Overview of Last Looks: Return to Oz
This episode of How Did This Get Made? — Last Looks (hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas) is a listener-driven follow-up to their Return to Oz episode. The show runs through corrections, clarifications and fan pushback about the 1985 Disney/Amblin adaptation, collects a wide range of caller and Discord notes (production trivia, book vs film differences, theories), and ends with a chat with Jason about his Broadway run, Taskmaster Live, and media recommendations. The episode closes by announcing next week’s movie: Date with an Angel (1987).
Key discussion points & themes
- Hosts reiterate their original position: they found Return to Oz a flawed, tonally dark film that doesn’t succeed as a sequel to MGM’s The Wizard of Oz.
- Many listeners pushed back: nostalgia, differences between L. Frank Baum’s books (whimsical) and the film (darker, horror-tinged), and appreciation for the film’s practical effects and visuals.
- Central tension: fans’ childhood affection vs. the hosts’ adult critical viewing — why a film that resonated for many kids still “fails” on adult terms.
- Legal/copyright context: callers explained Disney could not use MGM’s visual/iconography (Judy Garland look, ruby slippers depiction), which likely influenced the film’s distinct aesthetic.
Corrections & omissions — notable caller/Discord highlights
(organized as claims made on the episode; some are corroborated by film historians, others were offered as listener recollection)
- Tik-Tok (the mechanical man)
- Practical effects praised: one operator reportedly performed from inside the suit, often upside-down and with short stints due to heat (Michael Sundin cited).
- Tim Rose (puppeteer) was also named as an operator for Tik-Tok’s head — he’s known for other creature work (e.g., Admiral Ackbar).
- Crew & creative personnel
- Brian Henson is credited with voicing/co-performing Jack Pumpkinhead (Brian Henson involvement is consistent with other puppet credits).
- Henry Selick (later director of The Nightmare Before Christmas and Monkeybone) worked on the film as a storyboard artist.
- Several callers claimed George Lucas intervened during production to support director Walter Murch after an early firing/rehiring incident — presented as insider recollection but not definitively proven on-air.
- Sources & fan corrections about the books vs film
- Multiple callers emphasized Baum’s Oz books are more whimsical than the film’s tone; villains in the books are often less terrifying and more farcical.
- Toto, Belina (the chicken), and a talking kitten appear across Baum’s Oz stories with varying levels of speech—Toto’s talking is later revealed as a choice in the books.
- Asma (the character known as the Wheelers / other Oz characters) was mentioned by a caller as important in queer/trans readings of children’s literature (a literary-criticism point, not the film).
- Legal/copyright detail
- Original Oz books had silver slippers; MGM’s ruby slippers became a guarded likeness and were expensive/licensed for other uses — a factor in why Return to Oz had to avoid reusing MGM’s iconic visuals.
- Miscellaneous fandom notes
- One listener proposed a “Jacob’s Ladder” reading (Dorothy may be in a post-electroshock/dying hallucination) — a darker interpretive theory.
- Marvel Comics produced faithful comic adaptations of the early Oz novels (2009) that some listeners recommended.
Memorable bits & show business moments
- Corrections & Omissions winner: “Mav” (Discord caller) — prize delivered as a comedic bit: Bolina the Chicken calls in and “lays” a prize egg (a running gag on the show).
- Host takeaways remained frank: Paul repeatedly called the movie “trash” while acknowledging fans’ right to love it — hosts defended their critical stance while laughing at fan outrage.
- Sponsors and plugs, plus live show notes:
- Jason promoted his Broadway show All Out (with a listener discount code).
- Paul promoted Dinosaur Improv in LA and other live events.
Host chat with Jason Mantzoukas — highlights
- Jason’s Broadway run: performing in All Out (Simon Rich) with Lawrence the band, Sarah Silverman, Craig Robinson, Heidi Gardner. He described the energy differences between weekday/polite crowds and raucous weekend audiences.
- Taskmaster Live: Jason guested at Taskmaster Live in New York; conversation about potential U.S. hosting chatter and the show’s live success.
- Media recommendations (Jason & Paul)
- Sam Raimi’s Send Help — strong recommendation (Sam Raimi-style blend of horror/comedy; Dylan O’Brien praised).
- Anime picks Jason is watching obsessively: Frieren (season 2 starting) and The Apothecary Diaries (two seasons) — both recommended highly for storytelling and emotional depth.
- Jason’s reflections: appreciation for big, scenery-chewing performances (likened to what he admires in shows like Yellow‑stone or Landman), and the joy of being surprised by film/TV.
Next episode
- Movie: Date with an Angel (1987)
- Premise: An aspiring composer finds a broken-winged angel and must navigate jealous fiancée, scheming friends, and other complications.
- Context: Episode recorded earlier (in Minneapolis); Date with an Angel was briefly unavailable on streamers but is said to be back on Tubi — Rotten Tomatoes score low (13%); Ebert was harsh.
- Encouragement to check library streaming options (Hoopla, Libby) for related Oz or Parker materials.
Takeaways & action items
- If you liked the episode and want to dig deeper:
- Revisit L. Frank Baum’s Oz books for tone contrasts (books are often lighter/more whimsical than the 1985 film).
- Look up Return to Oz production trivia (Walter Murch’s background, Brian Henson’s credits, Tik-Tok’s operators) for more context on the film’s practical effects.
- Watch Sam Raimi’s Send Help and anime recommendations (Frieren S2, The Apothecary Diaries) if you want host-endorsed picks.
- If you enjoyed the show:
- Follow How Did This Get Made? (HDTGM) on socials, join their Discord to submit taglines, and consider calling in for Corrections & Omissions.
Notable quotes (paraphrased)
- Paul Scheer: “Bad movie.” (reiterated as host’s overall critical stance)
- Fan perspective: “The books are more whimsical — the movie is darker than Baum’s originals.”
- Jason on live theater: Broadway crowds vary — weekend raucous, weekday polite; the show leans young/comedy-forward.
(For listeners: the episode is heavy on listener-sourced lore, lore that mixes verified credits with fan recollection and interpretive theories — treat production “facts” mentioned on-air as conversational unless you verify via production histories or studio records.)