The Muppets' Wizard of Oz

Did You Know?

• Michael Giacchino, who composed the film's five original songs, later became an Academy Award-winning composer.
• The song 'When I'm with You' was nominated for a Primetime Emmy in the Outstanding Music and Lyrics category.
• Macy's annual Flower Show promotion featured floral displays depicting scenes from the movie in its windows along Broadway.

Plot

Dorothy Gale is an orphaned teenage girl living in a trailer park in Kansas with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry. She dreams of becoming a singer and hurries to audition for the Muppets, giving them a demo CD. Returning home, a tornado sweeps her trailer with her and her pet prawn Toto into Oz. There, Toto can talk, and the Munchkins tell Dorothy the Wizard can grant her wish.

She receives magic silver slippers from the Wicked Witch of the East, killed by her trailer. On the yellow brick road, she meets a Scarecrow (Kermit the Frog), a Tin Thing (Gonzo), and a Cowardly Lion (Fozzie Bear), each seeking the Wizard for a brain, heart, or courage. The Wizard sends them to retrieve the Wicked Witch of the West's magic eye. The Witch captures Dorothy, Toto, and Lion, but Toto calls the Munchkins, who free them.

Dorothy kicks the Witch into a bottled water bath containing tap water, to which she is allergic, causing her to melt. Dorothy retrieves the magic eye.

Cast

Ashanti plays Dorothy Gale, a Kansas teen dreaming of becoming a singer. Queen Latifah portrays Aunt Em, and David Alan Grier plays Uncle Henry, co-owners of the family diner. Jeffrey Tambor appears as Francis Cornfine and the Wizard of Oz. Quentin Tarantino has a short appearance discussing violent ideas with Kermit the Frog. Kelly Osbourne cameos as post-makeover Dorothy Gale. Edward Hibbert appears uncredited as the stage manager. Steve Whitmire performs Kermit the Frog as Himself/Scarecrow, Beaker as an Emerald City Technician, Rizzo the Rat as Himself/Mayor of Munchkinland, Bean Bunny, Statler as a Kalidah Critic, and Foo-Foo as the Wicked Witch's pet dog. Dave Goelz performs the Great Gonzo as Himself/The Tin Thing, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew as an Emerald City Technician, Waldorf as a Kalidah Critic, and Zoot. Bill Barretta performs additional roles.

Production

It was the last Muppets production by the Jim Henson Company. Filming took place in September 2004 in Vancouver, British Columbia. ABC decided to adapt elements from Baum's original book, such as silver shoes instead of ruby slippers. Ashanti won the role of Dorothy after auditioning alongside Hilary Duff and Jessica Simpson. Quentin Tarantino's involvement was reported in August 2004. The film included five new songs by Michael Giacchino.

Release

The Muppets' Wizard of Oz premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 27, 2005, and aired on ABC's The Wonderful World of Disney on May 20, 2005. It aired in Canada on CBC and in the UK on December 18, 2005. The soundtrack was released on May 17, 2005. Buena Vista Home Entertainment released DVD and VHS on August 9, 2005, in Region 1, and Region 2 DVD on April 6, 2006. The U.S. Extended Version included less than 15 minutes of additional footage, including a cameo by Kelly Osbourne, presented in 1.33:1 pan and scan. The international Anniversary Edition retained the original 1.78:1 widescreen aspect ratio with the unextended cut. Both editions shared bonus features. The premiere drew 7.75 million viewers and received negative reviews, with a 30% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.