StyleSk8r At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

Lollivan It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Kirandeep Yoder The joyful confection is coated in a sparkly gloss, bright enough to gleam from the darkest, most cynical corners.

Kaelan Mccaffrey Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

ftlauderdalefilmfan First of all, after seeing the original version of this amazing musical during its initial Broadway run in the mid-70s nearly 40 years ago which was one of the many incredible Broadway musicals to come out of that decade, and then seeing the most horrible (I can't say it enough) HORRIBLE vomit-inducing film version with 34-year-old Diana Ross in 1978 that was SO bad that it lost nearly half its budget, and then hearing that they were using a woman in the role of the Wiz this time around, I must admit that I went into this with more than a good deal of trepidation and very low expectations.Well, other than Queen Latifah's performance of her two songs which were keyed so low compared to the original B'way version (sung by the still-amazing Andre DeShields) that she sounded like Bea Arthur and they lost all their energy and excitement, and the one ridiculously corny "new" song sung by Dorothy and her friends before leaving the Wiz's palace to try and do away with Evilene, EVERY SINGLE PERFORMANCE was flawless! All of the singing and dancing was done extremely well (although while Ms. Blige did do a fine job of acting and singing, she is certainly no gospel-singing Mabel King). The choreography was difficult yet fun and very well executed. But the main events were the costumes, wigs, makeup, sets, lighting, and special/video effects. For what was essentially a "stage" show, these items made a televised version of this show amazingly spectacular to watch. The one costume that really stood out for me was Glinda's golden spun-sugar gown near the end. While as a young child watching the 1939 version once a year on broadcast TV and seeing Billie Burke in that incredibly beautiful humongous pink sparkly gown and crazily-tall star-topped crown, I even took to drawing it once in awhile even though I had no skill in drawing. To me it was that beautiful and memorable. But this gown just took my breath away. It reminded me of something done with the help of CGI from last year's live-action Disney version of "Cinderella."Most of the stand-out singing, dancing, and acting performances came from the four main characters, all of which were wonderful. But Uzo Aduba totally blew me away with her song, "If You Believe" as she sounded every bit as good as Dee Dee Bridgewater from the original B'way version which was absolutely shocking as I didn't even know Ms. Aduba could sing let alone have such great vocal chops.However, I think the greatest flaw (and I hate to say it since I have always been one of his biggest fans, both of his writing and acting) was Harvey Fierstein's script. In fact, I almost stopped my DVR after the first four minutes in Kansas because the script was so far removed from the original. But I must compliment him highly on the touching scene when the foursome catches the "Wiz" in her bathrobe and she explains to each of them how they already have what they have been seeking, and how she came to be "The Wiz," as well as Dorothy's convincing speech to her about her being trapped in the dark, in secrecy, alone, and unloved. Very redeeming writing compared to much of the "updated" mediocre writing earlier.Before I end this review, I must give Stephanie Mills her due. When she performed on Broadway she was merely 17. Now she is in her 50s, and believe it or not, her voice sounds EXACTLY the same as it did 40 years ago. In fact, I am listening to her version of "Home" from the Original Broadway Cast Recording at this very moment, and there is absolutely NO difference in the quality or strength of her voice in this new version. Kudos, Ms. Mills for hanging onto your amazing chops after all these years.One more thing I have to mention to those who stated in the Message Boards that Shanice Williams was "too old" to play Dorothy. In the 1939 film version of "The Wizard of Oz" Judy Garland was 16, in the original Broadway version of "The Wiz" Stephanie Mills was 17, and Ms. Williams is only 19. In comparison, Diana Ross was 34 when she did the film version, so who was really too old to play Dorothy? And what difference is age in a performer, as long as they don't LOOK too old (as Ms. Ross definitely did in 1978). Just watch any of the four comedies on ABC on Wednesday nights and you will see a good number of young actors in their 20s playing high school and college students much younger than their actual ages. This has been going on in film and TV since forever.In closing, an all-around surprisingly terrific "live" TV version of a great American Broadway Musical. I enjoyed it much more than I had expected.

Irishchatter I've just watched it there and I just was so happy that it wasn't like the movie! The songs were absolutely brilliant and well done. You are able to dance with them and in the movie, it was dull as hell. I'm just so pleased that they made a recreation of 'The Wiz!' because it very much needed it years later. I found it quite enjoyable and moving, the dancing was literally spot on and to me, it's like I'm in another world watching the whole action! I was thrilled to see Amber Riley, Ne-Yo, Mary J. Blige and Queen Latifah involved in this. This really deserved well known stars, it makes the whole movie fun to look at and be excited for what happens next! I sound like a child but still, this was just the best. I can't describe it, everything about it was just wonderful!This is worth your time folks, make your kids watch it too!

Morgan Wasson (op_timo) The only spoiler that I have is that it's a great version of the movie. From the stage set / costumes/ singing/ acting/ personnel in the production, all came together like a moment in time that can't be replaced. I have always loved 'the Wiz' movie, from the original with Diana and MJ to the current with... well everyone that I love in our culture. This is the first time in a long time that I can't say anything bad about it. There's no reason not to endorse/support and completely embrace this production. I'm so filled with joy from the this play that I want to see it again. I would love for it to be on Broadway for a time. I will absolutely purchase the DVD/blu-ray (without hesitation). OK... I believe it's enough, but one more thank you for this piece of art.

mark.waltz After being transformed into an unhappy schoolteacher who ends up in Oz in the misguided 1978 movie version of the smash hit Broadway musical, Dorothy has been given another chance on the screen, this time on T.V. The third live musical over the last three holiday seasons, hopes have been high for the past couple of weeks that they get it right. So Dorothy is a young girl again, modernized to the current day, so greater care has been taken to ensure that the show is preserved with its original themes.It starts off great with the original Dorothy, Stephanie Mills, as the strict but loving Auntie Em, singing to her troubled niece (Shanice Williams) with patience, adoration and guidance. Outstanding choreography represents Dorothy inside the tornado, and is stunning. At first, young Miss Williams seems just a tiny bit older than her years through cynicism and clothing perhaps a bit too revealing for a girl her age, but it soon becomes obvious that she is indeed a young lady as her vulnerabilities and curiosities arise over her new location.Other than Mills, David Alan Grier, Mary Jay Blige and Queen Latifah, I am unfamiliar with any of the supporting cast as well as the T.V. shows they are on. However, they all have the skills of veteran Broadway performers. Why Queen Latifah hasn't graced the stage as of yet is a mystery to me. Elijah Kelley is a totally vulnerable scarecrow, gentle and thoughtful even with out a brain, while Ne-Yo is a joy as the tin man. He doesn't have the scene-stealing capabilities that Nipsey Russell gave to the movie but simply makes it his own take on a beloved character. Grier adds his own magic as the lion, a representation of the prototype of blow-hard that shows off their exuberance or force of nature yet is a total pussycat on side. Each encounter with Williams shows her just getting more and more lovely with that teen angst disguised as attitude disappearing as fast as witches are dispatched of.The only issue I had with the introduction of her friends us that they all take place immediately on top of each other and feels rushed. What is not rushed is the care that went to the creation of the sets and costumes which are a drag queen's dream come true. It has all the qualities of a live Broadway musical and in that sense, it us absolutely spectacular. For the remaining cast, Amber Riley is an exuberant Addapearle while Queen Latifah is a good gender switched Wiz, playing the role with serious authority. her smile and dimples winning me over all the time. Blige sweeps across the stage as Evalene, and adds a funny take on her queen of mean. Instead of being a vile old witch/slave master, she's more grumpy than wicked. Uzo Aduba as Glinda reminded me of a subtler Bette Midler in her posture. If not a drop-dead beauty in looks, her spirit is quite beautiful and her belting of Believe in Yourself is a gem. Topped off with Williams' Home, it just comes to an emotional conclusion.As for the songs, they are energetically performed and lavishly staged. The ballads are touching and the production numbers and comic songs filled with energy. A brand new song seems to be an anthem in the making with its energy and heart as Dorothy works on challenging her clearing friends to join her in the quest that the Wiz has given her. But what the heck happened to Toto after the opening scene? Perhaps since Diana Ross's Dorothy forgot Toto in the Emerald City of the movie, they didn't want to make that mistake again. It is interesting to note that the dancers are multi-racial. So let it be said that after two fairly enjoyable tries that are still publicly maligned and wrongfully scorned that the network got it right, giving the world a very well staged version of a show that up until now didn't have a legacy. No Cheese Wiz this one!