TV-Series
Description
"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" anime series adapts L. Frank Baum's classic novel, reimagining the tale with a unique anime aesthetic and narrative structure. The story begins with Dorothy Gale, a young girl from Kansas, who is swept away by a tornado to the magical land of Oz. Upon arrival, her house accidentally crushes the Wicked Witch of the East, freeing the Munchkins from her tyranny. Dorothy is hailed as a hero but seeks to return home. Guided by the Good Witch of the North, she embarks on a journey to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard of Oz, who is said to possess the power to grant her wish.

Along the way, Dorothy befriends three iconic characters: the Scarecrow, who desires a brain; the Tin Woodman, who longs for a heart; and the Cowardly Lion, who seeks courage. Each character joins Dorothy, believing the Wizard can fulfill their deepest desires. Their journey is fraught with challenges, including encounters with the Wicked Witch of the West, who seeks revenge for her sister's death and attempts to thwart their progress. The group faces trials such as navigating deadly poppy fields, confronting flying monkeys, and overcoming their own insecurities.

Upon reaching the Emerald City, the Wizard agrees to help them but only if they defeat the Wicked Witch of the West. The group reluctantly accepts the task, leading to a climactic confrontation. Dorothy ultimately triumphs, using water to melt the Witch, a weakness she discovers by accident. Returning to the Wizard, they learn he is not a true sorcerer but a ordinary man from Dorothy's world who uses illusions and tricks. Despite this revelation, he helps the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Lion by providing symbolic tokens representing their desired traits, affirming that they already possessed these qualities within themselves.

Dorothy's journey concludes with the discovery that the silver shoes she acquired from the Wicked Witch of the East can transport her home. She bids farewell to her friends and returns to Kansas, where she awakens to find her adventure may have been a dream—or perhaps a glimpse into a magical reality. The series retains the core themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the idea that what one seeks often lies within, while expanding on the original story with anime-inspired visuals and pacing.
Information
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
オズの魔法使い
Im Land des Zauberers von Oz
The Wizard of Oz
Type: TV-Series
Anime Episodes: 52
Movie/Episode length: 30 min.
Date: 09/08/1986 – 07/09/1987
Categories
Genre
Adventure
Settings
Fantasy
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Staff
  • Director · Hiroshi Saitō
  • Director · Masaru Tonogouchi
  • Script · Hiroshi Saitō
  • Script · Akira Miyazaki
  • Script · Takafumi Nagamine
  • Storyboard · Hiroshi Saitō
  • Storyboard · Fumio Ikeno
  • Storyboard · Yutaka Kagawa
  • Storyboard · Shinichi Tsuji
  • Storyboard · Tetsuo Yasumi
  • Storyboard · Minoru Kibata
  • Storyboard · Yukio Okazaki
  • Storyboard · Masaru Tonogouchi
  • Storyboard · Masaharu Endō
  • Music · Takao Naoi
  • Music · K.S. Yoshimura
  • Original story · L. Frank Baum
  • Character Design · Shūichi Seki
  • Art Director · Mariko Kadono
  • Animation Director · Shinya Takahashi
  • Animation Director · Akio Sakai
  • Animation Director · Norio Kaneko
  • Animation Director · Yoshishige Kosako
  • Animation Director · Minoru Kibata
  • Animation Director · Jouji Yanase
  • Animation Director · Hisatoshi Motoki
  • Animation Director · Masaru Tonogouchi
  • Director of Photography · Kazuhiro Furubayashi
  • Executive producer · Yoshihiro Ōba
  • Producer · Tetsuro Kumase
Production
  • Production · Panmedia
  • Production · Itoman
Relations
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Music
Opening
  • ?
    “"Searching for a Dream"” - the Parachute Club
  • ?
    “"Fancy Girl (Fanshii Gaaru ファンシーガール)"” - Satoko Yamano
  • ?
    “"Listen to Your Heart"” - the Parachute Club
  • ?
    “"Fancy Girl (New Instrumental Theme)"” - K.S. Yoshimura and Takao Naoi
  • ?
    “"Taste the Rain"” - the Parachute Club
  • ?
    “"Close Your Eyes"” - the Parachute Club