The Wiz: More Than Just the Black Version | Movie Decoded

[@The10thManRules]

It's not just the Black version. It's exponentially the best version.

[@luvbig41]

Most definitely was. Music and all.

[@The10thManRules]

@luvbig41 The color changes in the emerald city is still amazing, and the taking off of the oppressive "slave skin" and singing "a brand new day" in the sweat shop scene make me emotional.

[@Domine_Spinelli]

Absolutely

[@irisshalurhad7901]

When I was in kindergarten in about in about 1986 or 87 the teacher showed us The Wiz in the gym. I was one of two black children in an almond all white elementary school. The teachers and children kept asking me questions about the movie. What did they expect me to know at 6 years old.😂

[@ericadial8801]

😂

[@coursecorrection4105]

It’s actually a very interesting take on the story, diana played the character as someone who seemed neurodivergent and depressed. I think we all have family members that may suffer in that way and it brought it to life. MJ tore it down with singing and dancing.

[@ldavis4233]

This actually was filmed in Brooklyn I use to live on the block they filmed.

[@edrepresentin]

I would've thought Harlem.

[@beasaroseco5840]

Nathan's and Hoyt are in Brooklyn. Mike went back there to film Bad.

[@jasmineb.9747]

That Nathan's was on 42nd and the station was both Hoyt and 42nd. The whole movie was indeed Harlem, BK and 42nd and twin towers.

[@GearsinMotionGraphics]

Being that this was the first of its kind, being our first African American Oz. It was well put together and it will never be reduplicated 🕛🔄🧠🙌🎶🎶🎶🎬

[@misz_ccdreddy5721]

My favorite movie of all time!!! Can't tell me anything different about Michael Jackson's Reese Cup nose!!

[@jameshupcej4795]

I seen the Wiz in the 2nd grade at school before ever seeing the Wizard of Oz. And to this day I still think the Wiz is a better movie. Now you telling the take of the Wiz makes it that much better.

[@kieshtinthaplacetobe]

OMG! I love your critical analysis of "The Wiz," by way of the Black Migration, and the after affects it had on Black people. I remember when I was in college but, I wrote a critical analysis of the symbolism of Dorothy facing her fears as a result of being trapped in OZ. I don't remember everything that I wrote but I remember observing (in the paper) how, when Dorothy first goes to OZ she's very timid and the taxis drive away from her. However, I noticed throughout the movie as she conquers more of her fears, She stand proudly and tall on the taxis singing, "Ease On Down The Road."

[@BlackAmericana]

That sounds amazing! Thank you for watching.

[@genestacoleman2754]

The best movie 🍿🎥 ever made 🥳🥳💣💥🔥🔥🔥🔥💥♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🥰

[@naturallocksdvm]

that movie got me thru my pregnancy away from my family

[@genestacoleman2754]

@@naturallocksdvm 🌺🙏🏾🫂

[@kamiafunchess2126]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!!! Every time I bring up what's behind the Wiz, they don't want to hear it. Well done, excited to see what else you have stewing!

[@BlackAmericana]

So wonderful to hear! Be sure to tell the doubters to drop by. 😉

[@Alexander082388]

That was great work. Thanks for your study and production. ❤

[@tonysmith6166]

Excellent breakdown. The scarecrow experience rings true in my spirit how group think broken spirits will deliberately try to destroy those that think outside the box. That’s crazy and so real. That’s why it’s so important to know thyself. BE AUTHENTIC. The Wiz has always been 1 of my favorite movies.

[@BlackAmericana]

So true! Thanks for watching.

[@GerardLee-mr3lb]

This was a beautiful breakdown about the Wiz.

[@charm_comomagick]

Loved this breakdown and reminders of our history and things we have to contend with still today❤

[@Kendratree]

Well written and I feel accurate! Thanks for this beautiful synopsis!

[@truewordsworth8659]

A black version was most definitely needed.... better than the original let's be honest

[@ChocoBeauty8]

Facts🗣. I saw the Wiz last October in DC and they did not disappoint. I loved how the re-imagined the Wiz for the new generation. I really hope they don't do a remake of the movie. #theatrelover🎭

[@sarahsimpkins1311]

​@@ChocoBeauty8They don't need to

[@jaiyabyrd4177]

*The Wiz was a Broadway Show, don't overlook this!!* *The Wiz was a Broadway Musical, starring Stephanie Mills, which received Tony Awards in 1975*

[@BlackAmericana]

Definitely! We used the movie for illustrative purposes.

[@charlesdiggs5297]

I remember when this movie was in theaters in 1973 or 74 and I was still about 10 to 11 years old. I never got to see it in the theater. But I appreciate ydude explaining all the depth of it. And I'm a 60-year-old man now.

[@BlackAmericana]

Beautiful memories! Thank you for sharing.

[@eddiet3026]

It came to theaters in 1978.

[@charlesdiggs5297]

I guess I misremember the dates.

[@jordanallen7496]

I ALWAYS knew the Wiz had a deeper meaning. Thank you for this video. This will educate people immensely.

[@BlackAmericana]

Thanks!

[@justhearmeout]

The tornado block is actually 3 blocks from me on Prospect Place in Brooklyn. I'm old enough to remember when it was being filmed. It's on my tour for out of town friends.😊 Crown Heights. Great Vid!❤ Smooth background 🎶 track at the right levels. Well done!

[@BlackAmericana]

Thank you!

[@jasonbolden8498]

This was all so well put.

[@BlackAmericana]

Thank you! ❤️

[@larisibbitt8528]

Amazing job with this. I've always loved this movie but never understood it in this way. Thank you!!!

[@dvdndsWill]

I agree. I had my son watch it and he loves it too!

[@Debra-p4z]

Excellent information! Really enjoyed how detailed information was presented. Thank you Black Americana Media for sharing !❤

[@MsTiLaJ]

Man, this was full of so much knowledge. Thank you so much for bringing it all together.

[@LOAFPLU]

This is very informative and beautiful. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@ldavis4233]

Very great info… amazing!

[@themamabeeexperience]

Good job I love documentaries. I learned a lot.🐝💛💯

[@adrienne7642]

Loved this breakdown!

[@tracistaples2004]

The pooppi's represented opium addiction in the wizard of OZ and herione addiction and prostitution in the wiz. Interesting take on the film. I previously only saw the themes contemporary to the 70s. You will see many of the themes that were similar to the blaxploitation action movies and other intercity themed dramas in the 70s. I sawboth the movie and the musical when they came out. I never noticed that Diana Ross had on silver shoes.Good job. You can dive deeper by exporting the political and cultural climate of the 60s, 70s and early 80s.

[@kieshajohnson2499]

One of my favorite movies.

[@madameblackimusprime]

This was such a well put together video!! ❤

[@BlackAmericana]

Thank you!

[@PatricksJ-v6w]

This was so well explained. It actually adds more meaning and depth to the songs on The Wiz music soundtrack. Well done.

[@italosblogtalkradio4279]

Very insightful analysis 🧐

[@genestacoleman2754]

Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful discussion 🌹💐🌺🌺🌺

[@BlackAmericana]

Sa glad you enjoyed!

[@DOLHouse-]

Girl I am 30 years old and I just thought they just gave us a black relatable version of TWOO

[@a-train3503]

Well done 👍 excellent analysis of the difference between the white depiction vs the black depiction of the same story

[@GnarlsBarkley123]

Great video, loved your analysis of The Wiz. The Wiz version was the more book accurate than the more famous 1940s one. 4 witches, silver slippers, etc. outside of some liberties (Dorothy’s age, the setting) Thank you again.

[@BlackAmericana]

Thank you!

[@EazybEazee]

Brilliant piece 👍🏾

[@BlackAmericana]

Thank you!

[@delealao]

Well done . Very informative .

[@bskeete]

Very insightful!!!! Thank you.

[@auroraseyets8516]

Could you add an addendum and break down the meaning of the Scarecrow's song "You Can't Win" please?

[@goldenscarecrow]

I was hoping for a breakdown of green to red to gold and the accompanying abandonment of [musical styles, fashion, values, etc.] as the Wiz dictated. “Whatever new trend is in.” “On to the next one.”

[@WilhelminaBurris]

❤ Thanks for sharing this information with us 😊

[@kincamell2]

Gratitude

[@BIGRAMPTV]

That intro beat is hard .....

[@BlackAmericana]

Thanks!

[@MrBrycenyc]

YES 🙌🏾

[@sparkwill5337]

Why did I read you name a Bryoncé 😂😂😂

[@luvbig41]

I am old because I saw this at the movie theater.

[@ursaamajorr]

My favorite movie ❤❤

[@MrJ-dc3yz]

I saw the Wiz when I was a kid I just thought it was better than the white version. Thank you for showing me the story underneath.

[@ElijahCamSmith]

An Amazing Video!!

[@BlackAmericana]

Thank you!

[@TheHappinessHelper_XO]

Brilliant ❤

[@lnyawilliamsmoore]

Hallelujah means "Praise Jah" or "Praise Jehovah"-Psalms 83:18;145-150

[@alishadaniels4815]

Cool ending wrap up!!!

[@travis-yk9ml]

Please explain the purpose of the puppet master in the subway. I never understood what he represented.

[@kieshajohnson2499]

Yes, please!!! I was terrified of those things when I was little😂😂

[@sarahsimpkins1311]

I liked the Wiz better then the white Version

[@Chamuko99]

🌻

[@MrBrycenyc]

❤❤❤

[@HistoryNPolicy]

Popularism was a biracial movement.

[@BIGwillTHEGAME]

KZbin Recommended HEE HEE, HEE HEE HEE

[@ペイトン3]

Never heard anyone ask is “making the Wiz was a good idea”. Anyway , this seems victimhood inducing.

[@SeenHeard]

The Wiz (bway play and movie) are adapted from the Baum's book and particularly not the MGM movie. You never heard anyone complain in realtime in the way you imply either. Such a shame you've succumbed to being the victim in all this.

[@nancyedwards1920]

This discourse made me love this money MORE ❤❤❤❤❤