Nicol Williamson,
Jean Marsh,
Fairuza Balk,
Piper Laurie,
Matt Clark
... see more 
This '80s follow-up to The Wizard of Oz is based upon two of L. Frank Baum's later Oz books. In Return to Oz (a version that may be a bit too scary for young children), Auntie Em sends Dorothy to a sa... read more
Directed by: Walter Murch
Release Date: June 21, 1985
Keywords:
dark,
kids,
special effects,
much more,
first time,
fairuza balk,
Judy Garland ,
Fairuza Balk ,
Nome King ,
Return To Oz
DVD Release Date: August 10, 1999
Get It:
Stats: 3,106 reviews
Your Rating
Flixster Reviews (3,106)
-
October 29, 2011Good Effects and developed characters. A sequel to The Wizard of Oz was a good idea, but there was no excitement in this film, and I remember watching this on VHS as a child but it still is not entertaining as it was back then as Return to Oz is just plain creepy.
-
October 10, 2011This is a great sequel to the classic, the imagination on show is amazing and it all looks terrific. The charactes have a new look which really sets them apart (is this where Tim Burton got his 'Jack Skellington' idea?) every one is stunning to see and have really had some major ... read more
-
September 9, 2011It was kind of weird to make a sequel to THE WIZARD OF OZ forty-six years after it was originally released. I saw RETURN TO OZ when I was a little kid, and I don't remember much, but I remember two things: 1, it gave me nightmares for a few weeks; and 2, it wasn't all that great.
-
August 20, 2011Hideously HIDEOUSLY underrated. Seriously. This is actually quite an interesting film. It's completely unlike its predecessor, the original 1939 "Wizard of Oz." This film is not upbeat. It does not have songs. Simply put, this feels like American McGee's Alice, absolutely insane,... read more
-
April 27, 2011If you loved The Wizard of Oz, you'll like accompanying Dorothy (played by Fairuza Balk) on this second thrilling adventure based on L. Frank Baum's "Oz" books! Viewers will hear no songs nor see any Munchkins. It's very different, but equally enjoyable, trip down the Yell... read more
-
February 2, 2011This movie was just weird. The special effects were so 1985, lol. It was strange watching Fairuza Balk as a small child.
-
January 20, 2011The worst Wizard of Oz movie I've ever seen. This sequel to the Garland film has a realistic beginning, and then she returns to Oz which is completely different from when she left, which doesn't make sense. I hate this movie.
-
December 27, 2010A much darker take on the classic tales of Oz. I really enjoyed this as a kid, and, as an adult, I enjoy it even more.
-
September 18, 2009A ?loose? sequel to the 1939 original and based on the 2nd and 3rd books by Baum, Return to Oz was a brave move but thoroughly worthwhile. It?s another childhood favourite of mine. The room of heads still freaks me out!
-
February 6, 2009Return to Oz is the not-quite-sequel to the 1939 classic. It is mostly a sequel to a remake of The Wizard of Oz that was never made...if you catch my drift. The tone of the film is so drastically different it feels like a dark and gothic reimagining. Everything is ever so creepy ... read more
Critic Reviews
March 9, 2009
Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine
December 12, 2007
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
It's bleak, creepy, and occasionally terrifying. Full Review
May 20, 2003
Janet Maslin, New York Times
The work of ingenious technicians who seem either not to know what gave the original film its magic, or not to care. Full Review
November 9, 2010
S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media
1985 sequel to American classic is tin-eared and creepy. Full Review
December 12, 2007
Ian Nathan, Empire Magazine
Best to see them as individual films with nothing in common apart from source material, one a classic, the other a strong enough picaresque amongst some decent fabulation. Full Review
December 12, 2007
TV Guide's Movie Guide
There are some fine, Oscar-nominated special effects, but the excitement just isn't there. Full Review
June 24, 2006
Time Out
Despite the presence of Billina the talking hen, the emphasis on insecurity and peril harks back to the treat-'em-rough days of children's fiction, and the disturbing/comforting ratio tilts conclusive... Full Review
September 22, 2005
Kevin Carr, 7M Pictures
A forgotten classic.
April 3, 2005
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
I can see why the Judy Garland fans might not appreciate this weird little adaptation, but it's actually pretty good!
August 21, 2004
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Director Walter Murch tries to infuse the story with the inventiveness and adventure of the Star Wars saga, but the results are disappointing.
View more
Return to Oz
reviews
Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
