The Wiz Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Wiz" on AVC encoded 1080p and framed at 1.85:1 ratio does not shy away from the film's original visual intentions, delivering a transfer that stays true to its director's gritty and unpolished aesthetic vision. Despite capturing the film's inherent "ugly garishness," this high-definition upgrade exhibits moments of striking clarity and vivid color saturation that stand out remarkably. Particularly noteworthy are scenes such as the dazzling encounter between Diana Ross and Lena Horne, where the meticulous detail on Horne's cobalt blue, gem-encrusted costume and the deep, rich black levels demonstrate the transfer's capacity to shine when it comes to specific sequences. The visual fidelity in these segments showcases a high level of detail, down to a point where the intricacies of the characters' features are starkly visible.

However, this clarity is not consistent throughout; much of the transfer exhibits a soft quality paired with ample grain and occasionally drab colors, especially evident in the introductory scenes set in the Harlem apartment. The inconsistency extends to the special effects, which under the scrutiny of high definition appear somewhat dated and less convincing. Matte lines and optical effects contribute to an already prevalent grain structure, making some of the fantastical elements of "The Wiz" feel less immersive. This inconsistency might disappoint viewers expecting a uniformly crisp and modernized visual experience from this classic musical adventure.

Although the video presentation faithfully mirrors Sidney Lumet's original vision, offering moments of exceptional detail and color vibrancy, it also reveals the limitations of its source material in high definition. Fans may appreciate the authenticity with which this Blu-ray captures the film's aesthetic, flaws included, but should temper their expectations regarding visual consistency and the aging special effects that, while charming to some, may detract from the overall viewing experience for others.

The Blu-ray release of "The Wiz" impressively showcases its score through a meticulously crafted DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that wonderfully compliments the film's vibrant energy. This mix excels in delivering the nuances of performances by Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, whose voices are captured with a clarity and richness that breathe new life into their characters' songs. Ross’s rendition of “Home” is particularly compelling, demonstrating a raw emotional depth without sacrificing the finer technical aspects of her performance. Jackson's contributions avoid the vocal habits that would later define his solo work, presenting a fresh and unblemished vocal fidelity. The orchestration benefits greatly from the mix, with brass and strings receiving a robust treatment that enhances Ron Smalls’ gospel-infused compositions, resulting in a sound that is both hearty and uplifting.

In terms of spatial audio design, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix delivers a coherent and immersive soundscape that skillfully leverages the surround channels to envelop the listener. Notably, scenes like the swirl into the cyclone leading to Oz are presented with a dynamic range that properly conveys the scene's chaos before settling into the more nuanced streets of a reimagined New York City-Oz. Group numbers in particular benefit from this surround activity, creating an engaging listening experience that extends beyond the central narrative, delving deep into the atmosphere of each scene.

The audio fidelity of the dialogue maintains crispness throughout, ensuring that each line is delivered with clarity that foregrounds the characters' interactions without losing step with the musical backbone of the film. The balance between singing and speaking segments has been thoughtfully adjusted, offering a seamless audio experience that keeps audience engagement high. This adept handling of various audio elements affirms that while "The Wiz" might have its visual and narrative shortcomings, its Blu-ray audio presentation stands as a testament to what can be achieved with thoughtful audio design and technology, providing an example of how to preserve and enhance musical storytelling for modern home cinema enthusiasts.

The extra presentation of "The Wiz" Blu-ray offers a modest yet captivating peek behind the curtain of this iconic production. While not overflowing with content, the included extras do provide a unique insight, particularly through the notable vintage featurette, "Wiz on Down the Road." This featurette, despite its unfortunate naming, stands out with its intriguing blend of enthusiasm and candid behind-the-scenes glimpses. Viewers are treated to producer Rob Cohen's vibrant tales from the production's heyday and its subsequent challenges. The footage notably includes Sidney Lumet directing Michael Jackson in dance, offering a rare glimpse into the making of the movie magic. The addition of the original trailer and bookmarks gives a rounded albeit brief extra package for fans and cinephiles alike, maintaining a focus on quality over quantity.

Extras included in this disc:

• Wiz on Down the Road: A vintage featurette with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
• Original Trailer
• Bookmarks: Quick access to favorite scenes.

The Wiz" on Blu-ray presents a fascinating case study in the adaptation of a Broadway musical for the silver screen, especially one that transformed L. Frank Baum's classic tale through a distinctly African-American lens. The original Broadway production of "The Wiz" was a milestone, celebrated for its soulful energy, gospel-tinged numbers, and reflective narrative of black consciousness. Its success made the film adaptation highly anticipated, underpinned by a rich cultural context wherein African-American arts, from blaxploitation cinema to all-black Broadway casts, were gaining unprecedented acclaim and attention. However, the cinematic rendition of "The Wiz" strayed from anticipated success, weighed down by decisions that diluted its original vibrancy and appeal.

Central to the film's controversy was the casting of Diana Ross as Dorothy, a decision that deviated dramatically from audience expectations set by Stephanie Mills’ younger portrayal on Broadway. This casting choice symbolized a broader misstep: the film's detachment from the qualities that had endeared "The Wiz" to its original audience. Behind-the-scenes, talents like Sidney Lumet and Quincy Jones promised a movie of exceptional pedigree. Yet, despite such promise and moments of individual brilliance – notably Michael Jackson's performance – the film faltered in translating the stage magic to the cinematic medium.

Critically, "The Wiz" is hampered by its departure from the source material's core elements – from character arcs to musical numbers. These modifications, aimed at reinventing the story for film audiences, instead alienated both critics and viewers, rendering the movie a shadow of its former jubilant self. Despite technical competencies and occasional flair in production design and choreography, the movie struggles under the weight of its alterations and miscast roles, devolving into an experience far removed from the exuberance of its Broadway progenitor.

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Wiz" offers an intriguing, albeit mixed, visual and auditory experience that reflects its contentious position within film history. As a high-budget venture that attempted to redefine the landscape of musical cinema, it ultimately marked a downturn in the careers of its star-studded cast, including Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. Notwithstanding, the Blu-ray format does justice to some of the film's redeeming qualities, notably its charming musical scores and a handful of captivating dance sequences. However, these highlights scarcely mitigate the overarching consensus that "The Wiz" embodies a notable misstep in the realm of cinematic adaptations.

Technical aspects of this Blu-ray release are crucial in evaluating its overall appeal. The video transfer diligently preserves the original vibrancy and detail of the film's elaborate set pieces and costumes, an essential element given the visual ambition of the production. Additionally, the audio quality adeptly captures the nuances of the film's varied soundtrack, from the soulful melodies to the energetic dance numbers, providing an immersive auditory experience. Sadly, these technical merits are overshadowed by the content they serve to enhance, which lacks the coherence and charm necessary to elevate "The Wiz" beyond its historical reception as a significant yet flawed endeavor.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of "The Wiz" stands as a testament to the film's ambitious yet ultimately unsuccessful attempt to captivate audiences with its unique take on a classic tale. While technically proficient in showcasing the film's aesthetic and acoustic elements, it cannot overcome the fundamental narrative and pacing issues that render "The Wiz" a curiosity rather than a classic in the annals of cinema. For aficionados of the genre and completists, this edition offers a comprehensive look at a pivotal moment in film history, but for casual viewers, its value may be limited to the occasional viewing of its more engaging segments.