The Muppets' Wizard of Oz
Extended Film Version
Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and all the Muppets as they turn everyone's favorite classic tale into a musical, madcap adventure that shines brighter than Emerald City!
The fun starts when the Muppets team up with an all-star cast that includes Grammy Award winner Ashanti, Oscar®) nominee Queen Latifah (2002, Best Supporting Actress, Chicago), David Alan Grier, Academy Award® winner Quentin Tarantino (1994, Best Original Screenplay, Pulp Fiction, and Jeffrey Tambor. Ashanti sparkles as Dorothy, an aspiring singer whose dreams of fame and fortune seem worlds away from coming true in the Kansas trailer park where she lives with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry. But when a tornado transports her and Toto (Pepe the King Prawn) to the magical land of Oz, Dorothy meets the Wizard, who promises to make her a superstar -- if she and her wacky new friends, the Scarecrow (Kermit), the Tin Thing (Gonzo), and the Cowardly Lion (Fozzie), can defeat Oz's #1 diabolical diva, the Wicked Witch of the West (Miss Piggy)!
Featuring original music, hilarious performances, and 20 minutes of never-before-seen footage, The Muppets' Wizard of Oz will lift your spirits and blow you away!
Member Reviews
Wonder if this is what "L Frank Baum" Had In Mind? - TheShamus
The Muppet Legacy was left in control of Jim Henson's Kids. Since Jim Henson's death, they have put out great shows like, "Bear in the Big Blue House" and a somewhat less successful, "Dr. Suess" series. Oh course, all control is ultimately under the Disney umbrella.
In my opinion, the Muppets have always been best when they they are featured in original, creative, full-budget features. In this case, the Muppets have been relegated to "Made-for-TV" terratory.
The "Wizard of Oz" story has been adapted to the world of "R & B" and "Rap" talents such as "Queen Latifa" and "Ashanti".
For adults, I don't think the movie is particularly engaging. The special effects are not very special -- and I wonder if "Jim" would have given this one the "green light".
Regardless, my kids liked it.
I think there are better Muppet features available ... including, "The Muppet Show" ... but as far as contemporary kids programming ... this one is just "okay".
/\/\/\/\ the Shamus /\/\/\/\Lacking the magic - Radio_Jane
As much as I love these new muppet movies, it always seems painfully obvious that the magic that Frank Oz and Jim Henson brought is just not there. The voices are obviously different, and the humor is not as great. Still, this was pretty cute, although it lacks the comedy of such earlier muppet films as The Muppet movie and the great muppet caper. Kids will love it, and Pepe is always good for a laughA Few Good Moments - The_Cunninghams
It says something about the enduring legend of The Muppets that so many celebrities would line up to be in a new Muppet movie, even one destined to air on television. The Muppets' Wizard of Oz, stars Ashanti, Queen Latifah, Jeffrey Tambor, David Alan Grier, and of all people, Quentin Tarantino.
I hate TV movies and I'm not hip enough to like Ashanti, but I love the Muppets. Their cuteness and energy win me over every time. But on top of that, the script, by Debra Frank and Steve Hayes is filled with one-liners that are clever more often than not. I found that a pleasant surprise. Combined with the timeless story of Dorothy and her trip to Oz and you've got a pretty damn okay little movie. The DVD has a couple of fair extras and a good transfer.
Member Reviews
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Wonder if this is what "L Frank Baum" Had In Mind? - TheShamus
The Muppet Legacy was left in control of Jim Henson's Kids. Since Jim Henson's death, they have put out great shows like, "Bear in the Big Blue House" and a somewhat less successful, "Dr. Suess" series. Oh course, all control is ultimately under the Disney ...Lacking the magic - Radio_Jane
As much as I love these new muppet movies, it always seems painfully obvious that the magic that Frank Oz and Jim Henson brought is just not there. The voices are obviously different, and the humor is not as great. Still, this was pretty cute, although it ...A Few Good Moments - The_Cunninghams
It says something about the enduring legend of The Muppets that so many celebrities would line up to be in a new Muppet movie, even one destined to air on television. The Muppets' Wizard of Oz, stars Ashanti, Queen Latifah, Jeffrey Tambor, David Alan Grier, ...