Return To Oz November 28, 2010

RETURN TO OZ, 1985, Buena Vista Pictures, 113 min. Legendary sound designer Walter Murch directs this pleasantly subtle and delightfully bizarre sequel to THE WIZARD OF OZ. After a disturbing stint in a mental hospital, a cherubic Dorothy (Fairuza Balk) gets washed away to Oz, only to find it a changed place. Menacing Wheelers swivel around a broke-down Emerald City, a vain witch Mombi covets her walk-in chamber of human heads, and a nefarious Nome King has wreaked terror on the land. With the help of new friends (the adorable Tik Tok and hapless, affable Jack Pumpkinhead), Dorothy sets out once again to save Oz from seemingly insurmountable villains. [35mm]

Discussion following the film with director Walter Murch moderated by screenwriter Josh Olson.