“Travel along the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy & all her friends!”
Released by Mattel in 2001, the Polly Pocket Wizard of Oz playset reimagined the fantastical story in miniature Polly Pocket form. Constructed atop a plastic base, it guided children through many of the memorable locations from L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and the classic 1939 film adaptation.
A textured Yellow Brick Road led through a series of environments with detailed features that recalled the story.
The adventure began with Dorothy’s farmhouse, where the Wicked Witch of the East can be found beneath the house with her ruby slippers still visible. Nearby, a cornfield held the Scarecrow, while farther along the path were the Tin Man with his axe and oil can, and the Cowardly Lion waiting to join the journey.
Beside Kansas sat Munchkinland, represented by colourful pastel cottages. Opening the hinged section of the base expanded the village to reveal a fountain, an oversized flower, and illustrations of the Mayor and other Munchkin residents. A mechanism at the back of the largest cottage activated Glinda’s bubble by opening and closing the orb.
The Wicked Witch of the West’s castle loomed on the right side of the playset. The purple-and-blue fortress opened to reveal a crystal ball, books, an hourglass, and imagery of the Witch’s flying monkeys. A lever built into the fortress revealed a melted version of the witch represented by a pile of empty clothes.
At the centre of the playset stood the Emerald City, its towering green structure serving as the adventure’s focal point. Hinged walls opened to reveal the Wizard’s throne, complete with a lenticular image of the giant green head that represented the Wizard. Behind the curtain, Oscar Zoroaster Phadrig Isaac Norman Henkle Emmannuel Ambroise Diggs, the ordinary man operating the illusion, stood alongside the controls for his elaborate façade. The room also included the gifts presented to Dorothy’s companions: the Lion’s medal, the Tin Man’s heart, and the Scarecrow’s diploma.
A detachable hot air balloon illustrated with “State Fair Omaha” concluded the tale as Dorothy and Toto returned home to Kansas.
IN THE BOX
A complete playset includes the base and structure of the toy and 10 character figures: Dorothy (with Toto in a picnic basket), Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Glinda, Wicked Witch of the West, Oscar Diggs, and three Lollipop Guild munchkins. Two AA batteries required to power the lighting features were not included.
COLLECTOR CONSIDERATIONS
The Polly Pocket Wizard of Oz playset is packed with interactive features and accessories, making it difficult to find a complete set in mint condition. Price is also a consideration as entertainment media escalates the asking price of Wizard of Oz collectibles. Collectors should verify that the hinges, levers, lighting effects, and lenticular Wizard are all in working order, and that the set of ten character figures and accessories accompanies the playset. It’s also worth inspecting the battery compartment to ensure there’s no corrosion or other damage.
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