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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
THIS IS A CLASSIC!, March 15, 2001
This review is from: The Wonderful World of Oz: Rediscover the Magic! (Audio Cassette)
The Wonderful World of Oz by the Colonial Radio Theater is, well . . . wonderful! I remember reading these books as a child and listening to these tapes was like visiting with long lost friends. This is not the MGM movie - it's better! The 10 cassette tape set allows us to travel with Dorothy and her friends through the first five Oz books. The stories faithfully follow L Frank Baum's original adventure stories and the Colonial Radio Players have given the immortal characters voice and sparkle. I found the casting particularly effective and applaud the actors for creating characters based on the text of the books and not on memories of the movie. It's also a treat to hear the voices of previously unheard friends such as; Jack Pumpkinhead, Shaggy Man, Ozma and HM Wogglebug TE, not to mention the dozens of animals and people they encounter. From storks, to field mice, Munchkins to Mangaboos they have all been brought brilliantly to life in this production. I have to mention the original music which is extraordinary, from traveling music, to the marching band of OZ, to a music box winding down at the end of the last tape the music dances us along through Oz. The final puzzle piece that brings these classic stories to vibrant life is the attention to detail in the sound effects. You hear the Tin Man walking, the crackle of a hearth fire, even the rustle of straw as Scarecrow gives Dorothy a hug, it all combines to pull you into the adventures and keep you there. Whether you listen to these tapes in small bits or extended listening sessions you will want to go back again and again to the Wonderful World of OZ.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"How lovely!... How lovely!", September 14, 2001
This review is from: The Wonderful World of Oz: Rediscover the Magic! (Audio Cassette)
"The Wonderful World of Oz" is one of the few completely faithful dramatic adaptations of works by L. Frank Baum, the author of "The Wizard of Oz," ever to be produced. It is an audio adaptation of Baum's first five Oz books -- "Wizard" and the first four of the thirteen sequels he wrote to "Wizard." Like any adaptation it contains a few changes, but they are tiny -- to give Oz fans an idea of their magnitude, the biggest change in the whole set of tapes is that the Woggle-Bug is inexplicably called the "Woogle-Bug" throughout.
There are few or no weak links in the cast. The performers who appear as Dorothy and the Scarecrow deserve special praise, but there were only two or three performers I couldn't warm up to, and others may feel differently. Amy Strack's Dorothy is almost in the same league as those of Judy Garland and Fairuza Balk (in Disney's "Return to Oz"); her interpretation of the role, however, is quite different from theirs. Strack's Dorothy is only seldom tearful and sentimental like Garland's, and never somber and introspective like Balk's. She is cheerful, determined, and courageous in the face of every situation -- a wonderful role model for young girls. Strack even manages to make Dorothy sound older in each successive story (since the five books adapted by this production take place over several years; Dorothy probably ages from about 6 to about 10). "Wonderful World" was recorded over only six months, so this subtle but wonderful effect is due to Strack's skill as an actress. As a fan of the Oz books, I recognize Strack's Dorothy as Baum's own conception of the character at last brought to life.
One of "Wonderful World"'s greatest glories is Jeffrey Gage's memorable musical score. Certainly one of its greatest moments comes when Dorothy and her friends first enter the Emerald City and the music by itself manages to convey the City's beauty and glory. The sound effects and stereo production are also superb -- for the full effect, listen to this set on headphones.
"Wonderful World" **is** wonderful, like the books on which it is based. Buy it for your children, for your library, for anywhere where children with access to a tape recorder will find it. It represents a kind of beauty, hope and love that we need now more than ever before.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
simply incredible, April 19, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: The Wonderful World of Oz: Rediscover the Magic! (Audio Cassette)
First off, I never knew that there was more than one Oz book. This series includes the first five Oz stories from the creative mind of L. Frank Baum. I purchased this for my daughter, and have to admit that it is very well done. The stories, characters, music and sound effects have kept her (and the entire household)entertained for hours (which is so much better than having us vegging out infront of the TV). Congratulations to the people at the Colonial Radio for doing such a fine job, with any luck, they will do all the remaining Oz books. Our whole family recommends that you give this series a listen.
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