Caffeinated Clint
“One of the best films of all time” – Clint Morris
Richard Thorpe, King Vidor, Victor Fleming, Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Billie Burke, Margaret Hamilton
Rehashing the plot of “The Wizard of Oz” would be like reading the curriculum for Year 12 through a speakerphone at the town centre. We’ve all been there, so why bother?
Still, for the intents and purposes of this review, we’ll kindly donate a paragraph of synopsis : A little brunette (Judy Garland) is swept away in a Twister and is plonked in a magical land called Oz. With the help of some Munchkins and a good witch, she’s pointed in the direction of the almighty ‘Wizard of Oz’ – who can help her get back to Kansas.
To claim “The Wizard Of Oz” as one of the best films of all time would also be non-news. We all know it’s a gem. A big fat sparkly one. The music, the characters, the script, the heart of it all…..just try remaking this baby and capturing the same amount of magic in a bottle. Try.
This newly released 2-Disc ‘Special edition’ (there’s also a 3-disc version available too), is a vast improvement over the last materialization of the DVD, released in 1999. The film and sound are yards ahead of the last release. The extras? Cooler than a frozen banana. On Disc 1, there’s a bit about the restoration process, and a lovely commentary by John Fricke and cast. Over on Disc 2, it’s bonus, bonus, bonus and bonus – a vintage TV special, a newer (2001) special on the film, featurettes on – the art of the film, the legacy, the special effects (ha!), deleted scenes (probably the favourite), Harold Arlen’s home movies , trailers, radio promos, and some old newsreel footage. Plenty of stuff.
Rating : 
Reviewer : Clint Morris
