The Retroist
The Retroist Podcast
Retroist The Wizard (1989) Podcast
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Retroist The Wizard (1989) Podcast

Welcome to Episode 13 of the 14th season of the Retroist Podcast. In this episode, I discuss the 1989 cult film classic and feature-length Nintendo commercial, The Wizard.

This is not the first time I recorded a The Wizard podcast. In my first few episodes, I did a show called Famous Nintendo Missteps that started as a The Wizard podcast. Happy to finally record this and release it, especially in conjunction with The Wizard TV Show Podcast.

I begin the show talking about going away to college. It was a fascinating time for me and when I look back I am surprised at the differences between now and then. So I discuss one of those differences, the casualness of retro gaming.

Then I move onto the film itself. I discuss the people in front of and behind the camera, the film’s reception, its cast, the video games, and much more.

I think most people who listen to the Retroist have already heard of this film and have probably seen it. If you have not or if it’s been a while, I hope this can nudge you to check it out.

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Production Notes

  • This is episode 267 of the Retroist Podcast.

  • Music on the show is, as always, by Peachy.

  • This is the 13th episode of the 14th season of the podcast. It was the sixteenth episode I recorded this season. I had tried to record it during my very first month of podcasting. The results were mediocre, now over a decade later, I finally get back to it.

  • I am obsessed with the more weird choices in the film. I am not sure how else to describe them. But I see them as very menacing, moments where the adults intrude on this kid’s film and I am not sure what their intentions are. In the end, it’s pretty wholesome, but it doesn’t always feel that way to me.

  • If you still buy physical media, you should check out the Shout! Factory Blu-Ray edition. It’s really well done.

  • I got distracted reading old Roger Ebert reviews. Always amuses me. His take on the film based on video game criticism is magical.

  • I had a lot more about the cast, but it was way too long. So I cut that down about 3 minutes.

  • I originally had a lot more commercials for Nintendo products. I thought it amusing to put them in for a movie that is a big commercial for Nintendo. That wasn’t enough of a reason and the show was getting long. So I cut it out.

  • I love Video Armageddon. The flash, the odd style and energy, everything. I wish they spent more time wandering around Universal Studios.

  • I cut down some video game talk. Maybe 2 minutes after editing?

  • Removed soundtrack samples. About 40 seconds worth and some background?

  • I had an abbreviated trailer that I removed. That cut out 90 seconds.

  • Here is the original art provided by Christopher Tupa that I used for social media promotion. It’s a mashup of The Wizard and Thing from, The Addams Family. I really need to do an Addams Family podcast of some sort.

Artwork by Christopher Tupa

Thanks for listening to the show and I hope you have a great weekend.

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