Return to Oz (1985)

My Review

“Return to Oz” is an unofficial sequel to the 1939 popular classic film “The Wizard of Oz.” Director-screenwriter Walter Murch put together a darker version of the Oz story than audiences have been used to since 1939. He based this film on L. Frank Baum’s later novels, which The Walt Disney Company purchased in 1954: “The Marvelous Land of Oz” (1904) and “Ozma of Oz” (1907). The original “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” was published in 1900, with a total of fourteen published almost annually until 1920.

In this story, Dorothy finds herself back in Oz, with the Yellow Brick Road in ruins, the Emerald City a pile of rubble, and an evil empire in charge of everything. Dorothy goes on a quest to find her old friends, the Tin Man, the Lion, and the Scarecrow. As mentioned, the theme is much darker with scary visuals, especially for children, but the special effects and performances are quite good.

The cast is headed by child actor Fairuza Balk as Dorothy Gale. Balk is active in show business to this day. Others include Nicol Williamson as Dr. J. B. Worley/The Nome King, Jean Marsh as Nurse Wilson/Mombi, Piper Laurie as Aunt Em, Matt Clark as Uncle Henry, Deep Roy as Tin Man, John Alexander as Lion, and Justin Case as Scarecrow. The fascinating and somewhat watchable “Return to Oz” was a flop at the box office for Walt Disney Pictures, Silver Screen Partners, Buena Vista Distribution, and The Walt Disney Company.