The only film directed by Oscar winning sound designer/editor Walter Murch, Disney's Return to Oz was a semi-sequel to the MGM film. Based in part on the second and third Oz books, The Marvelous Land of Oz and Ozma of Oz, the film was considered to be a box office disappointment.
In order to keep some continuity, Disney paid MGM to license the ruby slippers, an invention of the 1939 film. The film was actually quite daring for the studio, it was dark and in no way emulated the MGM musical, which likely contributed to its failure at the box office.
Nevertheless, the film has built a strong cult following and was the first major role for actress Fairuza Balk, who at age 11 beat out 1,200 other girls for the role of Dorothy.
There's no debate that MGM's Wizard of Oz is a classic, but Return to Oz is the one that I find to be a far more interesting film.
Written by Gill Dennis and Walter Murch
Based on the book series by L. Frank Baum
Produced by Paul Maslansky
Directed by Walter Murch
Starring Fairuza Balk, Nicol Williamson, Jean Marsh, Piper Laurie, Matt Clark
1 comments:
So rad! Thanks for sharing.
I always think of the head scene, when I hear hall of heads by TMBG. Watching this tonight.
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