Warner Gives The Wizard of Oz the Magic of Blu-ray
By Rachel Cericola
We're off to see the Wizard -- because we're sure he looks really cool in Blu-ray.
That's right; 70 years after
The Wizard of Oz first debuted on the big screen, it's getting an upgrade. Warner Home Video just announced that they are giving the fairytale classic the Blu-ray treatment.
The Wizard of Oz: 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition will hit shelves on September 29.
The upcoming release will feature an entirely remastered version of the film, scanned from the original Technicolor negatives using 8K resolution -- that's over 4 times the max resolution of a Blu-ray, which should make for a pretty sweet transfer. It will also feature a Dolby TrueHD audio track.
The "Ultimate Collector's Edition" will include a whopping four discs. For $84.99 (MSRP), the set will feature 16 hours of extras, including an all-new documentary on director Victor Fleming, an all-new sing-along feature, and the TV movie special
The Dreamer of Oz starring the late John Ritter. Also exclusive to the Blu-ray is the 6-hour documentary
MGM: When the Lion Roars.
Other features include:
- Commentary by Historian John Fricke and Others
- Archival, Making-of and Retrospective Featurettes
- Harold Arlen's Home Movies
- Tornado Tests
- Outtakes and Deleted Scenes
- Extensive Stills and Theatrical Trailer Galleries
- Jukebox of Recording Session Materials, Radio Shows and Promos Off to See the Wizard TV Series Excerpt
- Follow the Yellow Brick Road: The Munchkins' Walk of Fame
- 7 Earlier Short-Subject/Feature-Film Screen Visualizations of Oz
Of course, an "Ultimate Collector's Edition" wouldn't be complete without a few collectibles. Expect the set to include a copy of the original 1939 campaign book, a 70th anniversary Oz wristwatch, a 52-page commemorative book, and a copy of the 1939 film budget.
Where to Buy:
