The Wizard of Oz (Three-Disc Emerald Edition) [Blu-ray]
The Wizard of Oz (Three-Disc Emerald Edition) [Blu-ray]
Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 12/01/2009 Run time: 101 minutes Rating: GWhen it was released during Hollywood’s golden year of 1939, The Wizard of Oz didn’t start out as the perennial classic it has since become. The film did respectable business, but it wasn’t until its debut on television that this family favorite saw its popularity soar. And while Oz’s TV broadcasts are now controlled by media mogul Ted Turner (who owns the rights), the advent of home video has made this lively musical a mainstay in the staple diet of great American films. Young Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland), her dog, Toto, and her three companions on the yellow brick road to Oz–the Tin Man (Jack Haley), the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr), and the Scarecrow (Ray Bolger)–have become pop-culture icons and central figures in the legacy of fantasy for children. As the Wicked Witch who covets Dorothy’s enchanted ruby slippers, Margaret Hamilton has had the singular honor of scaring the wits out of children for more than six decades. The film’s still as fresh, frightening, and funny as it was when first released. It may take some liberal detours from the original story by L. Frank Baum, but it’s loyal to the Baum legacy while charting its own course as a spectacular film. Shot in glorious Technicolor, befitting its dynamic production design (Munchkinland alone is a psychedelic explosion of color and decor), The Wizard of Oz may not appeal to every taste as the years go by, but it’s required viewing for kids of all ages. –Jeff Shannon
User Ratings and Reviews
2 Stars Bittersweet
Wow…compared to my VHS copy this was an awesome picture. However, I was highly disappointed that there is no MENU on the first disc. The disc starts with a copyright warning & goes right into the movie. After the movie there are about 40 more copyright warnings in different languages & finally a digital menu appears. At no time could I access the menu using the remote. I am highly disappointed as I thought I was getting a good deal at $33.99 compared to the higher priced Emerald editions on Amazon. It makes me wonder if this particular item is an authentic Warner Brothers release. Of course, it is entirely possible that I got the only defective copy but I thought I would post my comment anyway.
4 Stars Going so soon? I wouldn’t hear of it. Why my little party’s just beginning.
The movie is truly a classic that more people have seen than any other feature film in the entire history of modern cinema. I give the movie itself 5 stars. So this review is strictly for the new 3-disc WOZ blu-ray set. I purchased this as soon as it came out because I’m a huge WOZ fan and I heard so many great things about it. It is nice, however I was somewhat let down as the release isn’t much different from the ‘05 3-disc DVD set. Also, the main menus don’t play music like the ‘05 set.
This includes 3 discs (2 with silk screen pictures):
1 blu-ray disc is the movie w/ special features (none of which are new to this set)
1 blu-ray disc includes the John Ritter movie and various OZ movies before the ‘39 classic as well as the ‘09 Munchkins featurette
1 DVD (not blu-ray) includes the 6-hour documentary “When the Lion Roars” (this is a double-sided DVD)
The packaging and the inside pictures of the discs were somewhat of a let down. They were not as colorful and vibrant as the ‘05 set. By the way, check out the pictures that I took with my digital camera and posted.
I did enjoy the featurette about the Munchkins. It included an interview with most of the surviving Munchkins (including the final appearances of Mr. Mickey Carroll and Mr. Clarence Swensen who, sadly, both passed away last year). The featurette also includes clips of the Munchkins’ induction in the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It was very brief though (only about 10 minutes) and as far as I can tell this is the only new featurette produced specifically for the 2009 set.
The movie looked amazing and sounded beautifully, I can just imagine what Warner Bros. has in store for the 75th anniversary (something in 3-D?). I recommend the 3-disc blu-ray to anyone who collects WOZ memorabilia and movies as it will be a collector’s item (just like the 4-disc boxed set which comes with lots of great stuff). However, if you’re just looking for the movie, you may want to get simply the 1-disc blu-ray (if you can find it) or the 4-disc deluxe boxed set as this is less (online) than the 3-disc Emerald Edition.
Remember, there’s no place like home.
2 Stars Still Grainy, ??Remastering?????????
I payed extra money for what assumed to be a special version of this classic(Three Disc Edition), it is fairly grainy. If this was remastered, which I doubt, it should be recalled and Warner Bros. should be honorable and freely exchange the new clean Blu Rays for the ones they offered as 70th anniversary. The colors are amazing, but the movie at times appears a bit fuzzy. It is also bothersome to find that some of the special features are on 480p standard definition - the whole set should have been in 1080p high definition, specially in view of the extra cost. I suggest to wait for the 75th anniversary to see if they can remaster this movie correctly. Keep your old DVD for now!
5 Stars Must have for Oz fans
A beautifully restored version of the movie. This Blu-ray version maintains the “feel” of the old movie but restores it to its most beautiful picture and sound. The extras are also fun to watch for Oz fans. There are multiple old versions of the story some more true to the books story than the MGM version. Much more affordable than the version sold with the posters and other stuff I didn’t want and would know what to do with. This fits right on the shelf with my other movies.
Absolutely love watching this Blu-ray!
Filed under: Blue Ray Movie Reviews