Sept. 1984 - Disney's film-in-production, working title Oz, is named Return to Oz.
June 21, 1985 - Disney's Return to Oz premieres at Radio City Music Hall. Gary Kurtz is the executive producer of this 109-minute live action filmed in England. The story combines plot elements from The Marvelous Land of Oz and Ozma of Oz, with a lengthy opening segment original to the screenplay. Walter Murch, who also directs, and Gill Dennis write the screenplay.
Its September release fails to appeal to the public. The short-lived tie-in merchandise includes puppets, games, puzzles, books and records. The film is more enthusiastically received - and inspires more merchandise - in Japan. The cast includes 10-year-old Fairuza Balk as Dorothy (the youngest of 400 children who tried out for the part); Nicol Williamson as the Nome King; Sophie Ward as Princess Mombi. Michael Sundin, an acrobat, was Tik Tok in costume that required him to curl up with his head to his knees and walk backwards.
Costume designer Raymond Hughes used John R. Neill's illustrations to guide his work. A coronation sequence included brief glimpses of dozens of Oz characters from the series.
Products connected with the film include a monetization by Joan D. Vinge published by Ballantine/Del Ray Books, New York; five Little Golden Books; Walt Disney Pictures' Return to Oz by Scholastic, New York, which presents the story through cartoon-style color panels and is a offered in American, British and German printings; a "retold by William Furstenberg" version of The Wizard of Oz published by Weekly Reader Books and available only through its book club; boxed jig saw and frame-tray puzzles; Tops Bubble Gum trading cards; plush hand puppets available as a Smucker's promotion; audio and video tapes; activity and coloring books; plastic jointed figures; stuffed dolls; an 18-inch German Dorothy Gale Doll (also marketed in Great Britain) of Fairuza in costume; pins and buttons; film posters; and other items. Dunkin' Donuts also used the film to promote its doughnut holes.
Illustrator Maurice Sendak is initially selected to develop concepts for set designs, but proves unavailable during the production's time frame. He does, however, finish one Oz poster.
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