Wizard of Oz

I bought this DVD today because in Woolworths, they were offering it for #5.99 for a DVD or #2.99 for the VHS, with any other purchase. As Im always up for a bargain, I purchased this new addition to my or should I say my sons collection!

Wizard of Oz is based on the book of the same name written by L. Frank Baum and was judged the best family movie of all time. The film has been digitally remastered, ensuring clear viewing and stereo sound with added extras of how it was made!

Everyone knows the heroine of the story, Dorothy, played by the wonderful Judy Garland. Although Judy Garland was the not the first choice for Dorothy, Shirley Temple was not considered right for the part! Judy was plump and had a pretty look without being too beautiful but she could sing and dance and simply beamed. She was perfect for what was needed!

Other names to be seen are Ray Bolger, who played the Scarecrow, Jack Haley as the Tin Man, Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion and finally Frank Morgan who plays five parts in the movie. He is a lovely kind looking gentleman. He played the Wizard, the Cabby, the Doorman, Mr Marvel and the Guard of Emerald City.

Although the film begins in black and white, it encapsulates the viewer with the charming young lady, Dorothy and her little dog Toto. In the early scenes, we hear the classic song, 'Somewhere over the Rainbow' which is beautifully sung. Sat amongst the grey baron fields of Cansas she dreams of colour and flowers and rainbows. After a tornado storm, Dorothy and Toto are propelled into the air and sent to a land far far away!

Her trip to Oz, makes all her dreams come true.
When Dorothy leaves Cansas and enters Munchkin Land, the colours are so exaggerated, because it was the first colour picture made. The colours are vibrant and nothing is left out! It was certainly a breakthrough in film history, although for many years it was viewed in complete black and white!

We are introduced to the Beautiful Good Witch and The Evil Witch of West as well as many of the Munchkins! Dorothy acquires her Ruby slippers which makes her an immediate target for the evil Wicked Witch of the West, who wants them for herself! When I was little I always wanted a pair of Ruby slippers!!!

The Scarecrow, Tinman and Cowardly Lion are the three main accompaniments to Dorothys journey to the great Wizard of Oz, who will help her get home! Following the Yellow Brick Road, they journey on to reach the Emerald City to reach the Mighty Wizard of Oz. The wizard, after sending them all on a wild goose chase, finally admits to being nothing more than mere mortal!

You really believe that Dorothy wants to get home and see her Aunty Em, you feel her fear! 'There's no place like home! There's no place like home!'

With the singalong soundtrack, it is a delight for all ages! Most of the songs do actually have the same tune so they can be picked up quite easily.

The extras on the DVD are:

Behind the Scenes Documentary, hosted by the great Angela Lansbury. We are introduced to all of the chararcters and the producers. We are told of accidents regarding makeup, mistakes, the sheer anguish of filming. Extremely interesting!

There are trailers for the movie as well as out-takes and edited songs and scenes. In one scene, with the Scarecrow, I laughed and laughed, as you can easily see the string attached, as he flies around the screen.! Also, in a scene featuring the Wicked Witch of the West, you can clearly see the trap door in the stage! Never mind, it was a long time ago! I shouldnt be so picky!

The DVD lasts approximately 98 minutes and ensures a peaceful few minutes!! The extras do last a while longer!

Thank you for reading!

Kerry xx