WHV Press Release: The Wizard of Oz 75th Anniversary (Blu-ray 3D)(Blu-ray)(DVD) (1 Viewer)

[Ronald Epstein]

Matt,

I can relate. It's odd how this new 3D version forces you to watch everything
but what you are actually supposed to be focused on.

 

[ahollis]

It's a completely different movie than what I have watched the past 40 years.

 

[bujaki]

Ron,
I may be one of the few HTF members who have never, ever seen The Wizard of Oz on any home system (via broadcast, VHS, Laserdisc, DVD, BD). The first time I saw it I may have been six (1956). My very small home town theater in Puerto Rico was not yet equipped for wide screen projection, so our days were filled with old movies that were lying about in the studio exchanges since the 1930s, and some new product that was protected for 1.37 projection. Of course, I didn't know this at the time.
At any rate, back to Wizard. It was playing that one day. I didn't know anything about it, so armed with my 5 cents, I went to see it in the sweltering heat of the tropics. It began and it had a brownish tint (how odd); I'm so used to black & white films, but this is not "normal." And then, the shift to Technicolor, and my reaction must have been the same feeling of wonder and amazement that 1939 audiences felt. And don't forget, I'm watching an archive print of the darn thing! I just fell in love with it. Left the theater, went home, had dinner, and begged my mother to allow me to go see the evening show (last chance to see it; all films played one day only). She couldn't understand why I would want to see the same film twice in one day, but she relented. So armed with another nickel, I had another magical and unforgettable experience.
Since then, I've seen Wizard at MoMA or repertory theaters, and most recently during the incredible IMAX 3D presentation.
I am so glad that a new generation is able to see details that were always there but obscured by poor video transfers.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Jose,

That is a great story. Thanks for sharing. Enjoyed reading that experience.

 

[Matt Hough]

It's a completely different movie than what I have watched the past 40 years.

I could not agree more. It's a far more immersive experience in 3D than I ever imagined it would be.

 

[moviebuff75]

How about a version in which the audio track is restored to its original version, the digital glitch is gone (it is already gone on the 3D version), and the special effects wires are back. If they are going to erase all seams and exposed effects, then they would destroy the film. They didn't bother us before 2009.

 

[Jari K]

Deal of the day: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CNW9ZOA/

 

[Bob_S.]

I have the 70th ann. boxset. I was planning on just getting the standard 3D/blu disc. Are there any special features that are only included in the 75th boxset and not the 70th or 3D/blu set?

 

[Jari K]

75th AE has a new documentary "The Making of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz" (68 min). However, it doesn't include the "The Making of a Movie Classic (1990)" doc from the 70th AE.I believe the packaging and collectibles differ between 70th and 75th.

 

[AnthonyClarke]

I have heard that Warners is planning, for the 90th Anniversary, a 4-D version. That one will actually take the audience to pre-war Kansas.

 

[TonyD]

I have heard that Warners is planning, for the 90th Anniversary, a 4-D version. That one will actually take the audience to pre-war Kansas.

Day job.......

 

[Jari K]

Well, I have both of the mega box sets now! Take that suckas!(Or perhaps it's me who's the sucker... )

 

[Escapay]

Well, I have both of the mega box sets now! Take that suckas!(Or perhaps it's me who's the sucker... )

You're only a sucker if you have both box sets in addition to the 2005 Collector's Edition, the 1999 Gift Set, the 1997 "Ultimate Oz" laserdisc, the 1989 50th Anniversary VHS, and the 1988 Criterion Collection laserdisc.

 

[Tony Bensley]

For what it's worth, I found a copy of the 1997 DVD with the unaltered audio priced at $13.66 on US Amazon Marketplace: http://www.amazon.com/Wizard-Oz-Judy-Garland/dp/0792833171/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448092916&sr=8-1&keywords=the+wizard+of+oz+1997+dvd

CHEERS!

 

[Tony Bensley]

Though I don't have 3D setup, I've discovered since downloading the free DVDFab Passkey Lite, I can now play the 3D "OZ" Blu-ray (In which the minor video glitches have been fixed!), via VLC Player's 3D - 2D Downconversion capability. MPC-HC will play the 3D Blu-ray, also!


The Moment Glinda, "The Good Witch" Makes Her First Appearance (Downconverted Screenshot From The 3D Blu-ray!):

Is this the bit where the jump frame was on the 2009 Blu-ray? It did play smoothly, here!


CHEERS!

 

[moviebuff75]

No, it is when she is leaving, as the Munchkins run towards her...but you are right!

 

[Tony Bensley]

No, it is when she is leaving, as the Munchkins run towards her...but you are right!

Hi Eric!


Oh, you mean during this bit (3D version Downconverted to 2D by MPC-HC):

These two screenshots capture Glinda's exit from Munchkinland, just as the Munchkins come into view, and just before the Bubble disappears. Yes, this bit, which occurs at right around the 32 ½ minute mark, also plays smoothly without any jump frames on this 3D version!


Incidentally, the MPC-HC displayed running time for the 3D version of this Feature is 1:41:45.


CHEERS!


Tony


UPDATE: I just checked my HD version of THE WIZARD OF OZ on Flixster, and to be honest, the above sequence appears to play smoothly on that one, as well!


Perhaps, it is only on the 2D Blu-ray that the jump frame is present? I'll be checking this later!

 

[TonyD]

I recorded that 6 years ago so.
Hard to see the glitch but it's in there.

 

[Tony Bensley]

I recorded that 6 years ago so.
Hard to see the glitch but it's in there.

Hi Tony!


Your video demonstration shows how tricky the glitch is to spot even in slow motion, let alone when playing at the proper speed!


While it's great that this was fixed, albeit only for the 3D version, in my opinion, the audio issues caused by the revamped 1998 audio alterations/modifications are more glaring! I'll even go so far as to state these never should have been done to begin with, regardless of the original intent that it not be used as the goto track for Home video issue! We know all too well what happened with intent, in this case!


CHEERS!


Tony

 

[moviebuff75]

This may be our last chance to get the audio corrected for a future release. People need to let WB know that they are still using the wrong track.