In 1985, Disney Pictures released the film, Return to Oz
–a sequel to the Wizard of Oz that is based on Frank L. Baum’s Ozma of Oz and The Marvelous Land of Oz. The photo above is the Oz float from the Main Street Electrical Parade from the summer of 1985 (MSEP ran from 1971-1991). The parade float did not last too long, as the movie was not a financial success.The picture below is the Emerald City from the Storybook Land Canal Boatride in Disneyland Paris. It is the only tribute to the 1985 film that exists. Although, there is rumor that a key to Tik-Tok is hidden in Splash Mountain.
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I thought it was a very cool movie; kind of on the dark side, but very well done. The problem with most Oz movies is that people compare them to the 1939 musical, which strays a little in tone from the original books.
It wasn’t the best movie ever made, but I always hold it up as an example of how you can make a fairy tale dark and stylish without making it a nausiatingly “hip” gorefest. As Ozes go, I prefer it on account of that darkness and style to the overload of candy-colored, munchkin-singing stimuli that is the musical.
This post has made my day! Return to Oz is one of my favorite movies of all time! (Ever notice my avatar on studioscentral?[Elchippo]) I’ve touched on a little about it on my blog, but dont think I’ve ever seen anyone else write anything on it! I was just at DLP about a month ago and yes, went on the Canal Boats specifically to see the Emerald City!
I bought a Return to Oz poster at Sid Cahuengas (where else?) about nine years ago, and aside from a prop at Planet Hollywood and some characters formerly in the storage area of the backlot Tour, I’ve never seen anything else in the Florida parks for this movie!
Can you sense my enthusisam?! Way to go George! Thank you!
Great post! I didn’t like the movie at first, like Dave said, I tried to compare it to the 1939 Classic. However, I have read a few of Baum’s books since then and this movie is much more true to Baum’s vision. I like it more each time I see it. Plus who doesn’t love the Wheelers!!!
It’s crazy to see that any tribute was made to that movie. I’ve only seen it twice. Once when i was 9 and it scared the crap out of me; then again a few months ago. I was amazed to find out that it was a Disney movie, because I would’ve never thought a Disney movie would scare me so much… excpet Pinocchio of course. That movie is also terrifying.
Anyway, I’m glad to I’m not the only person to have seen Return To Oz.
That movie was brilliant but at the same time terrified me when I was a child… I can’t remember their names, but the people on the wheels…oh my goodness, those images are burned in my brain! What a great post to really bring ‘way back’ memories, back!
I just don’t believe you at all and think you should take me (and the other people commented) to Disneyland Paris and show us first hand. Agree?
(And please refrain from the easy and obvious Lou = munchkin jokes) 😉
I did enjoy this movie, as well. Hard to imagine Fairuza playing anything other than a strange character now.
Lou, I think the offer of the trip is a great idea. The only problem would be arranging everyone’s schedule, though…
I’d forgotten that Return to Oz was a Disney film. It was very well done, and it’s a real shame that it wasn’t a financial success. If it had been, I wonder if we’d have gotten a “Return to Oz” dark ride?