September 25, 2013 in OZ
The Wizard of Oz 3D Blu-Ray Box Set
Available this Tuesday October 1, is the new, 75th Anniversary 3D Blu-Ray box set of The Wizard of Oz. It’s very reasonably priced considering all it offers. The box itself is beautiful. I love the image on the front (which matches the Blu-Ray disc menus) and even the sides seem to glow with a pearly iridescence. It’s gorgeous packaging.
Highlights inside include collectibles like a map of Oz, tailored to the story in the film (look for the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Wicked Witch and Glinda’s bubble); a mini ruby slippers glitter globe which glows red with the push of a button; three stunningly crafted pins from The Noble Collection; a brightly colored image of Dorothy’s arrival in Munchkinland; a fabulous book by Oz Historian John Fricke, outlining the timeline of the film’s production. Along with photos, this book gives a quick glimpse into the phenomenon in the making. It’s especially cool to compare dates between when a song was recorded versus filmed. Then there’s a journal which seems random to me. As a collectible, I hesitate to write in it and otherwise it’s just a blank book hanging out in a box.
The movie itself, looks as good on 3D TV as it does in IMAX. If you have a large screen and a great sound setup, you’ll be absolutely delighted. The clarity, detail, color and charm bounces off the screen. Plus there are plenty of extras on the total of five included discs. The best of the crop is the new making-of documentary wherein contributors like Oscar-nominated director Rob Marshall, Wicked the musical’s writer Stephen Schwartz, and Oz Historian John Fricke detail the movie’s creation with new aplomb. Some of what is covered is already known but there are sure to be gems of both info and video that haven’t before been delivered this way. I enjoyed the doc so much, I actually became emotional a few times while watching it. Brilliantly, the documentary makes you feel the weight of the production on the studio – and how close it came, several times, to altering details which in the end, might have completely shifted our collective visceral response to the film. It’s well produced to the point I wanted more of… and it’s already feature-length.
The Wizard of Oz continues to dazzle even after 75 years. Its message is as relevant today as ever and that its effects, music and performances still hold strong, literally timeless… that’s the greater feat. This set is a loving tribute to its longevity. I’m already looking forward to 100!
Movie Reviews
ozboy September 25, 2013
Well written Ryan- I so cant wait to get my box set- should arrive next week- thats great the picture quality on the blu ray is compared to the IMAX print– so happens we are getting a new 70" HD TV Friday so cant wait to see this master piece on my big screen- thanks for the great review- I value your opinions – BTW -You got a low number box ! Just one queston – is the book included in the box set a new one or the same as the one in the 70th annivarsey box set -? Fred
Ryan Jay October 5, 2013
Hey Fred – so sorry for the late response!! I assume you've received your copy by now? It's new 🙂 Thanks so much for the kind words and so cool you're getting a new, huge TV! Enjoy!! xx