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Dorothy Gale has recently come home to Kansas from the Land of Oz is now almost back to perfect health since the incident of the tornado, only she cannot get that wonderful place out of her head. She frequently talks about it and cannot get any sleep at night. Aunt Em worries about her health/well-being. Thinking that she is suffering delusional depression and acute insomnia, she decides to take her to see a special doctor in another town. While he tries to treat her with electro-shock treatment and take those nasty dreams away from her head, she is rescued by a mysterious girl who leads her back to Oz for a new adventure.
Duration: 113 min
Released: 1985
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10 (17,202 Votes)
Genre: Adventure, Dubbed Movies, Family, Fantasy
Stars: Fairuza Balk, Nicol Williamson, Jean Marsh, Piper Laurie
Directors: Walter Murch
Writers: L. Frank Baum, Gill Dennis, Walter Murch
Year: 1985
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Return to Oz (1985): A Magical Journey Back to the Land of Oz
"Return to Oz" is a captivating adventure and fantasy film released in 1985 that offers a darker, more imaginative continuation of the beloved story from L. Frank Baum's Oz series. Directed by Walter Murch, this movie serves as a sequel to the classic 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz." It transports audiences back to the enchanting yet eerie land of Oz, introducing a fresh narrative that balances wonder and mystery while exploring themes of courage and friendship.
Plot Summary
The story follows Dorothy Gale (played by Fairuza Balk), who finds herself mysteriously drawn back to the magical land of Oz after recovering from a fainting spell in Kansas. However, upon her arrival, she discovers that Oz is almost entirely unrecognizable. The Emerald City lies in ruins, the inhabitants are oppressed under the control of the cruel Nome King, and the beloved characters she once knew have either vanished or been transformed.
In her quest to restore Oz, Dorothy embarks on a perilous journey accompanied by new companions — Jack Pumpkinhead, a man with a pumpkin head; Tik-Tok, a mechanical man; and Billina, a talking chicken. Along the way, they must navigate treacherous landscapes and overcome formidable villains including the malevolent Nome King and the terrifying Wheelers, sinister creatures with wheels for hands.
Ultimately, Dorothy aims to rescue the Emerald City and its people, restoring light and hope to this now-dark realm. The narrative is a blend of fantasy and eerie undertones, creating a unique atmosphere that differentiates it from its predecessor and typical children's fantasy films.
Main Cast and Characters
Direction and Writing
Walter Murch, an esteemed figure in film editing and sound design, helm the direction of "Return to Oz," marking his debut as a feature film director. Murch's artistic vision brought a darker, more complex interpretation of the Oz universe, emphasizing practical effects and puppetry which added a tangible and immersive quality to the film.
The screenplay was adapted from two of L. Frank Baum's books: "Ozma of Oz" and "The Marvelous Land of Oz," written by Gill Dennis and Walter Murch. Their writing stays faithful to Baum’s original storytelling while injecting fresh suspense and mature themes that appeal to older audiences alongside children.
Visual Style and Special Effects
Distinct from the vibrant and easy-going tone of the 1939 classic, "Return to Oz" adopts a more surreal and haunting aesthetic. Practical effects, intricate puppetry, and costume designs create a world that is both whimsical and unsettling. The animatronics and creature design, particularly of characters like the Wheelers and Tik-Tok, showcase the craftsmanship of the talented cast and crew including veteran puppeteers such as Brian Henson and Tim Rose.
Reception and Legacy
While initially receiving mixed reviews due to its deviation from the conventional brightness associated with Oz, "Return to Oz" has since garnered a cult following. Fans appreciate its unique tone, ambition, and respect for the source material’s darker elements. It stands as a testament to imaginative filmmaking and remains popular among those interested in fantasy films with heft and originality.
Family Viewing Considerations
It is important to note that "Return to Oz" is geared towards a slightly older audience compared to many standard family films. The darker themes and some unsettling imagery may be intense for very young viewers, making parental guidance recommended.
Conclusion
"Return to Oz" (1985) is a memorable fantasy adventure that invites viewers into a richly crafted, sometimes eerie interpretation of Baum’s beloved land. With a strong performance by Fairuza Balk, visionary direction by Walter Murch, and a script grounded in Baum’s lore, the film offers an engaging and thought-provoking journey for fans of magical tales willing to explore Oz’s shadows as well as its light.
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