Journey Back to Oz (1971)

The story of Journey Back to Oz's creation is actually of more interest than the film itself, a passable little children's film that can't help but fall short of the infinitely superior Wizard of Oz from which it is descended. Journey's voice tracks were recorded in 1963 and 1964 (when leading voice Liza Minnelli was still in her teens), but financing for the picture fell apart, and although bits and piece were worked on as time passed, it took several more years before the money could be found to complete. When the picture finally did move forward, the more experienced and established Minnelli pleaded to re-do her tracks, but the creators decided to stick with the originals. This was the right decision, as the youthfulness in Minnelli's voice and performance adds immeasurably to the experience. She often sounds quite a bit like her mother, Judy Garland, who of course created the role in the 1939 classic. The other voice work is also impressive, with a marvelously over-the-top Ethel Merman as the witch and excellent support from Paul Lynde, Mickey Rooney, Danny Thomas and Herschel Bernardi among others. Unfortunately, the screenplay is not of the same level as the cast, with a plot that is a re-tread of Wizard but without the wit, charm or imagination. Worse, the characters of Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion are treated with ill respect, making them seem shallow and selfish. The score is somewhat better than the script, with a few pretty Jimmy Van Heusen melodies and some Sammy Cahn lyrics that are, on the whole, better than his usual. The backgrounds are very impressive and give the film a distinctive visual look, but the animation itself is only adequate. While far from a classic, Journey will entertain younger viewers, especially those who hunger for more stories about Oz. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide