Moderate fun here and there.
Wizards (1977)
Runtime: 81 mins
Synopsis: 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... 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. [More]
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy
Starring: Mark Hamill, Bob Holt, Jesse Wells, Richard Romanus
DVD Info
Release:
Jan 5, 2006
DVD Features:
- Region 1
- Keep Case
- Widescreen - 1.85
Audio:
- Stereo - English
- Mono - English
- Mono - Spanish
Additional Release Material:
- Audio Commentary - 1. Ralph Bakshi - Director
- Featurette - 1. "Ralph Bakshi: The Wizard of Animation"
- Trailers - 1. Theatrical Trailer
- 2. Theatrical Trailer B
- 3. TV Spot
Text/Image Galleries:
- Stills Gallery (300)
Reviews
Sword-and-sorcery animation, neatly done but reliant on the same bunch of dog-eared cliches.
An effective mix of animation, stock footage, and rear projection.
Ralph Bakshi's animated sword-and-sorcery tale is a long way from his best work, marred by cut-rate techniques and a shapeless screenplay.
Mr. Bakshi's allegory is fairly obvious from the outset, but he and his animators are convincingly professional. They have devised a melange of animation and live footage that gives their feature mystical, slightly scary and, occasionally, comic tones.
Wizards may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is an audacious refreshment that deserves appreciation and respect nonetheless
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