One Heat Minute Productions CRITERION SESSIONS: THE WIZ w/ Candice Frederick
Hang onto your slipcases, because Blake Howard and award-winning culture reporter and critic Candice Frederick ruminate on THE WIZ and how Sidney Lumet, Joel Schumacher, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Richard Pryor and Quincy Jones make it more than significant.
The Wiz
L. Frank Baum’s timeless story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz gets a funky reimagining in this lavish adaptation of a landmark Broadway show based on the book. Diana Ross brings her showstopping star power to the role of Dorothy, here a Harlem schoolteacher who is magically transported to a surreal fantasyland that resembles New York City, complete with man-eating trash cans and a disco paradise. Propelled by the musical contributions of Quincy Jones and an all-star cast that includes Michael Jackson, Richard Pryor, and Lena Horne, this dazzling soul spectacular from legendary director Sidney Lumet reframes a beloved tale through the Black American experience, creating a powerful celebration of self-determination.
Special Features
- New 4K digital restoration, approved by producer Rob Cohen, with Dolby Atmos soundtrack
- In the 4K UHD edition: One 4K UHD disc of the film presented in Dolby Vision HDR and one Blu-ray with the film and special features
- New audio commentary featuring scholars Michael B. Gillespie and Alfred L. Martin
- Archival interviews with director Sidney Lumet and actor Diana Ross
- Trailer
- English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- PLUS: An essay by critic Aisha Harris
Award-winning culture reporter and critic with extensive experience in original reporting, interviewing, digital media, and editorial strategy. Well-sourced and adept at writing nuanced and contextualised pop culture criticism, in-depth features, and engaging celebrity profiles. Inquisitive reporter with a keen eye for cultural trends, industry shifts, social media discourse, examining controversial figures and topics, and challenging conversations through thought-provoking articles.
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