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101: “Would You Please Check My Head For Signs of Spoiling?” – Return To Oz

As we discussed in our 100th episode, L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz delighted generation after generation of children, and MGM’s 1939 musical adaptation became one of the most popular and cherished motion pictures of all time. So it’s only natural that in the ’80s, Disney decided to pay tribute to these Oz classics in a family film that puts Dorothy in an insane asylum and turns her beloved trio of friends to stone… right?

With a surprisingly dark storyline and truly frightening special effects, it’s no wonder 1985’s RETURN TO OZ scared the hell out of more children than it charmed. (Surprise! It wasn’t a hit.) Disney’s pseudo-sequel to a film that everybody knows and loves is largely forgotten, but that doesn’t stop When We Were Young’s hosts from checking back in with the many-headed Princess Mombi, the sinister but fabulous Nome King, and the kooky, cackling Wheelers. Fortunately, young Fairuza Balk and a handful of lovable new comrades, including Tik-Tok, Jack Pumpkinhead, and a sassy hen named Billina, are on hand to brighten things up between shudders. 

Is Disney’s dystopian vision of Oz worth the return trip? Or do we wish Dorothy had just followed her own advice and stayed home this time around? Return with us to the scary old land of Oz — if you dare!

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Help us defray the costs of creating this show, which include recording remotely, purchasing movies/shows/music to review, delivery food to eat our feelings, and producing & editing in-house at the MFP Studio in Los Angeles, California by donating to our Patreon account at patreon.com/WhenWeWereYoung

73: “You’re Safe and Sound Now, Back in Good Old 1955” – Back To The Future

Great Scott! We’re back! And we’re discussing one of the most popular movie trilogies of all time. BACK TO THE FUTURE (1985) was an enormous hit straight out of the gate, turning Robert Zemeckis into one of Hollywood’s most sought-after directors and the Delorean into a car people actually wanted to own. The time travel action-adventure is still one of the most beloved films from the 1980s, but now that we’re looking back at it from the future, does the trilogy’s premier installment stand the test of time? Join our debate, and stay tuned for Part 2 later this week!

When We Were Young is a podcast devoted to the most beloved pop culture of our formative years (roughly 1980-2000). Join us for a look back to the past with a critical eye on how these movies, songs, TV shows and more hold up now. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @WWWYshow, on Facebook at Facebook.com/WWWYShow and email your episode suggestions to wwwyshow@gmail.com. Don’t forget to subscribe and review us on the iTunes and Google Play Stores so more folks check out the show!

Help us defray the costs of creating this show, which includes purchasing movies/shows/music to review, delivery food to eat our feelings, and producing & editing in-house at the MFP Studio in Los Angeles, California, by donating to our Patreon account at patreon.com/WhenWeWereYoung