The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1987)
Synopsis:
This imaginative feature-length animated adaptation faithfully brings L. Frank Baum's classic book to life through colorful full animation and whimsical narration. The story follows Dorothy Gale as she embarks on a timeless adventure down the yellow brick road, where she encounters beloved characters including the Tinman, the Scarecrow, and the Lion. Unlike previous adaptations, this version includes scenes from the original book that weren't featured in the MGM movie, offering families a fresh perspective on the familiar tale. Through fanciful animation that transcends the limitations of live action, viewers are invited to rediscover these cherished characters as they journey through a magical world. This family-friendly fantasy adventure combines the enchantment of classic storytelling with vibrant animation, making it an engaging experience for young audiences discovering Oz for the first time or families revisiting this beloved story.
Where To Watch: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Parental Feedback
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1987) offers a whimsical and imaginative journey through L. Frank Baum's classic tale, brought to life through full animation and narrated storytelling. Parents can expect a faithful adaptation that includes scenes from the original book not found in other versions, creating a colorful and timeless adventure. The pacing is gentle and family-friendly, with a lighthearted tone that balances fantasy elements with heartwarming character moments as Dorothy and her companions travel the yellow brick road.
Why Kids Should Watch The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1987)
This animated adaptation brings several valuable elements to young viewers seeking classic storytelling.
The faithful adaptation of L. Frank Baum's beloved book introduces children to literary heritage through engaging animation. The inclusion of scenes not found in other versions provides a more complete experience of the original story.
The animation format transcends the limitations of live action, allowing for more fanciful and creative visual storytelling. This whimsical approach helps bring the magical world of Oz to life in ways that capture children's imaginations.
The ensemble of well-loved characters dancing down the yellow brick road offers timeless appeal and memorable personalities. Each character brings distinct qualities that resonate with young audiences and create lasting impressions.
The narration by Margot Kidder adds an extra layer of storytelling that helps guide children through the adventure. This narrative approach makes the story accessible and engaging for family viewing.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1987)
Parents may want to consider a few aspects before viewing with younger or more sensitive children.
Some fantasy elements and potentially scary characters typical of the Oz story may be intense for very young viewers. The Wicked Witch and other antagonistic figures could be frightening to sensitive children.
The runtime of 93 minutes may challenge the attention span of younger children who are not yet accustomed to feature-length content. Parents may need to plan for breaks or split viewing sessions.
Certain scenes from the original book that were not included in other adaptations might be unfamiliar, which could confuse children who know the story from different versions. This may require parental explanation or context.
Verdict: Parent Approved
This faithful animated adaptation offers a colorful, family-friendly journey through a beloved classic that balances whimsy with timeless storytelling.
What Parents Should Know About The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1987)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, the characters demonstrate friendship, courage, compassion, and perseverance as they help each other along their journey to find what they seek. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, some fantasy elements and encounters with antagonistic characters may be intense for very young or sensitive viewers. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the story traditionally shows that wickedness is overcome and that helping others leads to positive outcomes. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, the companions work together and support each other throughout their journey, demonstrating the value of friendship and cooperation. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, the story conveys timeless messages about finding courage within yourself, the importance of home and family, and the power of friendship. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate this animated adaptation for its faithful representation of L. Frank Baum's original book and its family-friendly approach to the classic tale. Many families value the inclusion of scenes not found in other versions, seeing it as an opportunity to experience a more complete telling of the story. The animation style and whimsical narration are often praised for making the content accessible to children while maintaining the magical quality of Oz. Some parents note that the feature-length runtime and certain fantasy elements require consideration based on individual child sensitivity and age, but overall the colorful and timeless nature of the adventure makes it a worthwhile addition to family viewing.
Official The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Trailer
Why Kids Love The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Dorothy teams up with a motley crew of brave companions—a clanking Tinman, a trembling Lion, and a floppy Scarecrow—as they march down the yellow brick road toward the Emerald City. Each friend brings wild quirks and funny moments, from the Lion's nervous roars to the Scarecrow's wobbly tumbles, keeping the journey packed with silly surprises.
The full animation brings Oz to life in bright, eye-popping colors that make every scene feel like a living storybook. Whimsical narration guides viewers through fanciful landscapes and magical encounters, while catchy songs pop up along the way, inviting kids to sing and dance right alongside Dorothy and her pals.
This loyal team faces challenges together, proving themselves at every turn as they help Dorothy save the day and find her way home. The unexpected friendships between a girl, a metal man, a cowardly beast, and a straw-stuffed scarecrow show that teamwork wins, no matter how different everyone looks or sounds.
Kids love watching Dorothy become the hero by finding her people and sticking with them through every twist in the road. The adventure never slows down, delivering colorful chaos and heartwarming moments that make this animated trip to Oz an exciting ride from start to finish.