during the previous year, with U.S. magazines such as Electronic Gaming Monthly and GamePro having already covered the Japanese version. Filming took place between June 5 and July 25, 1989. In a 2008 reunion, as well in an interview in 2014, Todd Holland revealed that the original cut of the film was 2.5 hours long and included an extended backstory for Jimmy and Corey. In an interview with Retro Gamer, director Holland admitted that he had some issues with the final script: "I argued with the studio that we were shooting way too much footage – more than we could ever possibly use [...] I lost the argument and was told flat out by Universal to shoot the entire script". According to Holland, the original cut of the film was over 2.5 hours long and that nearly an hour of footage needed to be deleted in order to make the film a suitable length for family viewing. The deleted material was finally released in 2020 on the collector's edition Blu-ray of the film. Most of the deleted footage comes from the original cut of the opening act which explores Corey's home life in more detail, including deliberately antagonizing his older brother, his mother's emotional issues surrounding Jimmy and her divide from her former family. Nick's alcoholism is also explored in more detail as well as additional clips from the road trip scenes. Trucker Spanky gets more screen time in the deleted scenes also, explaining his role in more detail, and there are more clips from the final Video Game Armageddon contest. Music BoDeans – "You Don't Get Much" Patsy Cline – "Leavin' on Your Mind" BoDeans – "Red River" New Kids on the Block – "You Got It (The Right Stuff)" Real Life – "Send Me an Angel '89" New Kids on the Block – "Hangin' Tough" Martha & The Vandellas – "Nowhere to Run" Paul Carrack – "I Live by the Groove" Bobby Brown – "Don't Be Cruel" Paul Anka – "My Way" Sally Dworsky – "I Found My Way" Release Box office The Wizard debuted at No. 5, earning $2,142,525 in the domestic box office. At the end of its run, the film had grossed $14,278,900. Based on an estimated $6 million budget, the film was a moderate box office success, after which it became a cult film. Critical reception The film received negative reviews from critics. Multiple