DVD Release Date: August 9, 2005

Cast:

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By Tara R. Settembre

THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD
Unlike the more recent Jim Henson inspired films (Muppets Christmas Carol or Muppets in Space), The Muppets Wizard of Oz was not released in theaters but as an ABC Disney special, which aired earlier this summer. The DVD release, however, includes 20 minutes of never-before-seen footage and additional cameos than the original television version.

In this new spin on the Wiz of Oz, pop-star Ashanti stars as Dorothy, an aspiring singer who dreams of succeeding somewhere over the rainbow from her Kansas trailer park where she lives with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, until a sudden tornado transports her and Toto to Oz. It is there that the Wizard promises to make Dorothy an overnight sensation, but only if she and her new Muppet friends defeat Emerald City’s evil diva, the Wicked Witch of the West.

Kermit the Frog is the sweet Scarecrow, while his love Miss Piggy takes on four roles as all the witches on the compass, including the Good Witch of the North and the evil Wicked Witch of the West (a.k.a. "she who must not be named”). Fozzie is appropriately used for the role of the Cowardly Lion and Gonzo is the Tin Thing instead of Tin Man. The recently added Muppet, Pepe, a French speaking and flirtatious prawn, plays Dorothy’s pet Toto, which was an amusing twist. Rizzo and the other rats play the munchkins. Along the way, the foursome must ignore taunts and insults from their critics (the grumpy Statler and Waldorf in the balcony), partake in a singing competition against the Wicked Witch and pass through the psychedelic Poppy Fields night club without falling victim to the sleep inducing flowers and music.

Like all Muppet capers, there are celebrity guests and cameos throughout. The most notable of which are Queen Latifah who plays Aunt Em, David Alan Grier as Uncle Henry, Quentin Tarantino as himself (Yes, the Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill director is in a Disney flick) and Jeffrey Tambor as the Wizard. The DVD includes a cameo from Kelly Osborne as well, which did not appear in the TV version.

Since this tale is also a musical of sorts and features Ashanti, there is of course music throughout. New songs include “The Witch Is in the House” and “It's a Good Life", which are available on CD already. The songs are cute but not that catchy, and overall, the tale puts too much focus on the R&B pop singer Ashanti and not enough on the Muppets themselves. And although a talented and beautiful musician, Ashanti’s acting abilities are definitely not up to par.

The first half of the film is pretty entertaining, but it loses its momentum during the middle and does not regain strength until near the end. The narrative is also not as fast paced as previous Muppet movies or as witty and heartfelt. But when the munchkin Rizzo says that someone is about to get "witch slapped" by the Wicked Witch of the West, although it may not be appropriate for small children, the line cracked me up. It was also amusing to see the traditional ruby red slippers replaced with magical silver studded Monolo's, and to hear Pepe tell the group "remember what happens in Emerald City, stays in Emerald City."

OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD
The picture and sound quality on this DVD is well done. However, it is only offered in 1.33:1 Full Screen. The picture quality is extremely colorful thanks to the bright costumes and sets and crisp settings. It is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound; subtitles are available in English, French and Spanish.

A HORSE OF A DIFFERENT COLOR?
This Disney DVD is pretty average in its design and layout: a standard plastic bubble case, white instead of the traditional black. Inside, there isn’t an insert containing more information, only a coupon book offering discounts and rebates on future Muppet purchases. The cover depicts Ashanti and the Muppets in their wizard costumes above the Yellow Brick Road and includes additional screen captures on the back cover.

THE WICKED SPECIAL FEATURES
The creative special features are for the most part even better than the film itself.

• Outtakes & Bloopers, “Oz Opps!” – It’s always funny to see outtakes, especially cartoon ones since they have to be orchestrated and thought out. However, the lack of creativity in these bloopers is disappointing. Still, it’s entertaining to see the Hollywood actors and actresses stumble and mess up their lines while the Muppets next to them make jokes.
• Pepe's Making Of — Pepe (a.k.a. Toto) is hysterical and so is his behind the scenes featurette, which shows the making of the film. The King Prawn starts the backstage look by proclaiming that he is the star of the film and bringing the camera onto the live set, showing some of the different stages. It actually feels like an Entertainment Tonight special, just done by Muppet. Pepe also asks the other Muppets and actors questions like what they liked best about his performance. He yells at the on looking crew and asks Kermit if he gets type-casted. This special feature is by far the best in the bonus section.
• Extended interview with Quentin Tarantino — Pepe continues his interviews in a one-on-one interview with the Academy Award winning filmmaker who confesses that the Muppet actors are among his favorite actors of all time; a series of snapshots showing a smiling Tarantino with the stars follows. Tarantino reveals that Uma Thurman's role in Kill Bill and Pulp Fiction was really written for Miss Piggy, but she unfortunately passed on the roles. Overall it's cute seeing the director interact with Pepe and trying to dead pan his lines and be serious. By the end of the interview, however, he cannot hold it together any longer and laughs into the camera after Pepe calls him James Fiorentino.

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE MUPPETS
Although this new Muppet farce is a bit more average and not as witty as its predecessors, you really cannot go wrong with Muppets. Their wise cracks and familiar interactions will still bring a smile to both adults and kids faces, especially among the more die-hard Muppet fans.

DVD Series Score: C+
DVD Audio/Video Score: A
DVD Packaging and Layout Score: B
DVD Special Features Score: B
Overall Score: B-

Click here for the "Muppets' Wizard of Oz" DVD page