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Der Zauberer von Oz war mir schon lange ein Begriff, obwohl ich den Film nie gesehen hatte. Da ich momentan sehr gerne ältere Klassiker schaue, kam ich um diesen nicht herum. Gut so....
Die Geschichte beginnt auf einer Farm in Kansas im ländlichen Amerika. In Sepiafarben folgt man der Hauptfigur Dorothy bei ihrer täglichen Arbeit und lernt dabei mehrere Personen kennen, u.a. Tante und Onkel. Während eines Hurrikans verliert Dorothy das Bewusstsein und wacht im Lande Oz wieder auf, das in farbintensivem
Technicolorglanz erstrahlt. Als Betrachter staunt man an dieser Stelle ebenso wie Dorothy selbst.
Im weiteren Verlauf der Geschichte treten verschiedene Figuren auf (mehrere Hexen, ein Löwe, ein Blechmann, eine Vogelscheuche und andere) die für Dorothys Rückweg in die Realität eine wichtige Rolle spielen werden.
Neben dem beschriebenen Farb- und damit auch Stimmungswechsel im ersten Teil des Films fand ich es erhellend zu sehen (und zu hören), dass sich viele Elemente des Films in anderen Produktionen als Referenz wiederfinden. Dazu gehört u.a. das Lied "Ding Dong,die Hex' ist tot..." das ich vorher nur aus "Die nackte Kanone 2 1/2" kannte.
Der Film hat mir auch darüber hinaus gut gefallen. Die Geschichte transportiert eine schöne Botschaft, ist fantasievoll erzählt und unvorhersehbar in ihrem Ausgang.
Die Blu-ray-Edition strotzt darüber hinaus nur so vor Extras, sowohl in haptischer als auch in audiovisueller Hinsicht. Für Fans des Films ist diese daher uneingeschränkt zu empfehlen. Einzig die leichten Gebrauchsspuren an meinem Exemplar (u.a. ein leicht ausgeblichener Rücken) schmälern den Gesamteindruck etwas. Da drücke ich jedem die Daumen, dass dies bei anderen nicht der Fall ist.
| Weitere Versionen auf DVD | Edition | Disks | Preis | Neu ab | Gebraucht ab |
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DVD
5. Februar 2010 "Bitte wiederholen" | Standard Version | 1 | 4,88 € | 2,37 € |
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DVD
7. Juni 2000 "Bitte wiederholen" | FR Import | 1 | 9,79 € | 2,50 € |
|
DVD
2. November 2009 "Bitte wiederholen" | UK Import | 1 | 1,87 € | 1,36 € |
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Eine sehr schöne Verfilmung. Mir gefallen die Story und die Musik sehr gut. Schon häufiger angesehen. ❤️
Bilder in dieser Rezension
Spitzenrezensionen aus anderen Ländern
Suzanne
My Ode to the Immortal Magic of Oz
Kundenrezension aus den USA 🇺🇸 am 2. März 2010JGC
only bad witches are ugly
Kundenrezension aus den USA 🇺🇸 am 17. Juni 2007
JGC
Kundenrezension aus den USA 🇺🇸 am 17. Juni 2007
The boxed set is absolutely perfect, never have I seen another boxed set so well put-together. The packaging of the Thee Disc Collector's Edition of "The Wizard of Oz" is to die for. It is a dream come true. And, I wish I would have known how lovely this all was when it first came out because I'm sad to say that I waited nearly 2 years to purchase this. But you can't turn back time, right?
I don't know about you, but I despise those plastic cases that DVD sets often come in. They just seem so impersonal and almost cold. This set is housed in a breathtaking cardboard book-shelf type box. Inside the book-shelf box includes these items: the fold-out case containing the 3 discs and the 2 portfolios containing the promotional material and keepsake pictures.
The fold-out case is totally dripping with color (the picture on the cover is the same as the one on the box) and once you open it up everything is beauteously laid out in stunning and vibrant art! It's like looking at a painting or a mural! The entire fold-out case is decorated. It's like Christmas, Halloween, the 4th of July and New Year's all rolled into one neat-to-store little bundle of joy!
The Kodachrome keepsake pictures and bonus promotional materials are also such a huge surprise. I never expected such a gift. The outside of both portfolios includes a classic pic of Dorothy and her friends as they race to see the wizard.
The promotional portfolio includes these printed items: reprint of the original theater program (this is a total of 8 pages long,) reprint of MGM Studio News (this is 12 pages long,) reprint of Photoplay Studios magazine (this is a total of 16 pages,) 5X7 promo card which pictures some of the posters used for the movie (in total 7 are pictured,) 5X7 promo invitation on thick cardstock & a facsimile of the original theater ticket (this is housed on of thick piece of 5X7 cardstock, so it will standup and look pretty with everything else.) The inside of the envelope also includes a close-up picture of Glenda and Dorothy. And all of the reprinted pamphlets (as well as everything else!) are all devoted to this film!
The Kodachrome portfolio includes a total of 10 5X7 high-quality picture-like postcards, printed on heavy cardstock (keep in mind, these aren't actually postcards, but they look and feel just like a postcard.) Each photo is in full color and includes: a shot of Dorothy and Toto, the Wizard smiling, the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow, a pic of the cast (Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Wizard and the Cowardly Lion,) a picture of Dorothy with the Scarecrow oiling the Tin Man, a lavish photo of Dorothy in Munchkinland (while she's standing on the bridge) - that's my very favorite pic, a wide shot of Dorothy and her friends in the forest, a pic of Dorothy and her friends outside of the Witche's castle and finally a shot of 2 Winkie Soldiers with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion dressed in the same custom.
Also included is a TCM little foldout mini flyer (this wasn't made just for this set, however there is a pic of Dorothy on it) & a beautiful color 1-sheet 5X7 flyer that describes/pictures everything that the set includes (this is actually on the outside of the box and held together by the plastic wrap.)
[[ASIN:B000ADS63K Disc One ~ The Movie ~ pictured on this disc is a color silkscreen image of the Scarecrow ]]
included on this disc:
The Wizard of Oz
~ Feature Film Presentation ~
Original World Premiere: August 25, 1939
Principal filming began on: October 12, 1938 & completed on: March 16, 1939
Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the most glorious studio in town
Distributor: Waner Home Video
Runtime listing: 103 mins.
Scene Index: Separated by a total of 55 chapters
Sound Effects & Soundtracks: Original Mono Track and Music/Effects Track
Commentary: Narrated by Mr. Sydney Pollock which includes spoken commentary and rare archival interviews interspersed throughout by ~ John Fricke, Barbara Freed-Saltzman, Margaret Hamilton, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, John Lahr, Jane Lahr, Hamilton Meserve, Dona Massin, William Tuttle, Buddy Ebsen, Mervyn LeRoy & Jerry Maren.
Languages: English 5.1 Spoken Language, French Spoken Language, English Subtitles, French Subtitles & Spanish Subtitles.
Picture Color: Sepia Tone & Three-strip Technicolor
Brief Synopsis:
A Kansas farm girl dreams herself into a magical fantasy land where she fights a wicked witch as she tries to escape.
Miss Garland's brief comments on this film: I've always taken 'The Wizard of Oz' very seriously, you know. I believe in the idea of the rainbow. And I've spent my entire life trying to get over it.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Storybook (2005)
Runtime listing: 10 mins.
Brief Synopsis:
Angela Lansbury reads the original story. Includes pictures from the storybook, as well. This was produced just for this set.
Prettier Than Ever: The Restoration of Oz (2005)
Runtime listing: 11 mins.
Brief Synopsis:
Short Subject about the picture restoration and sound preservation of this classic. Includes interviews with many of the people who helped put this together. This was produced just for this set.
We Haven't Really Met Properly featurette (2005)
Runtime listing: 22 mins.
Brief Synopsis:
Includes biographical information about: Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Billie Burke, Margaret Hamilton, Charley Grapewin, Clara Blandick and Toto. This is narrated by Angela Lansbury and was made just for this set. And, there is a separate chapter for each person.
[[ASIN:B00000JS62 Disc Two ~ Special Features ~ pictured on this disc is a color silkscreen image of the Tin Man ]]
included on this disc:
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The Making of a Classic (1990)
Runtime listing: 51 mins.
Scene Index: Separated by a total of 25 chapters
Brief Synopsis:
This is a full-length documentary discussing this epic picture. Included are interviews with many of the cast, including Judy Garland, rare clips and commentary from many of the people who know the most about this film. This is also narrated by Angela Lansbury.
Note: this is also called "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: 50 Years of Magic."
Memories of Oz (2001)
Runtime listing: 27 mins.
Brief Synopsis:
Includes interviews with the Munchkins and many others who have fond memories of this film, including the daughter of Bert Lahr.
The Art of Imagination: A Tribute to Oz (2005)
Runtime listing: 29 mins.
Brief Synopsis:
Made just for this set, includes historical information about "The Wizard of Oz."
Because of the Wonderful Things It Does: The Legacy of Oz (2005)
Runtime listing: 25 mins.
Brief Synopsis:
Another featurette made just for this set. Discusses the impact the movie has had since it premiered on TV.
Harold Arlen's Home Movies
Runtime listing: 4 mins.
Brief Synopsis:
Includes rare clips of the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow, the Wicked Witch, and Dorothy and Toto; taken during the photography of the publicity photos. Narrated by Angela Lansbury. Wow, I suppose Harold Arlen was way ahead of his time; I wonder what he would of thought of youtube & camera phones and all that other stuff?
Outtakes & Deleted Scenes
Runtime listing: 14 mins.
Scene Index: Separated into 5 segments
Brief Synopsis:
This is again narrated/introduced by Angela Lansbury. Includes: If I Only Had A Brain ~ original/full uncut scene (this is in pristine picture/sound quality,) If I Only Had A Heart ~ includes the original recording of Buddy Ebson singings this classic as well as a picture of him in costume (no video is included,) Triumphal Return to Emerald City ~ includes the original soundtrack number (no video is included, however production stills are shown,) Over the Rainbow ~ includes the track of Judy singing this song when she was caught by the Witch in her castle (no video is included, however there are stills & test frames shown) & The Jitterbug ~ this includes this deleted singing and dancing scene (the picture & sound quality is less than perfect though.)
It's a Twister! It's a Twister! The Tornado Tests
Runtime listing: 8 mins.
Brief Synopsis:
Described/Introduced by Angela Lansbury. This includes some of the raw clips shot for the tornado as well as other clips of the sky of the Kansas prairie.
Off to See the Wizard (60's cartoon)
Runtime listing: 4 mins.
Brief Synopsis:
Described/Introduced by Angela Lansbury. Includes cartoon segments from a rare 60's "Wizard of Oz" TV show.
From the Vault (MGM short subjects)
Runtime listing: 14 mins.
Scene Index: Separated into 3 segments
Brief Synopsis:
Described/Introduced by Angela Lansbury. This shows 3 MGM Shorts (which all are in relation to "The Wizard of Oz":) Another Romance of Celluloid Electrical Power ~ this includes a rare glimpse of Oz and Judy Garland in an alternate outfit (this also includes very rare outtakes from Miss Joan Crawford's "The Ice Follies of 1939" MGM film,) Cavalcade of the Academy Awards Excerpts ~ this includes rare clips of Judy Garland receiving her award and then singing "Over the Rainbow" (the song on here is actually from the movie though) and Texas Contest Winners ~ showcases more behind-the-scenes clips of MGM, this also includes more rare clips of Joan's "The Ice Follies of 1939" as well as a brief promo clip of Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr & Jack Haley.
Jukebox
Runtime listing: 283 mins.
Brief Synopsis:
This includes audio only of these rare sound clips: Over the Rainbow, Munchkinland Medley Rehearsal Recordings, Munchkinland Medley Sequence Recordings, Munchkinland Medley Voice Tests, If I Only Had a Brain, We're Off to See the Wizard, If I Only Aad a Heart, If I Only Had a Heart/We're Off to See the Wizard, Emerald City/The Merry Land of Oz, If I Were King of the Forest, The Jitterbug, Over the Rainbow/Triumphal Return to Emerald City, Kansas Underscoring, Munchkinland Underscoring, The Road to Oz Underscoring, Emerald City Underscoring, The Witch's Castle Underscoring & Finale Underscoring.
Note: the sound is low for some of these bytes.
Leo Is On the Air Radio Promo
Runtime listing: 12 mins.
Brief Synopsis:
This is only audio of a radio broadcast.
Good News of a 1939 Radio Show
Runtime listing: 2 mins.
Brief Synopsis:
This is only audio of a radio broadcast.
12/25/1950 Lux Radio Theater Broadcast
Runtime listing: 1 mins.
Brief Synopsis:
This is only audio of a radio broadcast.
Stills Galleries
Brief Synopsis:
Included are tons and tons of rare pictures under these dedicated categories: Oz on Broadway, Pre-MGM, Sketches and Storybooks, Costume and Makeup Tests, Richard Thorpe's Oz, Buddy Ebson, Oz Comes to Life, Behind the Scenes, Portraits, Special Effects, Post Production, Deleted Scenes, Original Publicity, '39 Hollywood Premiere, '39 New York Premiere, '40 Academy Awards, Oz Abroad & Oz Revivals.
Note: These are only still images, there is no commentary or music and the images cannot be fast forwarded (however you can pause it if you need to.)
"The Wizard of Oz" Theatrical Trailers
Runtime listing: 11 mins.
Scene Index: Separated into 6 segments
Brief Synopsis:
Each trailer is introduced/described by Angela Lansbury. Included are: '39 What is Oz, '40 Loews Cairo Theater Trailer, '49 Reissue Trailer, '49 Grownup Reissue Trailer, '49 Children's Matinee Reissue Trailer & '98 Warners Reissue Trailer. The picture and sound quality of all of this is excellent.
[[ASIN:B00004VXT8 Disc Three ~ Saluting L. Frank Baum ~ pictured on this disc is a color silkscreen image of the Cowardly Lion]]
included on this disc:
L. Frank Baum: The Man Behind the Curtain (2005)
Runtime listing: 28 mins.
Brief Synopsis:
New documentary produced just for this set that includes interviews with L. Frank Baum's grandchildren and various other historians about this fascinating man's life.
The Wizard of Oz (1910) (silent film)
Runtime listing: 13 mins.
Picture Color: Black & White
Brief Synopsis:
The first film adaptation of this classic story. The picture quality is surprisingly not bad.
The Magic Cloak of Oz (1914) (silent film)
Runtime listing: 38 mins.
Picture Color: Black & White
Brief Synopsis:
Based on another of L. Frank Baum's book in "The Wizard of Oz" series. The picture quality is a little worse than the film prior to this.
His Majesty, The Scarecrow of Oz (1914) (silent film)
Runtime listing: 59 mins.
Picture Color: Black & White
Brief Synopsis:
Based on another of L. Frank Baum's book in "The Wizard of Oz" series. Picture quality is OK.
The Wizard of Oz (1925) (silent film)
Runtime listing: 71 mins.
Picture Color: Sepia Tone
Brief Synopsis:
This looks more like a classic silent film with the story boards and the music. Out of all of the silents on this disc, this is the best quality.
The Wizard of Oz (1933)
Runtime listing: 8
Picture Color: Black & White
Brief Synopsis: Color (Technicolor)
This is an animated cartoon based on the books. Included prior is a brief description describing the contents.
Below is the cast, with their roles that they portrayed:
** Miss Judy Garland ~ Dorothy Gale
** Frank Morgan ~ Professor Marvel / The Gatekeeper / The Carriage Driver / The Guard Who Cries / The Wizard of Oz / The Wizard of Oz Video-Image
** Ray Bolger ~ Hunk / The Scarecrow
** Bert Lahr ~ Zeke / The Cowardly Lion
** Jack Haley ~ Hickory / The Tin Man
** Billie Burke ~ Glinda The Witch of the North
** Margaret Hamilton ~ Miss Elmira Gulch / The Wicked Witch of the West / The Wicked Witch of the East
** Charley Grapewin ~ Uncle Henry
** Clara Blandick ~ Auntie Em
** Terry the Terrier (known as prior to the film) & Toto (known as after the film) ~ Toto
** The Leo Singer Midgets ~ The adorable, lovable Munchkins
** Pat Walshe ~ Nikko (the little monkey)
Note: the 2-disc set is very similar to the 3-disc set (Warner Home Video released them both at the same time because they were afraid that the 3-disc set wouldn't sell as well.) The main difference is that it doesn't include the final disc about L. Frank Baum, nor does it include any of the pictures or promotional material. But everything from the first 2 discs of the 3-disc set is included with the 2-disc set.
...My very first memory of "The Wizard of Oz" is being at my grandparents house watching it on Channel 2; back in the day when they used to show it once a year. And I was almost scared, but not really during the parts with the flying monkeys. There was so much mystery and almost chemistry and spark throughout the entire film.
As you know, when this motion picture first came out it was a success but certainly not a huge hit. In 1939 the top grossing films were of course "Gone With the Wind" and "The Women." Perhaps it's no coincidence that all of these Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer classic feature films all had stunning color.
I also love this movie because it totally turned me on to Judy Garland. She was so talented and beautiful and almost larger-than-life in "The Wizard of Oz." IMHO she truly is one of the greatest entertainers ever. I love how she, as Dorothy Gale was able to turn on her emotions so easily. Dorothy emoted all over the place and ran the gamut of somber, sweet and even a touch on the dramatic. I love when she screams to the witch, Miss Gultch (played by the perfect Margaret Hamilton) "I'll bite you myself." This viewer wholeheartedly thinks that she was prepared to do it, too.
You know, as a kid watching this movie I never realized that Judy was actually a child, too. She always appeared like a grown person to me. Now when I watch the movie she looks like such a little girl. And that's another fun thing about "The Wizard of Oz." Because you can watch it and experience both new and old emotions watching something that feels both familiar and brand-new.
It took me years and years to grasp that "The Wizard of Oz" was all just an illusion. I must have been maybe 7 or 8 and my mom purchased one of those horrid video-cassettes for me. And at the end of it, my aunt comes in and announces to anyone who would listen, "this movie was all just a dream, you know." I don't know why, but I got so angry when she said that. I wanted to punch her in the nose because it made the movie seem less important and it made me feel like my thoughts and admiration towards this beloved classic were compromised. But she was totally correct.
It's almost hard to remember that "The Wizard of Oz" is in essence a musical. It captures the viewer and takes them on a journey and throughout that journey the audience doesn't ever lose sight of the fact that this is a tale of great hope and a new beginning. I absolutely love all of the songs in this movie. Of course my favorite is Judy's signature "Over the Rainbow." And, I also adore "Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead." And, with lyrics like "Ding Dong! The Witch is dead. Which old Witch? The Wicked Witch," is it any wonder that all kids love this song (and probably some adults, too.)
Besides Judy Garland, the entire cast, including her supporting cast was out of this world. Glinda (the indomitable Billie Burke) uttered my favorite line: only bad witches are ugly. OMG, can it get better than that? I love Billie Burke in so many other movies. She was always such a great character actress, but in this classic she's more than that. Glinda is such a theatrical person who is also overpowering and memorable.
Clara Blandick (Auntie Em) and Charley Grapewin (Uncle Henry) were both flawless and absolute. Uncle Henry was so funny, too. Auntie Em has carved out such a place in pop-culture. I love when she almost tells Gultch off, "but being a Christian woman I can't" and then runs to Dorothy's bedside. It's totally something my old granny would have done. Everyone loves Auntie Em because just about everyone has a grandmother or a beloved relative like her.
The Great Frank Morgan as Professor Marvel and the title character, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was perfectly cast. He captured all of those special emotions and was so believable. I also really liked him as the Guard (it was so funny watching him cry like a baby.) Rounding out the cast are Dorothy's 3 special friends: The Scarecrow (Ray Bolger,) the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr) and the Tinman (Jack Haley.) It's difficult to say who is my favorite out of Dorothy's friends in Oz. One of the best scenes is when the Cowardly Lion tries to attack Toto and Dorothy gives him a nice smack! There were so many more memorable scenes with Dorothy and her Oz companions. I think Dorothy's favorite was the Scarecrow. Wasn't he such a sweet guy, such a loveable loser. And, Dorothy didn't care that he was as dumb as dirt. It didn't matter to her because here was a friend that she just met who loved her and made her feel special just the way she was.
All of the Munchkins were so perplexing and downright delicious. If you looked closely, you could see that these tiny people each had a very unique and diverse personality. I really enjoyed their singing and dancing and how they all welcomed Dorothy to Munchkinland after her house dropped on the Wicked Witch of the East. (This also included some of the best singing and dancing numbers of the entire film.) But I think, even more than that, they were in this story to convey the special meaning of compassion and approval because even though they were different they all still had such a zest for life. According to published reports, there are only 7 surviving cast members of "The Wizard of Oz:" Mickey Carroll, Ruth Duccini, Jerry Maren, Margaret Pellegrini, Meinhardt Raabe, Karl Slover and Clarence Swensen. And, perhaps it's no coincide that they were all Munchkins.
Miss Gultch. She was one scary witch. As the Wicked Witch of the West she was more, I think, indignant. At least to me, she came off as very power-hungry and when none of her little tricks managed to pay off she would turn violent. IMHO there isn't any other movie villain in the entire history of motion pictures who is as identifiable as the roles the late Margaret Hamilton played in this.
Dorothy Gale. Everything always starts and ends with Dorothy, right? "The Wizard of Oz" is really her story. Wouldn't you say? And, perhaps that's why the movie is so loved and so attached to Miss Garland; because it's just as much Judy's story as it is Dorothy Gale's story. Think about it. A young girl who was otherwise shunned by the people closest to her. And there's really nothing worse than that. To be discarded by your own kind is one of life's cruelest jokes. Because we all have a natural desire to be loved and accepted. It's only those people (like the Witch) who are the odd ones because they do not know how to love or be loved; not the Dorothy's of this world.
But Dorothy found solace. My favorite part of the movie has always been when Dorothy first landed in Oz. As she stands in her Kansas doorframe, she's standing at the exact cusp of approbation and freedom. And, as she comes out the screen turns to color! So dramatic. It's when Dorothy finally is accepted by the freaks and geeks of society, who the world has otherwise thrown away does she learn that she holds the key to her own happiness.
Bilder in dieser Rezension
JGC
rubbish you have no power here, now be gone, before someone drops a house on you
Kundenrezension aus den USA 🇺🇸 am 12. Juli 2008
JGC
Kundenrezension aus den USA 🇺🇸 am 12. Juli 2008
It includes 4 discs (2 with silk screen pictures):
1 blu-ray disc is the movie w/ special features (most of which were on the '05 DVD boxed set)
1 blu-ray disc includes the John Ritter movie and various OZ movies before the '39 classic
1 DVD (not blu-ray) includes the 6-hour documentary "When the Lion Roars" (this is a double-sided DVD)
1 DVD (this is not included in the set, but rather in an envelope slip case) includes a digital copy with instructions on how this can be obtained online
The boxed set includes 2 books (1 of which is hard cover and includes lots of great pictures), a watch in a nice WOZ tin case and the original budget reprint (which was somewhat odd as it sorta stuck out).
Amazon also sends 4 8X10 prints (these are attached to the back of the insert).
All in all the boxed set is very nice, however I found the special features were not much different from the '05 version. Also, I found the graphics of the discs and the packaging of the '05 DVD set to be somewhat nicer.
rating for the new blu-ray boxed set: 4 stars
origianl review about movie / '05 3-disc DVD set:
Like the entire world, I have so many fond memories of "The Wizard of Oz." This truly is the greatest film ever made and the greatest story ever told. Because not even taking into account the perfect performances, the movie has such a message that's completely universal.
A few years ago Warner Home Video released a beautiful [[ASIN:B000ADS64E 3-disc special edition boxed set]]. I finally got around to buying it last year and I am so glad I finally did because out of all the boxed sets this one is the very best because it is the most complete and comprehensive. Unfortunately, it has been discontinued, however there is still a special edition 2-disc set, which includes everything the 3-disc set did, except for the promotional materials and the third disc about the Oz creator, Mr. L. Frank Baum. To celebrate the 70th Anniversary Warner Home Video plans to release this classic next year on Blu-ray and I can't think of a movie that is more deserving of this.
The Wizard of Oz
~ Feature Film Presentation ~
Original World Premiere: August 25, 1939
Principal filming began on: October 12, 1938 & completed on: March 16, 1939
Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the most glorious studio in town
Distributor: Warner Home Video
Runtime listing: 103 mins.
Scene Index: Separated by a total of 55 chapters
Screen Size: Original Full Screen (keep in mind this movie predates widescreen, and the subsequent releases that were widescreen actually included black bars that were copied over the upper and lower portions of the screen.)
Picture Color: Sepia Tone & Three-strip Technicolor
Brief Synopsis:
A Kansas farm girl dreams herself into a magical fantasy land where she fights a wicked witch as she tries to escape.
Miss Garland's brief comments on this film: I've always taken 'The Wizard of Oz' very seriously, you know. I believe in the idea of the rainbow. And I've spent my entire life trying to get over it.
Below is the cast, with their roles that they portrayed:
** Miss Judy Garland ~ Dorothy Gale
** Frank Morgan ~ Professor Marvel / The Gatekeeper / The Carriage Driver / The Guard Who Cries / The Wizard of Oz / The Wizard of Oz Video-Image
** Ray Bolger ~ Hunk / The Scarecrow
** Bert Lahr ~ Zeke / The Cowardly Lion
** Jack Haley ~ Hickory / The Tin Man
** Billie Burke ~ Glinda The Witch of the North
** Margaret Hamilton ~ Miss Elmira Gulch / The Wicked Witch of the West / The Wicked Witch of the East
** Charley Grapewin ~ Uncle Henry
** Clara Blandick ~ Auntie Em
** Terry the Terrier (known as prior to the film) & Toto (known as after the film) ~ Toto
** The Leo Singer Midgets ~ The adorable, lovable Munchkins
** Pat Walshe ~ Nikko (the little monkey)
My very first memory of "The Wizard of Oz" is being at my grandparents' house watching it on Channel 2; back in the day when they used to show it once a year. And I was almost scared, but not really during the parts with the flying monkeys. There was so much mystery and almost chemistry and spark throughout the entire film.
As you know, when this motion picture first came out it was a success but certainly not a huge hit. In 1939 the top grossing films were of course "Gone With the Wind" and "The Women." Perhaps it's no coincidence that all of these Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer classic feature films all had stunning color.
I also love this movie because it totally turned me on to Judy Garland. She was so talented and beautiful and almost larger-than-life in "The Wizard of Oz." IMHO she truly is one of the greatest entertainers ever. I love how she, as Dorothy Gale was able to turn on her emotions so easily. Dorothy emoted all over the place and ran the gamut of somber, sweet and even a touch on the dramatic. I love when she screams to the witch, Miss Gultch (played by the perfect Margaret Hamilton) "I'll bite you myself." This viewer wholeheartedly thinks that she was prepared to do it, too.
You know, as a kid watching this movie I never realized that Judy was actually a child, too. She always appeared like a grown person to me. Now when I watch the movie she looks like such a little girl. And that's another fun thing about "The Wizard of Oz." Because you can watch it and experience both new and old emotions watching something that feels both familiar and brand-new.
It took me years and years to grasp that "The Wizard of Oz" was all just an illusion. I must have been maybe 7 or 8 and my mom purchased one of those horrid video-cassettes for me. And at the end of it, my aunt comes in and announces to anyone who would listen, "this movie was all just a dream, you know." I don't know why, but I got so angry when she said that. I wanted to punch her in the nose because it made the movie seem less important and it made me feel like my thoughts and admiration towards this beloved classic were compromised. But she was totally correct.
It's almost hard to remember that "The Wizard of Oz" is in essence a musical. It captures the viewer and takes them on a journey and throughout that journey the audience doesn't ever lose sight of the fact that this is a tale of great hope and a new beginning. I absolutely love all of the songs in this movie. Of course my favorite is Judy's signature "Over the Rainbow." And, I also adore "Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead." And, with lyrics like "Ding Dong! The Witch is dead. Which old Witch? The Wicked Witch," is it any wonder that all kids love this song (and probably some adults, too.)
Besides Judy Garland, the entire cast, including her supporting cast was out of this world. Glinda (the indomitable Billie Burke) uttered my favorite line: only bad witches are ugly. OMG, can it get better than that? I love Billie Burke in so many other movies. She was always such a great character actress, but in this classic she's more than that. Glinda is such a theatrical person who is also overpowering and memorable.
Clara Blandick (Auntie Em) and Charley Grapewin (Uncle Henry) were both flawless and absolute. Uncle Henry was so funny, too. Auntie Em has carved out such a place in pop-culture. I love when she almost tells Gultch off, "but being a Christian woman I can't" and then runs to Dorothy's bedside. It's totally something my old granny would have done. Everyone loves Auntie Em because just about everyone has a grandmother or a beloved relative like her.
The Great Frank Morgan as Professor Marvel and the title character, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was perfectly cast. He captured all of those special emotions and was so believable. I also really liked him as the Guard (it was so funny watching him cry like a baby.) Rounding out the cast are Dorothy's 3 special friends: The Scarecrow (Ray Bolger,) the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr) and the Tinman (Jack Haley.) It's difficult to say who is my favorite out of Dorothy's friends in Oz. One of the best scenes is when the Cowardly Lion tries to attack Toto and Dorothy gives him a nice smack! There were so many more memorable scenes with Dorothy and her Oz companions. I think Dorothy's favorite was the Scarecrow. Wasn't he such a sweet guy, such a loveable loser. And, Dorothy didn't care that he was as dumb as dirt. It didn't matter to her because here was a friend that she just met who loved her and made her feel special just the way she was.
All of the Munchkins were so perplexing and downright delicious. If you looked closely, you could see that these tiny people each had a very unique and diverse personality. I really enjoyed their singing and dancing and how they all welcomed Dorothy to Munchkinland after her house dropped on the Wicked Witch of the East. (This also included some of the best singing and dancing numbers of the entire film.) But I think, even more than that, they were in this story to convey the special meaning of compassion and approval because even though they were different they all still had such a zest for life. According to published reports, there are only 7 surviving cast members of "The Wizard of Oz:" Mickey Carroll, Ruth Duccini, Jerry Maren, Margaret Pellegrini, Meinhardt Raabe, Karl Slover and Clarence Swensen. And, perhaps it's no coincide that they were all Munchkins.
Miss Gultch. She was one scary witch. As the Wicked Witch of the West she was more, I think, indignant. At least to me, she came off as very power-hungry and when none of her little tricks managed to pay off she would turn violent. IMHO there isn't any other movie villain in the entire history of motion pictures who is as identifiable as the roles the late Margaret Hamilton played in this.
Dorothy Gale. Everything always starts and ends with Dorothy, right? "The Wizard of Oz" is really her story. Wouldn't you say? And, perhaps that's why the movie is so loved and so attached to Miss Garland; because it's just as much Judy's story as it is Dorothy Gale's story. Think about it. A young girl who was otherwise shunned by the people closest to her. And there's really nothing worse than that. To be discarded by your own kind is one of life's cruelest jokes. Because we all have a natural desire to be loved and accepted. It's only those people (like the Witch) who are the odd ones because they do not know how to love or be loved; not the Dorothy's of this world.
But Dorothy found solace. My favorite part of the movie has always been when Dorothy first landed in Oz. As she stands in her Kansas doorframe, she's standing at the exact cusp of approbation and freedom. And, as she comes out the screen turns to color! So dramatic. It's when Dorothy finally is accepted by the freaks and geeks of society, who the world has otherwise thrown away does she learn that she holds the key to her own happiness.
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barry
Pure magic in an amazing box set
Kundenrezension aus den USA 🇺🇸 am 16. Oktober 2009