The Wizard of Oz 3D Imax Review
RYAN: It’s my favorite film of all time and in honor of its 75th anniversary, Warner Bros. is releasing it in IMAX 3D for one week only starting September 20th at 300 IMAX screens nationwide.
CAROLINE: You must be overjoyed! And you were invited to cover the red carpet and attend the premiere in Hollywood last weekend too!
RYAN: It was an overwhelmingly wonderful day – at the TCL Chinese Theatre, the same place where the film originally premiered in 1939, filled with Oz-loving celebrities and emceed by Oz historian John Fricke – Warner Bros.’ official ambassador to Oz and a personal friend; I’ll never forget that day.
CAROLINE: If I’m not mistaken, it’s the oldest movie ever to be converted to 3D – how did it turn out?
RYAN: Stunningly well, actually, and you know 3D conversion is regularly disappointing. But Warner Bros. took 16 months to carefully convert the film for it’s upcoming 3D Blu-Ray release and when it turned out so well they decided to further remaster it for IMAX and release it for this special week of screenings.
CAROLINE: For your sake, I’m happy to hear it.
RYAN: It’s remarkable how such an old film lends itself to 3D – even the scenes in Kansas are remarkably dynamic. But the Wicked Witch, the poppies, the munchkins, all of the rolling hills in the background – there is so much depth in the set pieces and scenic design – it just draws you in and you notice the multidimensional aspects consistently throughout the film
CAROLINE: That’s so cool. I don’t think I’ve ever asked you – why is this your favorite movie?
RYAN: I love everything about it. It captures and exudes so much joy. It’s all about the magic – both figuratively and literally. It’s a story about a magical land with magical people and things – but the making of the film was also special. All the stars aligned between script, music, design and casting to culminate in the perfect film – it’s the best example of Hollywood magic and no other movie since has hit every note of filmmaking so perfectly. The music is whimsical and memorable – Judy Garland singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow has to be the best music moment in film history; All the quotable lines that have worked their way into pop culture consciousness in everyday situations; and the life lessons in there about believing in yourself, success in the journey, brains, heart, courage and home – this movie has everything.
CAROLINE: Wow, ok honey, clearly you’ve thought about this. I know the film does rank high on every list over movie history.
RYAN: It’s true. And even if you’ve seen the film many times before, the 3D and the IMAX screen makes you view it as if for the first time all over again. Over the years, I’d put the movie on in the background and it has become sort of comforting. But seeing this grand work of entertainment displayed in a way even more gorgeously than the original filmmakers dreamed of, captures you like never before.
CAROLINE: I have to admit, you’re now making me want to go see it again. [laughs’]
RYAN: Mission accomplished. It’s beyond worth it. Most of us grew up seeing this movie on TV and it’s one thing to see it on the big screen if you haven’t before; but now, in this remasterd IMAX 3D, it’s the new, definitive experience. You’ve got one week to make it happen!
