It's clear that this one takes place years after the original film, so why did everyone reverse in age???

Two, the original characters seemed to have such a bond with Dorthy and most have nothing to do in this film. Tin Man and Lion are turned to stone for most of this film, and have mere cameos in the end, while Scarecrow gets a decent part in the final act. But it would have been nice to see a scene in which Dorthy got to bond with her old friends again. And the Great Oz...well, he's mentioned once as being the previous king, but they never say what happened to him.

Even Toto sits out most of the film.

But the look of the film is great. It is far darker and there are no musical numbers or bright colors this time around. Oz and the yellow brick road have been destroyed. No sign of Glinda or the Munchkins.

Essentially the new characters are the old characters in a way. You have a wind up robot, a farm made Pumpkinhead and a Moose head. But they all give the film a heart, especially Tik Tok.

Balk is so good as Dorothy. She got the exact vibe down that Garland gave the character. Her eyes are such a major character, if that makes sense. If you can get over her being much younger, I think she just did an amazing job.

The witch was pretty crazy good. Her cabinet of heads she could wear was creepy. And the Gnome King was pretty sweet in a sleazy sort of way too. I liked how he turned more human the more people he punished. Wheelers were great henchmen too.

The adventure was far different that the one in the original and a lot of new characters to really shine. I just wish the old trio had gotten some more screen time.