Customer Reviews

The Children's Museum of Los Angeles Presents The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: A Centennial Edition

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This version of THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ pleases children of all ages. Do not be put off by the length (4 hours) because this re-telling moves swiftly and beautifully. Michelle Trachtenberg (Dorothy), Phyllis Diller (Wicked Witch of the West), Rene Auberjonois (Scarecrow), Nester Serrano (Tin Man) and Robert Guillaume (Lion) and the rest of the cast are perfect in the characterizations. This is the closet version to L. Frank Baum's book you are likely to find anywhere. This album is fully acted with no narration (like a lot of OZ audiobooks). You will enjoy this version many, many times just as the 1939 film.

This is four hours of pure MAGIC and ENCHANTMENT as, once again, we are swept into the magic spell of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" as an all star cast could only do it. The complete story is adapted wonderfully into four hours of listening pleasure with heart lifting songs, incredible sound effects, and no narration with only complete dialouge as we follow our friends on the Yellow Brick Road. You may even recognize familiar voices such as John Goodman (Guardian of the Gates), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dorothy), or Mark Hamill (Munch the Munchkin). I strongly suggest anyone with children who love good stories, any Oz collector or fan, or someone who just enjoys revisiting the Land of Oz more than a hundred times, to purchase this incredible cd set. You won't be disappointed and all the proceeds go towards the Museum of Los Angeles' are-based education program! As an enjoying bonus following the story is an exclusive interview with Ray Bradbury (long-time Oz lover) as he discusses topics such as L. Frank Baum, Oz itself, and personal experiences and thoughts which bring us closer to the magic of Oz.

While I expected a straight reading of the 1900 title, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz", I found a delightful radio play of not only the book, but a wink and a nod at the 1939 MGM classic film and a few little modern bits sprinkled in as well. Voice are good and well acted. Can get a little loud and frantic at times, but since it is from the people behind Firesign Theatre, I'm not surprised.