Wizards (1977) ( War Wizards ) [ NON-USA FORMAT, Blu-Ray, Reg.B Import - United Kingdom ]

In the 1970's before West Coast's PIXAR and during Disney's weak period evolved an East Coast animated independent genius "Ralph Bakshi" (from Terrytoon Studio's). Also full length animated features were not respected by the film academy and weren't expected to have a complex storyline or plot. Until Bakshi arrived only Disney produced full length animated features with success. Bakshi produced at first adult only heavy graphic animated art (Fritz the Cat). But his genius and wonderful animation and storylines had a following and very interested audience. Bakshi Animators were allowed to create the story with much latitude and individual style not like Disney's cramped cookie cutter style of the 70's.Now came "WIZARDS" Raplh Bakshi's favorite film from his pallet of creativity. This 35th Anniversary Blu-ray Book Edition now more than ever shows the artistic marvel "WIZARDS" really was/is. We can now enjoy completely and appreciate Bakshi's passion and genius.This 35th Anniversay Blu-ray Book Edition provides us with Bakshi's full disclosure of this and all his creative genius art work. This man Writes, Directs, Draws and Produces. He has complete control of his product. Just like George Lucas did with Star Wars except Bakshi did not believe in merchandising his creative world. (Note: Both these young genius' worked for FOX and released amazing films in 1977. We all know who became the household name!! But Bakshi genius is preserved forever in this Blu-ray Disc!!!!!!!!) So WIZARDS is a story of two brothers one good the other is evil or in Bakshi's world Imagination and Magic versus Technology and Machinery. The genius is the animation is inaccordance with the brothers amazing stuff!!!This is a must have Edition to our Blu-ray Fantasy library!!!!!!! This "WIZARDS (1977)" set includes; a 24 page illustrated/antimated hard cover book. 1 Blu-ray Disc - 81 minute movie in Blu-ray (PURE EYE CANDY), the SPECIAL FEATURES include; COMMENTARY by Director Ralph Bakshi (his commentary is one of the best, most candid and informative I've ever listened to!!! Bakshi is a very entertaining and interesting character.) Also, "RAPLH BAKSHI": The Wizard of Animation (30 minutes of animation/animator history WODERFUL STUFF), a Still Gallery and Theatrical Trailers.This is a must have movie!!! Also a special note; Bakshi Loved Tolkien so much that after "WIZARDS" he went to see Tolkiens daughter for permission to make an animated version of "THE LORD of the RINGS". With her full endorsement went ahead and made the first half (released in 1978) Also available in Blu-ray!!! Enjoy.

It's great to see that this film has seen such attention that the studio felt it merited not only a DVD release several years ago, but a Bluy Ray, and now we get not only a Blu Ray, but one in this neat little book/case. The book itself is 24 pages long, and loosely covers the history of the production of the film as well as showcases some nice concept art that you've probably never seen before.As far as the quality of the film, it's been restored to an amazing degree. I first saw it on VHS in the early 90's. When I got the DVD, I noticed how much better it looked than the VHS, but this is crazy good. I've seen this film countless times over the past 20 years, and I'm seeing things on my first viewing of the Blu Ray that I've never noticed before. The amazingly detailed background images drawn by Ian Miller especially benefit from this enhanced version. Keep in mind, however, that the budget of this film (or any Ralph Bakshi film for that matter) wasn't very high; certainly nothing compared to a Disney animated film. So, when you get better picture quality, you can also see the film grain and little imperfections much better, not to mention the, shall we say, "less than stellar" animated portions, where not nearly as much time and detail were put in than in other parts of the film. This is negligible for me, since that's just a part of the film.I first saw Wizards when I was 7... perhaps a bit younger than when I'd let my children see it. Bakshi labeled this as a family film, but as a kid, I would have never have wanted to watch this with anyone but my friends, and certainly not my mother! HAHA! but I have loved it ever since. I'll forgo a review of the film itself. There are surely other reviews here that cover the plot and story, here on Amazon, and Youtube might be a good place to look as well.One thing I will say about this film is that it certainly has heart, if not a big budget, and it paints a beautiful picture with the resources it has at its disposal. It's easy to see why it's so well loved by the following that it has. If you are a fan of this film, or know someone who is, then this particular release of the Blu Ray with the book is a must-buy. You get a beautifully restored copy of the film, along with some cool special features, including a documentary focusing on the creator, Ralph Bakshi, as well as some old trailers and a a tv spot, among others. The book alone was a major selling point for me.Happy viewing!

A nice, psychedelic movie. Great vintage animation that uses a lot of rotoscope in the scenes. Great ending to the movie lol. For once, the main character does what every other common sense person would do in that situation. I found this movie from the music video called "Dirty Space Alchemy" and i am glad i bought the movie.

I Remember when this came out. Enjoyed it just as much now as I did then. No CGI yet. Great animation for it's time.PEACE: Not good,very bad lol.If you know, you know