Product Details

• Format: Widescreen
• Language: English (DTS 5.1), Spanish (Mono)
• Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
• Dubbed: English, Spanish
• Region: Region A/1 (Read more about DVD/Blu-ray formats.)
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Studio: 20th Century Fox
• DVD Release Date: March 13, 2012
• Run Time: 81 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B006WNMI0Y
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,816 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Although Ralph Bakshi's reputation as a figure in animation history has declined over the years, Wizards (1977) has long enjoyed a cult following. The plot follows a long-prophesied postapocalyptic battle between twin brothers: Blackwolf, an evil sorcerer, and Avatar, a good wizard. Drawn into the conflict are overendowed fairy princess Elinore, elf Weehawk, and Necron 99/Peace (a minion of Blackwolf's whom Avatar has converted to good). The story wanders and stumbles aimlessly: although the fate of the world lies in the balance, Avatar dithers like a borscht-belt comic doing shtick. Visually, the film is a mishmash of cartoony animation (much too cartoony for a dramatic narrative), processed live action, still artwork, and old newsreel footage of Adolph Hitler. Before 1977, the only American animated film that offered fantasy fans the period conflict they sought was Disney's Sleeping Beauty: Wizards filled a gap. Decades later, countless anime series, from Dragon Ball to Fullmetal Alchemist and Bleach, have presented epic battles between the forces of good and evil with more effective animation, better stories, more sophisticated visual styles, flashier effects, and more skillful direction. Baby boomers who remember watching Wizards as kids may derive a nostalgic pleasure from revisiting it; other viewers will find a dated oddity, as passé as a Nehru jacket. (Rated PG: violence, violence against women, tobacco use, potentially offensive religious and Nazi imagery) --Charles Solomon

Product Description

Legendary and groundbreaking animator Ralph Bakshi's Wizards is the tale of a war between supernatural siblings set in a post-apocalyptic Earth populated by elves, fairies and mutants. Combining traditional cell animation with Bakshi's unique conversion of live film footage into striking, high-contrast animation, Wizards is both whimsical and sinister. This cult favorite from the director of Fritz the Cat (1972) and The Lord of the Rings (1978) celebrates 35 years since it first enchanted animation fans. Starring the voices of Mark Hamill, Susan Tyrrell and Richard Romanus.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic animation lovers rejoice March 18, 2012

By B. Green

Format:Blu-ray

I'm ashamed to say that there are still some classic animated movies that i've never seen before, Wizards was one in particular, and i must say i enjoyed the hell out of it. I've seen many other Ralph Bakshi films including my all time favorite "Fire and Ice", but just never got around to seeing this.
The film may be 35 years old but it doesn't show, they've done a good job cleaning up the video and audio quality, but the video quality could still be improved upon. One thing i really appreciate about this release is the included 30 min special feature documentary with Ralph Bakshi, which is very entertaining and informative.

I recommend that everyone buy this film to encourage future releases of classic animated movies by Bakshi and other great animated film makers.

"They've killed Fritz!!!"

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars CLASSIC "Ralph Bakshi" (1977) animated homage to Tolkein, American Style in this 35th Anniversary Blu-ray release (explained) May 14, 2012

By forrie lowell

Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase

In the 1970's before West Coast's PIXAR and during Disney's weak period evolved an East Coast animated independent genius "Ralph Bakshi" (from Terrytoon Studio's). Also full length animated features were not respected by the film academy and weren't expected to have a complex storyline or plot. Until Bakshi arrived only Disney produced full length animated features with success. Bakshi produced at first adult only heavy graphic animated art (Fritz the Cat). But his genius and wonderful animation and storylines had a following and very interested audience. Bakshi Animators were allowed to create the story with much latitude and individual style not like Disney's cramped cookie cutter style of the 70's.

Now came "WIZARDS" Raplh Bakshi's favorite film from his pallet of creativity. This 35th Anniversary Blu-ray Book Edition now more than ever shows the artistic marvel "WIZARDS" really was/is. We can now enjoy completely and appreciate Bakshi's passion and genius.

This 35th Anniversay Blu-ray Book Edition provides us with Bakshi's full disclosure of this and all his creative genius art work. This man Writes, Directs, Draws and Produces. He has complete control of his product. Just like George Lucas did with Star Wars except Bakshi did not believe in merchandising his creative world. (Note: Both these young genius' worked for FOX and released amazing films in 1977. We all know who became the household name!! But Bakshi genius is preserved forever in this Blu-ray Disc!!!!!!!!) So WIZARDS is a story of two brothers one good the other is evil or in Bakshi's world Imagination and Magic versus Technology and Machinery. The genius is the animation is inaccordance with the brothers amazing stuff!!!

This is a must have Edition to our Blu-ray Fantasy library!!!!!!!... This "WIZARDS (1977)" set includes; a 24 page illustrated/antimated hard cover book. 1 Blu-ray Disc - 81 minute movie in Blu-ray (PURE EYE CANDY), the SPECIAL FEATURES include; COMMENTARY by Director Ralph Bakshi (his commentary is one of the best, most candid and informative I've ever listened to!!! Bakshi is a very entertaining and interesting character.) Also, "RAPLH BAKSHI": The Wizard of Animation (30 minutes of animation/animator history WODERFUL STUFF), a Still Gallery and Theatrical Trailers.

This is a must have movie!!! Also a special note; Bakshi Loved Tolkien so much that after "WIZARDS" he went to see Tolkiens daughter for permission to make an animated version of "THE LORD of the RINGS". With her full endorsement went ahead and made the first half (released in 1978) Also available in Blu-ray!!! Enjoy. Read more ›

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Certainly worth the price December 1, 2012

By Oshram VINE™ VOICE

Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase

While Wizards does not enjoy the wide audience of, say, a Disney movie, this is nonetheless a really strong transfer. The source material is thirty-five years old, and while it didn't get the thorough re-mastering of an old Disney classic, it's nonetheless a fine transfer that looks leagues better than the DVD. The featurettes are interesting, and Bakshi's commentary track is worth a listen for any fan of either his or the movie. Wizards isn't really like any other film, and this set -- with a book full of pictures and a sharp-looking disc -- does this unique movie justice.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "Wizards" is baxck--better than ever! May 3, 2012

By Steve Umstead

Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you remember "Wizards" from its theatrical release then you won't need reminding what a groundbreakiing film this was at the time. Happily it continues to hold up well in the digital age. For some reason, the fact that "animation" has progressed so far seems to enhance Bakshi's syle that much more. It is a joy to see the old gang in hi-def on a big flat screen...get it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars The package is nice and the blueray treatment works for me May 21, 2013

By Oddworlder

Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase

There isn't much anyone can say about the story and if you want a good review of the transfer and disc, http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Wizards-Blu-ray/36536/.

I've always enjoyed this film especially the ending.

5.0 out of 5 stars loved by both the people I bought it for! June 17, 2013

By Flour

Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase

This was a fantastic price for the music and the extras, in a great little book! I bought this for 2 forty-somethings, which is me also so we have all enjoyed watching it again!

5.0 out of 5 stars How great to see this again after 25+ years. May 29, 2013

By Craig M. Houck

Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase

A nice packaging of this disk. Interesting read thought rather brief. I had hoped for a bit more detail and history.
The film itself is sharp and excellent to view. This is some of the mores interesting animation ever done.
cmh

5.0 out of 5 stars classic animation May 16, 2013

By Rick Moore

Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase

I grew up watching Heckle & Jeckle, Lariat Sam and Deputy Dawg cartoons. Saw Fritz the Cat in college (boy did that raise some eyebrows !) and have been a Bakshi fan ever since. I first saw Wizards in a theater in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1978 and loved it. I have seen all of Bakshi's movies, but none of them is as good as Wizards.

The story is classic good vs evil and the characters are wonderful. Avatar has that Peter Falk tone in his voice that gives him both credibility and vulnerability. Elinore is not just the "dumb blond bombshell" her voice (and clothes) make her out to be. And Weehawk is the classic underachieving hero.

The artwork is both stark and beautiful. In the battle scenes, the mixture of rotoscoped footage from World War II with original animated characters is brilliant. The use "ancient technology" from WW II and the swastika punctuate the pure evil of Blackwulf and Scortch.

I also have the VHS and DVD which are unspectauclar, However, the blu-ray version is a big step forward in quality.

If you are a fan of SciFi and Fantasy, you must see this movie. Caveat,it is rate PG13 and is definitely NOT for kids.