A Remarkable Pin #2: Wizard of Oz
Released in 2013, The Wizard of Oz pinball machine was a groundbreaking event, mirroring the vibrant, colorful experience of its film counterpart. This machine marked the first pinball made by an American company other than Stern in more than ten years. Jersey Jack’s debut featured several firsts: an LCD screen on the backbox, a modern color monitor, and the use of full-color movie clips, setting a standard for all future movie-themed pinball games. The game’s playfield dazzled with colors, which, in a clever twist echoing the film’s Kansas scenes, would drain to black and white as the player lost a ball, only to revive in color if they managed a successful shot in time. The Wizard of Oz is undeniably one of the most visually stunning pinball machines ever, perfectly integrating its design with its cinematic theme.
The early 2000s were a stagnant era for pinball. By the late ’90s, the major manufacturers had either collapsed or exited the market, leaving Stern—formerly part of the ’90s video game companies Data East and Sega—as the sole survivor. Although Stern produced several decent pinball machines in the 2000s, their offerings often recycled similar layouts, shots, and technology from earlier models. The industry lacked the competitive drive of the 20th century, which saw manufacturers constantly innovating to outdo each other. Without competitors, Stern’s products inevitably felt somewhat lackluster, despite a few standout machines.
The pinball landscape began to shift in 2011, the same year Jack Guarnieri founded Jersey Jack, heralding a new era for the industry. Around this time, Stern released Tron: Legacy, arguably its best machine of the early 2000s, followed by the highly praised AC/DC in 2012, which revolutionized music-themed pinball. These machines predated Jersey Jack’s first release, suggesting that Stern might have been rediscovering its creative spark even without new competition.
Nevertheless, the introduction of Wizard of Oz by Jersey Jack had a profound influence on Stern’s subsequent designs and the pinball industry as a whole. Despite being based on a decades-old film and book series from the early 1900s, Wizard of Oz featured cutting-edge design elements that set new standards in the industry.
Owning such advanced technology came at a cost. At its 2013 launch, Oz was priced at $9,000—significantly more than Stern’s Metallica models released the same month and nearly double the price of the least expensive option. At that time, the pinball hobby was experiencing a lull, with few arcades and lower prices for older machines. The high cost of Wizard of Oz not only reflected its technological advancements but also demonstrated that the market could bear higher prices, influencing pricing strategies across the industry for the next decade.
Fans of the Wizard of Oz pinball machine are incredibly passionate, often listing it as a top wish-list item for home collections. However, not everyone is enamored with its design, which diverges from some conventional pinball trends. It is known for its low scoring, smaller-than-usual flippers, and a high level of difficulty, which isn’t universally appreciated. Additionally, although the film is a beloved classic, it doesn’t necessarily resonate with the demographic that most pinball manufacturers target.
Jersey Jack has faced both criticism and praise since the release of Wizard of Oz. They have continued to produce complex machines often based on family-friendly properties, like Willy Wonka and Toy Story 4. The debates among enthusiasts sometimes resemble the fervor of video game console wars, with die-hard fans of both Jersey Jack and Stern rarely conceding ground to the other.
Despite several successful releases since Wizard of Oz, Jersey Jack has struggled to surpass the beauty and acclaim of their initial offering. Their original concept game, Dialed In, and a recent Elton John themed machine have come close, but the brand-new Harry Potter game, while receiving high praise, has its own set of controversies due to the mixed feelings surrounding the franchise. Meanwhile, Stern and other new manufacturers like Spooky Pinball have produced machines that compete strongly with Jersey Jack’s offerings.
While I have enjoyed many new pinball games since 2013, none have matched the beauty or, dare I say, the magic of Jersey Jack’s debut. It not only captures the iconic aesthetics and emotions of The Wizard of Oz film but also profoundly impacts how we experience and remember this timeless story. If I ever have the means, a Wizard of Oz machine will be a must-have, not just for its beauty but for its significant role in shaping modern pinball.
Editor-in-chief Garrett Martin writes about video games, theme parks, pinball, travel, and more. You can also find him on Blue Sky.
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