The Wizard of Oz: 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition
Director: Victor Fleming
Is it possible to say “overkill” and “must have” in the same breath?
It is if you’re talking about The Wizard of Oz, the immortal film classic that continues to shine brighter than the yellow brick road — especially in the Blu-ray version, one of several options available for Oz fans.
Is it necessary to have the hours of supplementary material, including two early silent Oz films, repros of archival booklets and press materials and historical backgrounders? No, but it’s a great way to while away a Sunday afternoon or three.
Do Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion (and Toto, too!) look better with their latest digital scrubbing? Yes and no —the film is brighter and more colourful than ever, but you’ll likely notice the grain, especially in the sepia-toned early section.
You really can’t go wrong, especially if you’re thinking of this set as a present for an upcoming event that even the Wicked Witch wouldn’t dare name this early.
The only question is, why is there a “collectible and numbered” wristwatch included? Do time pieces have anything to do with The Wizard of Oz? Isn’t that more Alice in Wonderland?
