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Years ago, back in the days before things like remote controls and DVD players and cable TV, everyone gathered around the TV to watch special holiday broadcasts of family-friendly movies like The Sound of Music and The Wizard of Oz. As a kid, I always looked forward to those special holiday events. I loved the movies, and I memorized every song. But now, thanks to cable movie channels and movies on-demand and all kinds of other movie-watching technology, watching a movie at home isn’t really a special event anymore—and, if you’re like me, it’s been years since you’ve seen classics like The Wizard of Oz. But now, with the release of the newly-remastered 70th anniversary edition, it’s the perfect time to revisit an old favorite.
In case it’s been a while—and you’ve gotten a bit fuzzy on the plot—The Wizard of Oz tells the story of Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland), a headstrong young girl who lives on a farm in Kansas. Caught up in some drama involving her beloved dog, Toto, and their mean old neighbor, Miss Gulch (Margaret Hamilton), Dorothy is alone in the house (with Toto, of course) when a twister picks it up and carries it away.
Before long, the house touches down in the beautiful land of Oz. Here, Dorothy’s a hero—because her house killed the Wicked Witch of the East, freeing the Munchkins, who’d been under the witch’s control. But Dorothy just wants to go home.
Dorothy’s only hope is to follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City to ask the great Wizard of Oz for help. Along the way, she meets a few others who could use some of the Wizard’s magic. But, first, they’ll have to avoid the traps set by the Wicked Witch of the West (Hamilton again), who’s out to avenge her sister’s death.
Victor Fleming’s The Wizard of Oz is a magical musical adventure—a courageous classic that’s brimming with both brains and heart. The whimsical story—and those lovable old characters—will bring back fond memories. Watching it again, you’re sure to find that you can still remember the words to all of the songs (and, if you’ve forgotten some of the words, you can always select the sing-along feature on the DVD). You’ll remember your favorite lines and your favorite characters—and how those creepy flying monkeys never failed to give you nightmares (though you’d never admit it to your friends).
Of course, in today’s age of computerized graphics and life-like effects, this beloved septuagenarian is, admittedly, showing its age. By today’s standards (especially in this remastered edition), the costumes do look a bit homemade—and it’s hard not to notice where the stage ends and the painted backdrop begins. But, like a favorite old teddy bear, slightly ragged from years of hugs, Oz has every right to look a bit old-fashioned. In fact, that only makes it even more endearing. Thanks to its careful restoration and remastering, though, The Wizard of Oz still looks (and sounds) pretty good for a 70-year-old movie. The colors are bright and beautiful (more so, in fact, than they ever were on your family’s old TV)—and there’s even some subtle surround-sound.
What really matters, though, is that, all these years later, The Wizard of Oz is still a delight to watch. And it’s worth picking up a copy on DVD (or Blu-ray)—so you can gather the whole family around the TV, to enjoy the music and the magic of this beloved classic together.
DVD Review:
After watching The Wizard of Oz, you’ll find that there’s still plenty more to explore on the new two-disc 70th Anniversary Edition DVD release. There are hours and hours of extras: galleries, promos, commentaries, cast biography features, sing-alongs, and a whole lot more. You can view an illustrated video version of L. Frank Baum’s original story, and you can learn all about the intense restoration project. You can also flip through stills and listen to old recordings. It’s a fascinating treat for history buffs and movies buffs alike.
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