Thursday, September 24, 2009

Celebrating The Wizard of OZ


Last night was the 70th anniversary Hi-Def showing of "The Wizard of Oz". I took my three year old (who is an Oz addict) with me to see this wonderful film. I was very pleased with this event!

First of all, there was an introduction by the wonderful Robert Osborne. I shouldn't have been too surprised at this, what could be better than Mr. Osborne making an entrance before the film? Following his introduction, they showed "To Oz: The Making of The Wizard of Oz". This documentary is not a new one. It actually is already in the previous DVD's, but it was still fun to see the history before we watched the movie.

Second, I could not believe the clarity and brightness of the color! The picture was so vivid. I noticed colors in this showing that I have not seen the millions of times I have watched it before. It really was like I was watching "The Wizard of Oz" for the first time again.

The only thing that I would say negative about this event, is that there was only one showing. I understand theaters have one time showings of events, but I think that "The Wizard of Oz" should have gotten another night at least.

I am so extremely happy that I was able to attend this amazing event. I hope that there will be more nights like this for other classic films. "Gone with the Wind" would be a good one too. This year is its 70th anniversary, so why not?

The Wizard of Oz (70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition) will be available to purchase on DVD and Blu-ray on September 29. There are many extras in this set, more so than any previous set. The enhanced color in this version is worth the purchase!


To pre-order, click here.

3 comments:

  1. I would have love to have seen this event. We had it here in several theatres, but Wednesday is not a night when I am free. Seeing a movie on the big screen really does open your eyes to features that you've never noticed before.

    I'm so glad you got to go and take your 3 year old. I'm sure it was very exciting. I want to get the new DVD, but I think I might wait until I have a blu-ray player to use with it. Sounds really cool.

    Since reading your postings I have watched a lot more old movies. It had been a while and my daughter hadn't really seen that many besides the classics like Wizard or Sound of Music.

    She is enjoying them pretty well. You know how kids are addicted to animation. We've seen The Thin Man, Follow the Fleet, Ziegfield Follies, 'Til the Clouds Roll By, Roman Holiday, The Easter Parade, and Hans Christian Anderson (which I think my daughter liked the best).

    It's good to remember how great those old movies were compared to most newer ones. Yes, the scenery, sound, and special effects are cool in the newer stuff, but they can't compare to the writing and acting of the classics.

    Thanks for getting me more interested again in the "older is better" movies.

    Leslie from the Great Southwest

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  2. I can't wait until this edition is released in blu-ray! Wizard of Oz will always be one of my favorite films - I totally grew up on Dorothy and her ruby slippers. Not to mention, I grew up in Kansas, and so I always had an affection for this film.

    I'm really excited to see this again, now that you've mentioned the clarity of the picture!

    -Hannah
    whiternoise.com

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  3. Thanks for sharing your experience. I was so sad I couldn't attend this event!

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