Journey Back To Oz

Journey Back to Oz is a 1972 animated musical adventure film that is a sequel to the iconic 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz". This animated sequel features a cast of renowned stars of the time, lending their voices to the beloved characters. Included in this lineup are Liza Minnelli (the daughter of Judy Garland, who famously portrayed Dorothy in the original film), Milton Berle, and Margaret Hamilton, among others.

A full decade after the 1939 original, Journey Back to Oz sees our young heroine, Dorothy Gale (voiced by Minnelli), undertaking another magical adventure in the fantastical land of Oz. After a whirlwind sequence of events involving another Kansas tornado, Dorothy, along with her loyal canine companion, Toto, find themselves whisked away from their quiet rural life and back to the vibrant, color-saturated world of Oz.

The journey commences when Dorothy, in her farmhouse in Kansas, spots a resilient rainbow in the sky, signaling the series of events that will take her back to the far-off land she visited before. Interestingly, one of the film's unforgettable songs, "An Oz That I Can Call Home", serves to evoke an emotional connection with the audience.

The film's plot sees new changes occurring in the Land of Oz, instigated by the return of Dorothy. The four iconic companions: Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, are once again faithfully at Dorothy's side and are brought life through the artful vocal performances of noted comics and actors of the period: Danny Thomas, Milton Berle, and Paul Lynde respectively.

This sequel provides a rich array of new characters entrancing the Land of Oz. One major, unforgettable addition is Pumpkinhead (voiced by Paul Lynde), a farmer made entirely from carved pumpkins. His subsequent goal to become a knight in the service of the Scarecrow King of Oz becomes one of the compelling side stories of the movie. Yet, it's the villainous and cackling Mombi, the wicked witch, who steals several of the scenes with her malicious intentions towards Dorothy and the land of Oz.

Minnelli's tender yet spirited portrayal of Dorothy serves as a nice tribute to Judy Garland's iconic role in the original movie. The movie also has the distinction of featuring Margaret Hamilton, the actress who played the original Wicked Witch of the West, although in an entirely different role this time as Aunt Em.

This animated sequel has plenty to offer in terms of musical numbers. A few particularly notable songs like "If You're Gonna Be A Witch - Be A Witch", sung by the antagonist Mombi, are thematic and memorable. The catchy tunes paired with colorful animation create a very inviting and family-friendly atmosphere for new and returning viewers alike.

Journey Back to Oz is filled with charm and nostalgia, featuring elements from the original film such as the red ruby slippers, the Yellow Brick Road, the charming Emerald City, and the magic of three special companions. The film's inventive and original storyline combines with the enchanting world of Oz makes it a worthy sequel to the classic film.

Overall, Journey Back to Oz is a magical foray into the technicolor dreamland of L. Frank Baum's world that will undoubtedly charm both young viewers and adults imbued with a sense of childlike wonder. With its cast of well-voiced characters, catchy musical numbers, and meticulously detailed animation, the film stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of the Oz mythology and the power of nostalgia in film. It is an engaging, fun-filled adventure, filled with heartwarming messages about courage, love, and the idea of 'home', making it a must-watch for fans of the original Wizard of Oz.