Ralph Bakshi's animated futuristic fantasy depicts a battle between magic and technology as a kindhearted old sorcerer named Avatar embarks on a perilous quest into darkness to save the world from his evil brother's black magic.
This uniquely 1970s blend of swords, sorcery, science fiction, kung-fu, fascism, and nuclear holocaust was director Ralph Bakshi's first venture into fantasy after his grim urban epics STREETFIGHT and HEAVY TRAFFIC. In a postapocalyptic future that appears as a blend of World War II Europe and J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, a pint-size wizard named Avatar (Bob Holt, sounding like Peter Falk) must save the world from a band of fascist mutants controlled by his evil twin brother, Blackwolf (Steve Gravers), who likes to confuse enemy armies by projecting films of Adolf Hitler speeches during attacks. Painted live-action footage of advancing Nazi armies contrasts with Saturday-morning-cartoon-style animation of fairies and elves as Avatar travels through various magical and radioactive realms on his quest. Aiding him are a sexually promiscuous fairy queen (Jesse Wells), a hot-blooded warrior elf (Mark Hamill, fresh from his role in STAR WARS) and Peace (David Proval), a misunderstood robot rebelling against his Blackwolf-controlled programming. A bizarre and psychedelic meditation on magic vs. technology, this cult film still finds an audience on college campuses and will prove quite rewarding to viewers in the right frame of mind.
WIZARDS was released during the height of the popularity for role-playing games that involved fantasy and combat. A WIZARDS role-playing game was launched after the film's release but has been unavailable for many years.
Wizards Reviews:
"WIZARDS fills the screen with as much sci-fi fantasia as one could ask for."
-- Premiere Staff, Premiere
"...A fable, but one that is as contemporary as Hitler..."
-- A.H. Weiler, New York Times
"They Killed Fritz, oh my God! they Killed Fritz!" Crank up the original mono soundtrack and pop some corn, pretend Star Wars doesn't exist just yet becase....
Finally making its way to DVD is Ralph Bakshi's "family" film Wizards. Replete with Rotoscoping and complete cell animation this is one of the true masterpieces of Toon Cinema. The voice acting and narration lend to the sparse yet effective soundtrack, while Ralph's unique vision colorfully unfolds itself in glorious fashion.
Quite possibly an important socially concious work, in one of the most blazingly original segments WWII film footage is projected behind the bloodlusting beast warriors. On the supplements (Ralph Bakshi's only appearance on any DVD of any of his films), he states that there was work done on Wizards II.... If only someone could see there way to talk this man back into the business and produce one last cell animated masterpiece.
He also says that the DVD release only came about because of an online petition- so keep signing those things for Ralph's work. Submitted by apocrypha (Bozeman, MT) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
Awesome animation movie I was 10 when this movie first came out, It's a great fantasy flick and cool animation with some special features check it out. Submitted by fretface (La Pine, OR, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Bakshi's Best Damn fine story perfectly compliments some of the most striking Audio & Visual effects of the era. Some sensual jokes, but they may be over the head of most tykes...Good value...Cult classic fans will love you if they find this flick into your collection. Submitted by woof3189 (Atlantic Beach, FL) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
WE NEVER LEARN This Cartoon reminded me of the WARRIORS OF THE WIND in regard to it's message That we have to clean up our own mess.
The art work is very well done. The story line is also excellant. There was one or ywo patches, but at least the story flowed. Submitted by Taffone (Wyre Forest Worcs. UK) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Definitely a KEEPER! This movie blew me away as a child and contiues to work it's magic in my adult life. The combination of live action and animation is terrific! Submitted by dkojima808 (Hawaii) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Region 1 Keep Case Widescreen - 1.85 Audio: Mono - English Mono - Spanish Stereo - English Additional Release Material: Featurette: "Ralph Bakshi: The Wizard of Animation" Audio Commentary: Ralph Bakshi - Director Trailers:
1. Theatrical Trailer 2. Theatrical Trailer B 3. TV Spots Text/Photo Galleries: Stills Gallery (300)
"They Killed Fritz, oh my God! they Killed Fritz!"
Share this Product