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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:35:32 — 111.1MB)

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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!

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @WWWYshow, on Facebook at Facebook.com/WWWYShow and email episode suggestions to wwwyshow@gmail.com. Don’t forget to subscribe and review us on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts so more folks check out the show!

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:44:50 — 119.1MB)

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Surrender, Dorothy! For the 100th episode of When We Were Young, Seth, Becky, Chris and returning guest host Jan have clicked their heels together three times and summoned a twister to whisk them all the way back to 1939, when the ultimate Hollywood classic landed on the big screen in glorious Technicolor. Watching THE WIZARD OF OZ has been a childhood rite of passage for several generations now, its characters and quotable dialogue known to just about every man, woman, and child this side of Munchkinland. But does the film itself still have the brains, heart, and nerve to dazzle discerning modern day viewers?

First, Oz aficionado Chris recounts his history with the original fantasy series by L. Frank Baum, which is much more robust than you might think. Then, strap on some sparkly slippers and skip down the yellow brick road with us once again as we revisit the classic film — going gaga over Toto, debating the best and worst tracks from the iconic soundtrack, and marveling at the film’s unforgettable makeup, production design, and special effects. Plus, discover who has the hots for the Tin Man, who thinks the Scarecrow is the ideal life partner, and which hosts think the Cowardly Lion is due for a poaching. (We don’t dodge the tough questions on this podcast.) Repeat after us: there’s no podcast like When We Were Young!

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @WWWYshow, on Facebook at Facebook.com/WWWYShow and email episode suggestions to wwwyshow@gmail.com. Don’t forget to subscribe and review us on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts so more folks check out the show!

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