This week’s retro trailer is for the classic 1977 animated fantasy film Wizards. This movie was one of those films that blew my mind when I first saw it as a kid, and it’s a movie that I haven’t revisited in a long time.
Wizards was directed by Ralph Bakshi, and the film stands out for its unique blend of fantasy and science fiction elements, set in a post-apocalyptic future.
The story unfolds in a world that has been ravaged by nuclear war, leading to the emergence of two distinct societies. On one side is the realm of Montagar, inhabited by elves, fairies, and dwarves who harness the power of magic for peace and prosperity. On the other side lies Scortch, a desolate wasteland where mutants and other malevolent beings dwell, relying on technology and industrial might.
The movie follows two brothers, Avatar and Blackwolf, who represent the opposing forces of magic and technology. Avatar, a kind-hearted wizard, seeks to maintain the balance and harmony of the world, while Blackwolf, embittered and evil, discovers ancient military technologies and aspires to conquer the entire planet.
The film is renowned for its innovative use of mixed media, combining traditional cell animation with rotoscoping (a technique where animators trace over live-action footage), and archival footage, to create its distinct visual style.
The story plays with themes of environmentalism, the dangers of unchecked technological advancement, and the timeless battle between good and evil. It also offers commentary on the potential consequences of our choices.
The film’s legacy is admired by fans for its bold storytelling, and its imaginative world-building.
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