JinRoz For all the hype it got I was expecting a lot more!

Pacionsbo Absolutely Fantastic

RipDelight This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

SanEat A film with more than the usual spoiler issues. Talking about it in any detail feels akin to handing you a gift-wrapped present and saying, "I hope you like it -- It's a thriller about a diabolical secret experiment."

PirateEvenstar I saw The Witches of Oz--or Dorothy and The Witches of Oz, as it's come to be known recently--last year, and I LOVED it. I seem to be in the minority in my love for this film, but I found it to be quirky, deeply imaginative, and adorable. It appealed to the kid in me that still finds a dream in Oz...and also to my 23-year-old self, who still keeps Oz close to my heart! I've been an Oz fan ALL of my life (so I must admit I'm a tiny bit biased) but I really did wholeheartedly *appreciate* this movie. Everything you'd expect to be there is there. The quintessential foursome: CHECK. Good witch(es): CHECK. Bad witch(es): CHECK. Magical items: CHECK. And so much more! So much more is brought to the table, and it's fun getting to explore the ins and outs of the characters and the world of this film. The Witches of Oz may get a lot of flack, as far as reviews I've read on the internet and message boards, but I'm really opposed to looking at films simply as surface-pieces. I try to really appreciate time and effort, as well as the passion of actors and crew. The creative minds behind this cared enough to give nods to the books that I've never seen done in film before, so that was a delight to see. It warmed my heart, as a reader, that Baum's creations--however wackily or faithfully they may have been portrayed in this film--were alluded to, and given credit. The audience sees the Oz they thought they knew taken to a place that they may have subconsciously wanted to go, but films or other media just haven't gone before. Oz and its inhabitants were really portrayed in a new light, and I applaud them for such decisions...as well as the guts to go there! Paulie Rojas is undeniably adorable as Dorothy Gale. She personifies the innocence that is essential in Dorothy, but also shows a lot of strength. Ari Zagaris definitely deserves credit, as he brought a lot of quirkiness to Allen, while acting as a real anchor for Rojas's Dorothy. Their pairing was definitely believable, as a creative team, the minds behind the stories and images of Oz. It was good to see Mia Sara take on an evil role, and she added a certain bubbliness to hercharacter that was refreshing. Christopher Lloyd was perfect for this. He brought with him every ounce of his usual gusto and whimsy, and acted accordingly as The Wizard. I was really happy to see Billy Boyd as a normal guy--and with his natural accent, yay! Sean Astin and Ethan Embry were cute as Muckadoos, and it was good to see them both taking on more family-friendly roles, nonsensical though they were at times. I can't imagine the film without their mischievous little Muckadoos! Eliza Swenson gave a delightful performance as Billie (and her nefarious alter-ego--I'll let that be a surprise!). She was deliciously devilish in both turns, and she also deserves praise for her score-work! Brava, Eliza! Beautiful work. I have to praise the practical effects as well; rarely do you see such lengths gone to when CGI could compensate. It was refreshing to see old-fashioned makeup and costume take place of what could have easily been bad CGI-work. On that note, the CGI and computer work is pretty well done.. It's not shoddy, it's consistent. It's bright, beautiful and unflinchingly magical. The effects only help add to the illusion, and the suspension of disbelief that these events really could happen in our world. Leigh Scott is criticized quite a lot for his films, from my understanding, but this little film deserves more PRAISE. What I saw in The Witches of Oz was an attempt to achieve a very vivid, very important vision, and the success of working to create that vision. This film seemed to have a lot of heart in it. Clearly, the cast and crew cared a lot about the project. Everyone just seemed to lose themselves in it, and really have a lot of fun, cast and crew alike. In that respect, as an audience member, I couldn't have enjoyed it more. It may come across to some as campy or stupid to some, but I definitely enjoyed it. If you're looking for a story with a lot of fun, heart, all the magic of Oz and more, look no further!

Brian Shirley There have been several attempts over the years to do a sequel, a spin off or totally redo The Wizard of Oz but none have come close to match the original classic, until now... This is a movie I think the original filmmakers and cast would be proud of... DOROTHY AND THE WITCHES OF OZ is that movie! It was written and directed by Leigh Scott, it's also an independent film which means there are no huge studios behind this special gem that could absolutely go up against any movie the studios are throwing at the multiplexes this weekend or any other weekend!The movie follows a grown Dorothy who now lives in New York City and writes children's books. She has a team that surrounds her, some you can tell are good and some you question. As the movie goes along she finds out her books are actually based on her repressed memories and she begins to remember all of the events that have happened, everything and everyone from her past to present day. This ultimately leads to a battle with the Wicked Witch of the West and her new army. All of this takes place in New York!Now, there are quite a few standouts in the movie so first up is the story, which to me there hasn't been a movie to even come close to the original Oz and Scott has pulled this off with an abundance of imagination! Next we have Eliza Swenson who portrays Billie Westbrook, Dorothy's agent. There is no way I'm going to spill too much on her character or any other but let's just say I was totally impressed by her performances. Now we get to some of the cast and there's really too many to mention so let's just get to Paulie Rojas who pulls off her character Dorothy to a perfection. I could tell she went back and watched the original or at least it comes across like she did with her mannerisms and how she interacts with others at times. Other standouts include Lance Henriksen, Jeffrey Combs, Barry Ratcliffe (who is fun to watch), Mia Sara (yes she is in this!), Billy Boyd, Sean Astin and Ethan Embry who play Frick and Frack. All of the acting is great and each one makes their characters their own in Dorothy and the Witches of Oz.Another major standout in the movie is Scott's camera and the special F/X which are all pulled off beautifully for an indie film. There is so much imagination and hard work that has been put into this movie and it all shows and pays off on screen! When you add these to the great cast and story and you top it off with some really cool background music/score, it just makes this movie something really special, dare I say a modern day classic? The right music/score always makes a scene better! Yes!Bottom line is, Dorothy and the Witches of Oz is an instant classic! It has a PG rating and clocks in at around 1 Hour 40 Minutes which is a good running time, not too short and not too long It's a movie for all ages and a project some studios could definitely take a few notes from! I have fallen in love with this movie!Review by Brian Shirley from Alien Bee

Mikelane1987 I can honestly say I watched this with an open mind both parts 1 & 2.It was horrifically acted save for Christopher Llyod as the wizard.The characters fail to make you feel anything for them, the wicked witch of the easts death was rubbish (she sees the house about to drop on her & looks up & says "Oh dear" in a certificate 12 DVD she could have said "oh $**t!").Toto must be immortal as he was a young dog at the start & continues to look young the entire movie.The guy playing the scarecrow should have been left to burn, all he did was produce crocodile tears when he was threatened.3 odd hours of my life I'll never get back.If you want to see a good version of OZ I suggest you see WICKED at Londons Apollo Victoria theatre.Not worth wasting £10 on the DVD. Should have just set lite to the tenner.If you have not watched this movie & are a fan of OZ for the love of God avoid it.

CygnusXII I was expecting garbage and I was surprised. Owing that this movie came out of SyFy's stables, I thought it was going to be a bunch of CGI trash. I was quite wrong. While the acting is not strong at times, I think that is because the writing is a little flat. Some of the Acting is quite hammy at times, and over the top. Sprinkle in a judicious use of munchkins, and other baddies and I guess it balances out. Some of the prop work and costumes are pretty cool. Christopher Lloyds outfit is spot on Steampunk at it's best, as well as The Tin Woodsman prop works. Some of the City EFX, are lacking, as mentioned the lightning is a little lame. I guess all in all though, it was worth a watch, and could be viewed by the kiddies.