The Wizard of Oz 1939
Like everyone else in the world, I have seen The Wizard of Oz many times. I bought the 4k disc a few years ago and never got around to watching it, but with Wicked on the way it seemed like a good pick. This movie looks great, which is amazing given its age. Maybe the HDR helps, but the colors really pop, with ruby reds and wicked greens. The disc doesn't play correctly at the very beginning, which is very disappointing and it is certainly too late to get a replacement disc. Anyway, the movie, of course, is great and absolutely iconic. Watching again they really did an amazing job on everything. The reveal of color is a great touch. The cast is first rate, starting with Judy Garland naturally, but some great supporting performances by Margaret Hamilton, Ray Bolger, Frank Morgan, and even Toto is great. Then the music is great, not just "Over the Rainbow." The special effects are also great as the tornado winds in the distance or the flying monkeys make perfectly choreographed takeoffs and landings. While Munchkinland looks a little overly fake and the hair and makeup on the Munchkins is just weird, most everything else works really well. The movie moves along quickly too. There is even some great character development as the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion, all demonstrate that their flaws do not define them. The movie just delivers on pretty much everything.
Written: 21 Nov 2024
Owned on: UHD, Blu-ray, Digital