In conjunction with the 70th Anniversary of the release of the film in 1939, Warner Bros. has digitally restored the timeless classic The Wizard of Oz and screened it in theaters around the country on September 23. Thought of by some as one of the most classic films in the history of cinema, The Wizard of Oz still captivates audiences of all ages with a strange ability to be watched over and over again without losing any of its charm.
Mid-Depression and just prior to World War II, The Wizard of Oz gave a weary American public the ability to escape their troubles in a magical land where all you needed to be happy and successful in this world could be found within yourself — you only needed to discover it.
The restoration of the film was done using a 1939 nitrate print and scanned digitally at 8K resolution. This resolution is higher than any previous attempts could produce. Even enthusiasts who have seen the film more than most will find value in the newly restored print. There is texture and detail that can now be seen in the film that have been hidden by earlier prints.
© Turner Entertainment Company
This is the first national theatrical release for the film since 1955 so naturally this special screening was the first opportunity for much of the American public, myself included, to see the classic on the big screen and enjoy the audience experience along with it. Watching the 70-year-old film in a nearly full theater is a really magical experience. People were laughing a lot and interacting with the film and you could really imagine you were there at the opening in 1939. It’s obvious that The Wizard of Oz will continue to be a part of our lives for many generations to come.
The print shown at the anniversary screening will be released by Warner Home Video on Tuesday, September 29th, on DVD and Blu-ray.