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Wizard of Oz (Rescue Edition)

Manufacturer: Jersey Jack Pinball, Inc., of Lakewood, New Jersey (2013-2019)
Type: Solid State Electronic (SS)
Players: 4
Production: 20 units (confirmed)

About This Machine

The Wizard of Oz (Rescue Edition) is a rare variant in Jersey Jack Pinball's lineup, produced by the company during its 2013-2019 run. This solid state widebody machine was designed by Joe Balcer and is based on the classic Wizard of Oz theme, with a fantastical playfield packed with mechanical features. Only a very small quantity of this Limited Edition variant -- 20 games, according to Jersey Jack co-founder Jack Guarnieri -- were built as the "Rescue Edition" and shipped to Australia to help fund refunds for buyers affected by a defunct Australian distributor.

Gameplay is characterized by the unique movement of the Winged Monkey, which traverses a diagonal track on the back wall of the playfield, delivering the ball to the upper left mini-playfield. The machine also boasts five flippers, four pop bumpers, three slingshots, five magnets, two vertical up-kickers (VUKs), and a spinning target, along with two ball locks, ensuring players are always engaged with the game. The backbox features a 26-inch high-definition LCD display, alongside an OLED crystal ball that showcases one of thirty or more unique "videos."

The Wizard of Oz's design is both visually striking and playfully detailed. The machine's green-toned legs, lockdown bar, and side rails create a cohesive aesthetic, while the non-reflective playfield glass and wooden overlay on the bottom arch add to its distinct look. The Witch's Castle mini-playfield features three motorized doors -- one holding the Winged Monkey ball lock, and two castle gates that open after repeated hits to reveal a scoop -- creating an interactive, mechanically rich centerpiece for the game.

Technical Details

Theme:
Fantasy - Licensed Theme - Wizard/Magic
MPU:
Intel Celeron
Toys:
Melting wicked witch in plastic tube moves up and down. Dorothy's house spins.
Notable Features:
Flippers (5), Pop bumpers (4), Slingshots (3), Magnets (5), VUKs (2), Drop target (1), Scoops (2), Ball locks (2), Spinning target (1), Rollovers (7), Shaker motor, Multiball. Winged Monkey moves along diagonal track on playfield back wall to deliver the ball to upper left mini-playfield. OLED crystal ball displays any of thirty or more "videos" not necessarily in concert with game play. Backbox has a 26-inch High Definition LCD display. The playfield and topper illumination is provided by LEDs. Legs, lockdown bar, and side rails are green in color. Non-reflective playfield glass. The bottom arch (the lower apron front side) has a wooden overlay. The Witch's Castle (upper left mini-playfield) has three motorized doors. The first is the Winged Monkey ball lock which holds a ball until the game wants to release it. The other two are the "castle gates " which open inward to reveal a scoop after repeated bashings from the ball in play.

Credits

Designer:
Joe Balcer
Artist:
Jerry Vanderstelt, Greg Freres, Matt Riesterer
Software:
Keith P. Johnson, Ted Estes, Alex Levy, Joe Katz, JT Harkey
Music:
Chris Granner, Rob Berry
Sound:
Chris Granner, Rob Berry
Mechanics:
Bryan Hansen
Dots/Animation:
Jean-Paul de Win