The Wizard [Blu-ray]

A cool movie for all ages and fun 2 watch

Man they don't make movies like they used to! A great movie that is kid appropriate about a child genius and his way to winning money on video gaming.

Purchased and watched with kids ages 13 & 15 both said they loved the film.Anyone who lived through the first release of Mario 3 will enjoy the nostalgia.

My granddaughter and I enjoyed this movie ( she's 15). It allowed discussions about how behaviors and situations don't always reflect the cause behind them and that some problems can't be fixed except by the person with the problem

Now a days you can't go anywhere without hearing of some new video game system coming out. Long lines out the door in the hopes to get one of the latest generation video game systems or the various games that are available on said system.Back in 1989, things weren't too differnet. The graphics may not have been up to today's standards but there was one king on the block that everyone had to know. That was Nintendo. The 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System was a must have for kids young and old alike. With games varying from sports, action and adventure this was the must have system of the late 1980's and early 1990's.This movie, pretty much takes a look at life when focused on a young boy, Jimmy and his natural talent dealing with the Nintendo Entertainment System. He is a natural wiz at any and all games, yet doesn't speak much except for exclaiming his desire to go to "California". Fred Savage as Corey, sets out on an adventure with his half brother Jimmy in what seems like a quest to California to compete in the Video Game Championships at Universal Studios.Along the way they meet up with Haley, played by Jenny Lewis, who becomes their female compainon in their quest to reach California and get out of trouble that they happen to get into as they avoid the parents and the bounty hunter who are all after the boys who left without permission on this quest to reach the video game tournement.The movie has a very 1980's feel to it. It comes off as an advertisement of sorts for all things Nintendo. You have the use of the ill fated "Power Glove" that one of the kids rivals who will be at said tournement uses while they challenge him in his home town on the way to California. There is even a point where Haley is on the phone with the "Nintendo Game Councelors" getting much needed help on every and any game for the NES. Of course not telling us watchers of this movie how much that really would have costs as most people knew it was not a free service as they were showing in the movie. Also while on the phone the names of various popular games are being mentioned left and right, a lot of the games not possibly ever going to be used in the tournament as they are RPG in nature. There was even one point where Corey's father and brother (played by Beau Bridges and Christian Slater) have to get their car fixed and pop out a NES to play on a small TV in the repair garage. It was moments like this that dumbed down the movie a bit. What could have been great, really comes off as a dated commercial for how wonderful the NES is and how even adults use it and get a kick out of it.The biggest and probably main draw of the movie, was the fact that it proudly displayed a long awaited game at this time "Super Mario Bros 3" which was not even out in game stores at the time this movie was in theaters. I won't give away the details surrounding the use of this game, but it was a real reason that people ran out to see this movie. As the Super Mario craze was alive and well at this time and just for the sight of the next edition of the long running Mario saga, was a reason that most Nintendo fans had to see this film. Yours truly included. That thrill of seeing the game used in this movie is probably not as big a deal now with the game already out for so many years and in differnet editions but if you can take yourself back to this time period and put the advertisement factors aside, you will see why this is a cool moment in the film.Advertisements aside, the movie is a blast to watch again. It comes off as a great piece of pure nostalgia. Remembering a time when things were easy and simplistic yet still fun. A lot of people who were in their teen's when this movie came out all probably wished that they were stars in such things as a video game competition. This movie really plays up on the idea of going cross country just to prove one's worth in said tourny, but also shows that the kids who were the focus, were more then just video game crazed kids wanting to show off their skills. We learn towards the end that there really was other goals then just video games behind the whole film. So what turns out to be a kid just wanting to win a video game championship turns out to be about much more. Again not the deepest of moments but at least they did try to make the story more then just being to play video games and nothing else.Over all, this film comes off as a weird mixture of "Over the Top", "The Fugitive" and "The Goonies" sponsored by Nintendo. It should also be noted that Universal who made this film, decides to get in on the advertising in the movie as well of their own brand, proudly showing various characters and locations in Universal Studios, California where the tournament takes place. Once you get past all the ads within, you will find a fun and enjoyable film that I think all in the family should enjoy. It's not the most creative or deepest of stories ever seen in a movie, but it is fun and you start to root for the kids and get involved in the situation you find yourself in as if you too were on a similar quest to just accomplish something and to have your parents understand what you are going through.It's a fun watch and a great trip down memory lane. The NES may be a memory now, but this is one trip down memory lane you won't be sorry getting. And of course like most 1980's movies, everything works out happily ever after in this story, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Check it out. If you haven't seen it, it will be a new and great experience, especially if you were a kid growing up in the 1980's and if you did see it, see it again as this is one of those hidden treasures that you will be glad to see after not having seen it in so long.

This movie will always hold a special place in my heart. I remember seeing it in the theater during its original run and loving it ever since. It's cheesy 80's goodness at its very best! This version expands upon the original cut by offering a lot of outtakes and alternative scenes previously unseen. For collectors, this version is a must-own. Zero complains here!

One of my favorite movies growing up in the 80s. This was made in 1989, last year of the 80s, which is the year everyone was trying to transition to the 90s. Todd Holland - From all of us 80s/90s kids thank you for directing this movie. Also big thank you to the Shout Factory for the collectors edition.This movie deserves its proper place in history. Everyone that has reviewed this movie, has their own reason why they enjoy it. Whether it brings them back to the 80s, or you wanted to go to Califorinaaa and head to the video game championships, this movie is awesome. As you can see by the Amazon reviews, these are the proper reviews that the movie deserves, not the Bs that rotten tomatoes or bloggers give that don’t understand the premise of the movie. If you enjoy family, video games, being a kid and want a little 80s/90s nostalgia, check it out.Screenplay 5/5Music 5/5Acting 5/5Shooting Locations 5/5

Like title says. If you grew up during the Nintendo days then you likely know this movie and consider it a classic.It hold a special place in my heart, no matter if critics say it's one long Nintendo commercial lol!It's by no means a great film, it's a bad movie but somehow is still good and full of nostalgia and you can't help but love it. If you have never seen it and are into gaming or have kids that are into gaming its worth adding this to your Blu-ray collection, especially for the price. Now if you grew up at the time this came out then you already know it's a must buy!

Love the cover art for a great movie

Que bom que a Amazon disponibilizou o O Gênio do Videogame (The Wizard) no Brasil.Assim facilita muito à nós fans. Já que provavelmente. Não será lançado oficialmente por aqui no Brasil assim como foi com o DVD.O filme é claro, é clássico da geração Nintendo 8 Bits lá do final dos anos 80!Destaque para o disco de extras!

Una película que ya casi ni se ve en ningún lado, contento de encontrarla. Para los fanáticos de las consolas y especialmente de la Nintendo, imperdible.

Ottimo video e ottimo audio ( DTS) purtroppo solo in inglese. Funziona perfettamente sui lettori italiani, nessun problema anzi! Bellissimo film non solo per nostalgici ma anche per bambini! 10 e lode 🙂

No había tenido oportunidad de verla anteriormente y me generaba curiosidad.Es una película entretenida en la cual se hacen referencias a videojuegos todo el tiempo (como si fuera un comercial gigante)No tiene subtítulos, audio en español.