Director: Victor Fleming
Cast: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Billie Burke, Margaret Hamilton
Certificate: U
Running Time: 102 minutes
Synopsis: A twister takes the unsettled Dorothy on a journey to the magical land of Oz where she must destroy an evil witch, help a scarecrow find a brain, a tin man a heart, and a cowardly lion some courage, as well as getting back to Kansas.
When the classics of 1939 start getting 3D IMAX releases we have to ask whether they can truly stand their ground on such formats, or if this is just a shameless cash grab for a 75th anniversary. Thankfully, and amazingly, THE WIZARD OF OZ seems as though it was made for both the 3D and IMAX cinemas. 3D and IMAX can certainly feel gimmicky at times, even with modern releases, but here it represents the incredible world of Oz on such a gigantic scale that every scene, and every shot, feels new with extra details to explore.
As for the 3D, the effects are eye popping. Retrofitted 3D has come a long way, and seeing classic scenes such the twister tearing up the house, the flying monkey attacks, and so forth, really do deserve to pop right out into the screen. Also helping the transfer is the beautiful matte paintings as backgrounds. This, coupled with the 3D, makes for a fully immersive pop-up book experience. It can’t all be perfect though, and with the gigantic size of the screen and the 3D, it is very easy to spot some of makeup’s shortcomings and wobbly sets. In a way though, this just adds to the classic charm, and it certainly won’t be noticed by the majority of the crowds.
The story remains as classic as it ever was. Seeing the protagonists in search of such simple things, and knowing fully well they’ve possessed such attributes all along, is still a delight to see. Although Dorothy is inescapably whiny at points, with a scream that perhaps was never quite meant for the incredible sound of today, she still has wonderful chemistry with her trio of bizarre companions, each of whom has impeccable comic timing which still holds up today. It was a joy to hear children still laughing at their wonderful actions and facial expressions.
The songs are also presented in the best possible way. Every single one is catchy with enjoyably daft lyrics and even sillier dance routines. They break up the scenes nicely and add a pleasant pace, without ever overstaying their welcome. Whoever would have thought that even the simplest of tunes in the form of the ‘The Winkie Chant’ could still be instantly recognisable?
THE WIZARD OF OZ is everything it has always been and more. This is still one of the most magical movie experiences and in 3D (a format I’m usually against), on the biggest of screens, this feels as fresh as ever, a truly fantastic experience that inspires the imagination.
[usr=5] THE WIZARD OF OZ is released in 3D IMAX cinemas, you can book here for London and head here for the rest of the UK. .
