Episode 175 - RETURN TO OZ

If you thought tin men and flying monkeys were strange, let me tell you about Return to Oz, a film that doubles down on the inexplicable whimsy of L. Frank Baum's beloved books and the unrestrained darkness that pervaded children's fantasy films during the 1980s. It's nightmare fuel delivered with a sprightly, wholesome spirit. It's also a marvel of practical effects with enough imagination and offbeat humor to enthrall a whole new generation of weirdos.

Thank goodness we've brought our friends Brian Rudloff and Nate Tapp along to share their thoughts about uncomfortable creature suits, traumatizing imagery, and the dangerous truth about eggs. Join us as we embrace the odd in our journey back to Oz. After all, it can't be helped now!

Return to Oz (1985)
Directed by Walter Murch
Produced by Paul Maslansky
Written by Walter Murch and Gill Dennis
Based on The Marvelous Land of Oz and Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum
Starring Fairuza Balk, Jean Marsh, Piper Laurie, Matt Clark, Denise Bryer, Sean Barrett, Brian Henson, and Nicol Williamson

Episode 8 - THE WITCHES

What better way to celebrate the Halloween season than with the work of Roald Dahl, whose eccentric tales have been amusing and scarring children for generations?  The Witches contains plenty of prime nightmare fuel for the elementary school set - a crummy vacation at a crumbling old hotel, poisoned candy, and scores of bewigged British biddies.  With a dash of Henson Creature Shop magic and director Nicolas Roeg’s insistence on shooting like he’s making a low-budget ‘70s horror film, The Witches is a movie that appears to be at cross-purposes but endures with its unique combination of dark intensity and kid-friendly kookiness.

The Witches (1990)
Directed by Nicholas Roeg
Produced by Jim Henson, Mark Shivas, and Dusty Symonds
Written by Allan Scott
Based on the novel by Roald Dahl
Starring Anjelica Huston, Jasen Fisher, Mai Zetterling, and Rowan Atkinson