Blu-ray News and Reviews | High Def Digest
Film & TV All News Blu-Ray Reviews Release Dates News Pre-orders 4K Ultra HD Reviews Release Dates News Pre-orders Gear Reviews News Home Theater 101 Best Gear Film & TV
Blu-Ray : Must Own
Ranking:
Sale Price: $49.98 Last Price: $ Buy now! 3rd Party 49.98 In Stock
Release Date: September 29th, 2009 Movie Release Year: 1939

The Wizard of Oz: 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition

Overview -

Adapted from L. Frank Baum’s timeless children’s tale about a Kansas girl’s journey over the rainbow, The Wizard of Oz opened at Grauman’s Chinese Theater on August 15, 1939. The film was directed by Victor Fleming (who that same year directed Gone With the Wind), produced by Mervyn LeRoy, and scored by Herbert Stothart, with music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg. Ray Bolger appeared as the Scarecrow; Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion, Jack Haley as the Tin Woodman. Frank Morgan was seen in six different roles, including that of the "wonderful Wizard" himself. Dorothy was portrayed by a 4'11" sixteen year old girl who quickly earned her reputation as “the world’s greatest entertainer”-- the incomparable Judy Garland.

The Wizard of Oz received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and captured two Oscars® -- Best Song (“Over the Rainbow”) and Best Original Score -- plus a special award for Outstanding Juvenile Performance by Judy Garland. The film was an overwhelmingly popular and critical success upon its initial release and repeated its ability to captivate audiences when M-G-M reissued the film in 1949 and 1955. The film made a new kind of history with its network television premiere in 1956 on CBS. Nearly 45 million people tuned in for this initial telecast, marking the beginning of an annual tradition. Ever since, The Wizard of Oz has been shown virtually annually on network (and then cable) television; its magical story and heartfelt performances have enabled it to grow from a perennial classic to its current status as a treasured icon of popular culture.

OVERALL:
Must Own
Rating Breakdown
STORY
VIDEO
AUDIO
SPECIAL FEATURES
Tech Specs & Release Details
Technical Specs:
Four-Disc Set
Video Resolution/Codec:
1080p/VC-1
Length:
102
Aspect Ratio(s):
1.33:1
Audio Formats:
Portuguese Mono
Subtitles/Captions:
Norwegian Subtitles
Special Features:
Original Movie Budget Replica
Release Date:
September 29th, 2009

Storyline: Our Reviewer's Take

Ranking:

When I was a kid back in the late '60s and early '70s, I looked forward to four banner days every year: Christmas, my birthday, the first day of summer vacation, and the annual network airing of 'The Wizard of Oz.' The latter was appointment TV before there ever was such a term. With no DVRs or VCRs to capture Dorothy's magical journey down the Yellow Brick Road, I had to view the film in real time, or else wait an interminable 365 days until NBC or CBS showed it again. Though I don't recall much about watching 'Oz' (except sitting agape in front of the television and ducking out during the cyclone sequence – witches didn't scare me, but tornados sure did!), I do vividly remember the breathless anticipation that preceded the broadcast, and how it quickened my pulse and heightened the aura of this iconic adaptation of L. Frank Baum's enduring fantasy. No doubt about it, 'The Wizard of Oz' was a bona fide event, and while I couldn't always count on Santa Claus to leave what I wanted under the tree, I knew Dorothy and her trio of devoted pals would never let me down. Year after year, they delivered the goods, and with wide-eyed wonder I gratefully accepted the many gifts this special motion picture showered upon me.

Now Warner Home Video has given me – and the millions who share my enthusiasm for this timeless classic – another gift. 'The Wizard of Oz' on Blu-ray is the same film we've always cherished, but the impeccable remastering lofts it over the rainbow. Those of us of a certain age can at last recapture the exhilaration and revel in the awe we felt so strongly so many years ago, and those who grew up with 'Oz' more recently on video now have a pristine edition of this 70-year-old masterpiece that meets the new millennium's high technical standards. Like the pungent scent of poppies in the field that borders the Emerald City, this spectacular version of 'Oz' intoxicates the senses and revitalizes both the film and its loyal audience.

With its thrilling plot, lush Technicolor palette, unforgettable score by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, excellent performances, and impressive spectacle, 'The Wizard of Oz' is a heady enough mix on its own. Add high-def picture and sound, and it's a genuine trip. Yet despite all the external stimuli, the basic themes of Baum's tale – home, family, facing fears, empowering friends, unity against adversity – still resonate as heartily as they ever did, and the image's immediacy only increases their emotional power. Though on the surface, this well-known story of a young girl who runs away from her Kansas farm to protect her pooch, gets caught in a violent storm, and travels via tornado to a breathtaking land of Munchkins, wizards, and witches may seem like a typical children's adventure, director Victor Fleming and writers Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson, and Edgar Allan Woolf infuse it with such warmth, humor, suspense, and wisdom, it transcends the mold to become a far more substantive piece than songs like 'Ding! Dong! The Witch Is Dead' and 'We're Off to See the Wizard' would lead one to believe. Wisely, 'Oz' doesn't browbeat messages into us (until the final scene); they hide in plain sight and can be easily harvested or ignored. Some are a bit dated – Dorothy's vow at the end of the film to never go looking for her heart's desire outside the boundaries of her own backyard seems more than a little short-sighted in this feminist era – but most defy age and gender. As long as we're "young at heart," 'The Wizard of Oz' will continue to touch us.

As will the work of the incomparable Judy Garland. Though so many elements contribute to the success of a film, it's impossible to imagine any one piece of the 'Oz' puzzle having a greater impact on the film's viability and durability than Garland's performance. Sure, her simple yet stirring rendition of 'Over the Rainbow' ranks high on the list of milestone movie moments, yet this gifted 16-year-old actress brings so much more to the table than her mellifluous voice. Honesty and sincerity ooze from her pores; every word she utters is totally believable, and her pluck, vulnerability, innocence, and empathy instantly seduce the audience. From the opening frames to the "no place like home" coda, Garland keeps us transfixed, maintaining an intimacy that's rare in such an extravagant production. Her performance, more than any other, keeps 'The Wizard of Oz' contemporary, and allows the picture to connect with past, present, and future generations.

Garland's brilliance may dominate the film, but the performances of her co-stars certainly aren't chopped liver. On the contrary, Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow, Jack Haley as the Tin Man, and Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion all rise above their cumbersome costumes and heavy makeup to file energetic, endearing portrayals. The rapport they create with Garland is nothing short of extraordinary, and the way the motley quartet bands together to assault the Wicked Witch of the West (still one of cinema's most frightening villains, thanks to Margaret Hamilton's inspired portrayal) almost puts Dumas' musketeers to shame. Billie Burke as the delightfully ditzy Glinda provides a bit of Hollywood glamor, and the underrated Frank Morgan plays multiple roles (can you name them all?), but none better than the befuddled title character.

Technically, 'Oz' still impresses. Though its hand-crafted special effects can't compete with today's CGI capabilities, they rarely look cheesy, and the sumptuous sets, costumes, and production design always keep the eye engaged. The clever, hummable tunes add buoyancy and wistfulness to the story, and director Fleming, the unsung hero of this legendary production, corrals all the elements into a cohesive whole. Known for his coarse, macho veneer, Fleming masterfully infuses 'Oz' with a delicate sensitivity that's never cloying or hackneyed. And to think he went straight from this production to helming another little film you might have heard of – 'Gone With the Wind' – is nothing short of amazing. Though the one-two punch nearly killed him, the end result – two iconic blockbusters in the same year – remains an unparalleled (and herculean) achievement. Eat your heart out Spielberg and Scorsese.

"Beloved" describes 'The Wizard of Oz' to a T, but the film is also one of Hollywood's most influential and inspiring works. Books (the 'Harry Potter' series), music (Pink Floyd's 'The Dark Side of the Moon'), TV shows ('Lost'), and other films (the 'Star Wars' saga) have paid homage to, borrowed from, and blatantly ripped off countless aspects of this timeless tale. Yet somehow, the movie itself is never diminished, and the messages that moved audiences upon its initial release seven decades ago still provoke knowing nods, heartfelt tears, and soul-nourishing warmth today. Though it may not be as important or significant to the current crop of youngsters as it was to those in my generation, 'The Wizard of Oz' still wields tremendous impact, and possesses the power to engage, excite, and quietly educate viewers of all ages. And that's no small feat.

While I can't say 'The Wizard of Oz' has changed my life, I will state that Dorothy and her friends have enriched and shaped it in more ways than I probably realize. That's the magic of film, and this particular production – now presented in the splendor of high definition – arguably possesses more magic than any other in history.

Video Review

Ranking:

After viewing the 2005 Collector's Edition DVD, I never dreamed 'Oz' could look any better, but the wizards at Warner have fashioned an exceptional high-def rendering that significantly increases clarity while preserving the original look and feel of this national treasure. Of course, the studio easily could have used its 2005 remaster for this Blu-ray release and most viewers would still be impressed. But instead, at considerable expense, the powers-that-be decided to go back to the drawing board and completely remaster the film again, this time scanning the original Technicolor negatives using 8K resolution. From there, a 4K "capture" master was created for this Blu-ray, giving viewers twice the resolution of the 2005 DVD. (For a more detailed explanation of the technical processes involved in the creation of the 'Oz' Blu-ray, check out this HDD feature article.) Are the differences noticeable? Is the Pope Catholic?

Crisp and colorful, but with all its glorious grain and texture intact, this beautiful 1080p/VC-1 transfer shows how wonderfully film-like Hollywood classics can appear on Blu-ray. Wisely, Warner doesn't try to disguise the film's age or give it a "facelift" by smoothing out and doctoring up the image. The studio merely provides the sharpest, cleanest, most balanced, and best color-timed picture it can, given the elements it had to work with. And what we get is what I like to call the Sophia Loren of movie transfers – an impeccably preserved, gloriously vibrant, almost ageless 70-year-old specimen that defies logic.

Only a couple of stray marks dot the pristine print, and the grain, while noticeable, is so deftly woven into the film's fabric, it never calls attention to itself. Instead, it lends the picture a lovely weight and feel, and neutralizes the intense color and artificiality of some of the sets. The opening and closing sepia sequences are a revelation; never have they exuded such richness and depth. The brown tones hammer home the dusty dreariness of the Kansas plain (and Dorothy's life) so much better than black-and-white, and excellent contrast brings out striking details, such as the candles in Professor Marvel's tent and the hot dog Toto grabs off a skewer.

When the action shifts to the Technicolor wonderland of Oz, the transfer explodes with color, but Warner technicians perfectly modulate the temperature to keep levels in check. Superior saturation brings out all the lush hues in the Munchkinland sequence, but bleeding is never an issue. The Yellow Brick Road and ruby slippers are deliciously bold, the wicked witch's green face takes on a newfound fluorescent tinge, and the horse of a different color manages its changing shades with ease. Blacks are inky, fleshtones look stable and natural (or as natural as the garish makeup allows), and heightened clarity allows us to pick out the freckles on Garland's face, tiny scuffs on the Tin Man's body, and makeup anomalies on the Cowardly Lion and Wicked Witch of the West. The fur on the Lion and Toto is well defined, costumes exhibit noticeable texture, individual sequins on Dorothy's shoes sparkle, and the bricks on the Yellow Brick Road never blur together. Best of all, the heavy checkerboard pattern of Dorothy's dress remains rock solid and resists shimmering throughout the film.

Several of Garland's close-ups are truly breathtaking, exhibiting all the youthful verve, fresh-faced innocence, and subtle beauty of this uber-talented teenage star, while marvelous depth makes the massive sets feel even more expansive. Of course, the super-sharp image draws a bit more attention to the painted backdrops and primitive special effects, but let's face it, we noticed such things even when watching 'Oz' on a 20-inch TV with rabbit ears back in the '70s. Some scenes do look slightly softer than others or not quite as vibrant, but the gradations are so minor they barely merit mention.

Digital enhancements? I couldn't find any. Warner knows better than to monkey with a flick on the National Film Registry, and the studio has steered clear of any blasphemous noise reduction or edge enhancement. Other imperfections such as mosquito noise and banding are also absent, making this digital rendering almost indistinguishable from a filmic presentation. Without question, this is the ultimate 'Oz' transfer, a dream come true for both fans of this particular film and film in general. Whether you've seen it 100 times or are just now discovering the wonders of 'The Wizard of Oz' (lucky you!), this meticulously produced effort provides an immersive, exhilarating viewing experience you won't soon forget.

Audio Review

Ranking:

Warner offers multiple audio choices to please both purists and digital enthusiasts. The disc defaults to the lossless Dolby TrueHD 5.1 option, but the original mono and a music-and-effects track can be accessed via the Special Features menu. (A Dolby Digital 5.1 track is also listed on the packaging, but could not be found on the disc.) Of course, the TrueHD track offers the most sonic bang for one's buck, and adds welcome dimension to many aspects of the film. Though Warner technicians can't completely mask the antiquated nature of this track, they've done yeoman's work sprucing it up, and the end result is a robust, nicely nuanced effort that complements the glorious visuals well.

Most of the audio is front-based, but faint surround action occasionally kicks in, usually during extended scoring sequences. Details, such as the chirping baby chicks on Uncle Henry's farm and Dorothy's shrieks when she's carried away by the flying monkeys, are crisp and distinct, and some hefty low-end accents that I don't recall on the DVD's DD 5.1 track significantly punch up the action. When Dorothy's house crash-lands in Oz, a palpable rumble shot through my living room, and when the witch shuts the castle doors as Dorothy and her friends try to escape, another burst of bass emphasized the entrapment. The tornado sequence envelops well, and though it's loud and frenetic, there are enough distinct elements to keep it from becoming a cacophonous mess. In addition, the wizard's amplified bellowing possesses a wonderful hollow tone, as does the echoing empty chamber of the Tin Man's chest.

Dynamic range is wide enough, although the upper registers occasionally flirt with distortion when pushed. 'Over the Rainbow,' however, has never sounded more full-bodied and resonant, and the other songs benefit from excellent fidelity and pleasing tonal depth. Dialogue and lyrics are crystal clear, so even if you don't know the movie by heart like I do, you'll understand everything with ease. All crackles have been carefully scrubbed away, though I did notice a bit of hiss (yet only during the quietest moments) and a few isolated (and jarring) pops, but such imperfections are understandable given the film's advanced age, and are merely brief lapses in an otherwise high-quality track.

Special Features

Ranking:

There's been a flurry of online chatter about Warner's decision to market its classic releases in super-deluxe, pricey, space-hogging special editions filled with collectible inserts. Some love them, some hate them, but thankfully the studio finally seems to realize consumers will be more supportive of a particular release if they're given an immediate choice regarding contents and packaging. In addition to this widely available Ultimate Collector's Edition (MSRP, $84.99), Wal-Mart offers an exclusive single-disc set packaged in a standard Blu-ray case for the bargain price of $19.96, while Target carries a three-disc set that includes all the video and audio supplements, but lacks the digital copy disc and collectibles, for $34.99. So there's certainly a version of 'Oz' out there to fit everyone's taste and price range, and that's the way it should be for such a popular, historically significant film. Good job, Warner.

Personally, I love these collector's editions – but then again, I'm a classic film collector – and Warner does a superb job compiling, designing, and presenting them. Gimmicks, like the "70th Anniversary Watch with Genuine Crystals" that's included in the 'Oz' set (and wallet and luggage tag that's stuffed into the 'Casablanca' box), I can do without, but any archival reproductions directly related to the film fascinate me, and I welcome them. Smartly, Warner did not duplicate any of the tangible material included in the 2005 three-disc DVD collector's edition, so true 'Oz' fanatics will need to hang onto that set, or stuff the photos and booklets into the box that houses all the goodies in this new edition. (I actually tried it, and they fit quite well.)

Each of the collector's editions are numbered (mine is 10,632 of 243,000), and the hefty box measures 8" tall by 11-1/2" wide by almost 3" deep. (You've heard of coffee table books; this is a coffee table Blu-ray.) Open the front flap, and inside you'll find a similar-sized (yet much slimmer) 52-page hardcover volume, 'Behind the Curtain of Production 1060,' a 70th anniversary commemorative book by noted 'Oz' historian John Fricke. Lavishly illustrated with rare photos in color and black-and-white, this well-written, elegantly designed tribute to 'Oz' includes cast bios, studio memos, ledger sheets, script pages, and other interesting items. Next, there's a replica of the movie's budget sheet, as well as a reproduction of the original 1939 campaign book, featuring a host of promotional materials for theater owners, including ads, newspaper articles, contest ideas, poster samples, and other paraphernalia. Below that is the aforementioned wristwatch (with genuine, if microscopic, crystals), housed in a sleek collectible tin, as well as a handsomely designed foldout three-disc digipak in an embossed slipcase (so it can be stored separately from the box, if desired). At the bottom of the box is a digital copy disc and other commercial inserts.

The video and audio supplements are of the highest quality (after all, this is a Warner release), and the depth and breadth of material is, to say the least, impressive. All the extras from the 2005 DVD release have been transferred over to this edition, and there's almost four hours of additional supplements, as well as a double-sided standard-def bonus disc featuring an acclaimed six-hour MGM documentary. (More on that below.)

Disc One

  • Audio Commentary – The late director Sydney Pollack emcees this captivating commentary featuring archival reminiscences, analysis, and countless production facts and anecdotes from a host of notable 'Oz' cast members and experts, including Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, the children of Bert Lahr, Margaret Hamilton, producer Mervyn LeRoy, munchkin Jerry Maren (one of the Lollipop Guild boys), and John Fricke, arguably the world's foremost authority on both 'The Wizard of Oz' and Judy Garland. Even Buddy Ebsen (the original Tin Man, who was forced to leave the production after suffering a life-threatening allergic reaction to the aluminum dust used in the character's makeup) shares his memories of his brief 'Oz' tenure and MGM's insensitive attitude toward his illness. Fricke anchors the discussion and relates a wealth of information in an affable, accessible manner. From broad themes to obscure minutia, he covers as much as he can in the allotted time (I personally know the man, and what he shares is just a miniscule portion of his vast 'Oz' knowledge) – casting, script changes, set design and special effects, to name but a few – and his substantive remarks augment the personal recollections well. Whether you're an 'Oz' junkie or just discovering the film for the first time, you owe it to yourself to give this informative, entertaining track a listen.
  • Documentary: "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The Making of a Movie Classic" (SD, 51 minutes) – Actress and former MGM contract player Angela Lansbury hosts this well-worn 1990 chronicle of the film's colorful production history. On-set accidents, including a grisly episode concerning Margaret Hamilton; technical secrets; studio wheeling and dealing; Munchkin myths; scoring; and deleted scenes, among other topics, are all examined in this slick documentary produced by the Tin Man's son, Jack Haley, Jr.
  • Documentary: "The Art of Imagination: A Tribute to Oz" (SD, 30 minutes) – This absorbing 2005 piece focuses on the technical and creative elements that make 'The Wizard of Oz' such an enduring classic. Sections on songwriting, scoring, production design, costuming, makeup, special effects, and Technicolor are intertwined with comments from noteworthy Hollywood personnel, such as director Peter Jackson, entertainer Michael Feinstein, and actor Sean Astin.
  • Featurette: "Because of the Wonderful Things It Does: The Legacy of Oz" (SD, 25 minutes) – Also from 2005, this featurette addresses the wide-ranging influence of 'The Wizard of Oz' and how this beloved movie has permeated our cultural consciousness. From the initial television broadcast of 'Oz' on through subsequent stage and animated productions to the auction of the ruby slippers and various 'Oz' conventions and festivals, 'Oz' mania has mushroomed over the years, and this entertaining account charts its growth and development.
  • Documentary: "Memories of Oz" (SD, 28 minutes) – The Munchkins take center stage in this 2001 retrospective, produced by Turner Classic Movies. Anecdotes and reminiscences abound, but this classy documentary also delves into the film's special effects, looks at set and costume design, and examines the lasting appeal of leading lady Judy Garland.
  • "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Storybook" (SD, 10 minutes) – If your kids need a bedtime tale or crave a quick 'Oz' fix, park them in front of the set and let Angela Lansbury read them this charmingly illustrated video storybook.
  • Featurette: "Prettier Than Ever: The Restoration of Oz" (SD, 11 minutes) – Unfortunately, this featurette doesn't detail the Blu-ray remastering of 'Oz,' but rather the earlier restoration done in advance of the movie's 2005 DVD release. It's still a fascinating account for those interested in film preservation and the Ultra-Resolution process, and Warner technicians take us through the meticulous, often tedious paces step by step. We also get a look at what's involved in audio remastering as well.
  • Featurette: "We Haven't Really Met Properly…" (SD, 21 minutes) – Lansbury returns to narrate nine well-produced mini profiles of 'Oz' cast members that include clips from other films in which the actors appeared, as well as a few fun facts. Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Billie Burke, Margaret Hamilton, Charley Grapewin, Clara Blandick, and even Toto get tributes, but strangely Judy Garland is absent from the lineup. While it would be impossible to encapsulate and honor Garland's illustrious film, television, and concert career in the allotted two-minute timeslot, younger viewers unfamiliar with this powerhouse performer deserve to know that Dorothy constitutes only a portion of Garland's vast contributions to the entertainment world.
  • Jukebox (70 minutes) – Alternate takes and false starts of 'Over the Rainbow' are included here (at one point Garland experiments with a faster tempo), as well as various rehearsal recordings, voice tests, deleted songs, and underscoring. Great stuff!
  • "Leo Is On the Air" Radio Promo (12 minutes) – This installment of MGM's weekly promotional radio program focuses on 'The Wizard of Oz' and includes excerpts from the film's score, as well as a hefty dose of studio hype.
  • "Good News of 1939" Radio Show (61 minutes) – Actor Robert Young hosts this hour-long 'Oz' tribute in advance of the film's gala release. Garland, Bolger, and Lahr appear on the MGM-sponsored program, along with composer Harold Arlen and lyricist E.Y Harburg. In addition to the 'Oz' content (which includes a performance of 'Over the Rainbow' by Garland), there's also a Baby Snooks sketch starring comedienne Fanny Brice.
  • 12/25/50 Lux Radio Theater Broadcast (61 minutes) – It took awhile for a radio adaptation of 'Oz' to hit the airwaves, but following Garland's dismissal from MGM in 1950, the 28-year-old actress found time to recreate the role of Dorothy for this Christmas Day broadcast. Although she had clearly outgrown the role, Garland nevertheless brings her trademark sincerity, passion, and boundless talent to this abbreviated audio version of the film.
  • "Sing-Along with the Movie" – Lyrics pop up whenever a song begins in this option for karaoke lovers. Garland wannabes can also select individual songs from a menu list for quicker access.
  • Vintage Short: "Another Romance of Celluloid: Electrical Power" (SD, 11 minutes) – This episode of one of MGM's long-running short subject series focuses on how the film studio harnesses electrical power from the Hoover Dam and uses it for film production. A brief clip from an early incarnation of 'Oz,' featuring Garland in a wisely abandoned blonde wig, illustrates the enormous amount of power needed for a Technicolor motion picture.
  • Vintage Short: "Cavalcade of the Academy Awards" Excerpt (SD, 2 minutes) – Mickey Rooney presents Garland with a miniature Oscar for the year's Best Juvenile Performance at the 1939 Academy Awards.
  • Vintage Short: "Texas Contest Winners" (SD, 90 seconds) – Bolger, Lahr, and original Tin Man Buddy Ebsen surprise a group of Texans (who won an exclusive MGM studio tour) outside the 'Oz' rehearsal hall. This is perhaps the only surviving footage of Ebsen with his 'Oz' co-stars before he was forced to leave the production due to a severe allergic reaction to the Tin Man's makeup.
  • "Off to See the Wizard" Excerpts (SD, 4 minutes) – Animated 'Oz' characters were used to introduce family films during this 1967 ABC TV series, and several of those clips are included here.
  • Stills Galleries (SD) – A whopping 18 galleries include a multitude of photos, promotional material, sketches, and storyboards relating to a wide range of topics from before the project's inception all the way through production, the film's premiere, and various revivals.
  • Theatrical Trailers (SD, 11 minutes) – One teaser and six trailers span 60 years, from 1938 to 1998.
  • Harold Arlen's Home Movies (SD, 5 minutes) – A selection of clips from Arlen's 16mm home movies shot during portrait sittings and various visits to the 'Oz' set.
  • Outtakes and Deleted Scenes (SD, 14 minutes) – A nicely presented array of cut material, including the original, full-length version of 'If I Only Had a Brain,' which features an innovative dance interlude by Bolger. Other material includes Buddy Ebsen's version of 'If I Only Had a Heart' (audio only), a reprise of 'Over the Rainbow' by Garland, and a recording of 'The Jitterbug' set to stills and home movie footage shot by Arlen during the number's production.
  • "It's a Twister! It's a Twister! The Tornado Tests" (SD, 8 minutes) – Intriguing test footage of the cyclone that transports Dorothy to Oz.

Disc Two

  • Documentary: "Victor Fleming: Master Craftsman" (SD, 34 minutes) – This brand-new documentary takes a long overdue look at the underrated director of both 'The Wizard of Oz' and 'Gone With the Wind.' The film chronicles Fleming's back-door entry into the movie industry, examines his reputation as "Mr. Fix-It," and credits the director with pioneering the use of slow motion photography and developing such enduring genres as screwball comedy and the buddy film. A cavalcade of clips from such Fleming classics as 'Red Dust,' 'Captains Courageous,' 'Test Pilot', and 'A Guy Named Joe' flesh out this compelling, informative piece.
  • Documentary: "L. Frank Baum: The Man Behind the Curtain" (SD, 28 minutes) – The author of the wildly successful 'Oz' books is the subject of this interesting biographical sketch, which details Baum's privileged upbringing, pre-writing careers, economic struggles, dreamy nature, and lasting legacy.
  • Featurette: "Hollywood Celebrates Its Biggest Little Stars" (SD, 10 minutes) – Various Munchkins recall their 'Oz' experiences in this entertaining short, which also focuses on the exhaustive efforts to get the famous group a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Clips from the festive unveiling ceremony are also included.
  • 'The Dreamer of Oz' (SD, 92 minutes) – The late John Ritter portrays Baum in this saccharine 1990 made-for-television movie that also stars Annette O'Toole as his wife and Rue McClanahan as his mother-in-law. The fuzzy picture makes viewing a chore, and the corny enactments of Baum's imaginings (played out on garish sets) cheapen the 'Oz' characters. Unless you're a dyed-in-the-wool Baum devotee, you'll probably want to skip this drab TV production.
  • Previous 'Oz' Films – Baum's stories were filmed six times prior to MGM's 1939 musical classic, and Warner includes all of those movies – five of which hail from the silent era – here. 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' (1910) (SD, 13 minutes) is the earliest incarnation; 'His Majesty, The Scarecrow of Oz' (1914) (SD, 59 minutes), which was written and directed by Baum himself, comes next; 'The Magic Cloak of Oz' (1914) (SD, 38 minutes) follows; and 'The Patchwork Girl of Oz' (1914) (SD, 51 minutes), the only one of these silents not included on the previous DVD collector's edition of 'Oz,' closes out the first phase of 'Oz' films. Eleven years transpired before the next 'Oz' attempt, 1925's 'The Wizard of Oz' (SD, 72 minutes), the best known silent adaptation, starring Oliver Hardy as the Tin Man. Turner Entertainment has restored this film (which features sepia tones during the Kansas sequences and purple tints when the action shifts to Oz) and added a new score by Robert Israel. Finally, Ted Eshbaugh's 1933 Technicolor cartoon, 'The Wizard of Oz' (SD, 8 minutes), takes some liberties with Baum's story, but preserves the whimsical feeling.
  • Digital Copy – A bonus disc houses a digital copy of 'The Wizard of Oz,' which can be transferred to portable media using iTunes or Windows Media Player.

Final Thoughts

They say you never get over your first love. When it comes to movies, 'The Wizard of Oz' was mine, and I'm still as deeply bound to it as I ever have been. Warner, however, has reignited and enhanced my passion for this captivating fantasy, thanks to a breathtaking high-def presentation that makes 'Oz' come alive like never before. This handsome, feature-packed deluxe edition will send collectors over the rainbow, but if you prefer a no-frills, movie-only copy, go ahead and seek that out instead. Let's face it, you can't call yourself a legit film fan without this cinema masterwork occupying a prominent place on your shelf, so get out there and buy this treasured film, support motion picture classics on Blu-ray, and prepare to be blown away. Take it from Dorothy herself; when it comes to watching 'The Wizard of Oz,' there's no place like home.