 The film was released on VHS home video in 1989 by MCA / Universal Home Video ( with a reissue in 1992 ) and was first broadcast on television on CBS on May 5 , 1984 ( edited to 100 minutes ) , to capitalize on Michael Jackson 's massive popularity at the time . It continues to be broadcast periodically on networks such as BET , <unk> , VH1 Soul , and was the inaugural broadcast on the Bounce TV digital broadcast network . The Wiz is often broadcast on Thanksgiving Day ( attributed to the opening scene of Dorothy 's family gathered for a Thanksgiving dinner ) . 
