The Wizard of Oz

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Wizard of Oz" brings this timeless classic into the modern era with a stunning visual update that truly does justice to the original Technicolor wonder. Utilizing an 8K 16-bit scan of the original Technicolor camera negative, the image presented in a native 3840 x 2160p resolution maintains the film's original 1.37:1 aspect ratio. This meticulous transfer enhances every detail, from the textured burlap of the Scarecrow’s face to the sparkling ruby slippers, imbued with new life through HDR color grading techniques including Dolby Vision and HDR10+, ensuring that colors explode with vibrant intensity without ever feeling artificial or over-processed.

The depth and clarity achieved in this transfer are exceptional, offering a level of detail that retains the film’s handcrafted quality while embracing its cinematic heritage. With 10-bit video depth, a Wide Color Gamut (WCG), and encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec, viewers are treated to a visual feast that showcases the film’s iconic hues with newfound richness and subtlety. Black levels are profound, enhancing image depth without losing detail in shadows, ensuring that even the darkest scenes are rendered with clarity, adding to the film's atmospheric essence. The organic grain structure is preserved, maintaining the filmic look amidst this high level of clarity and detail.

Warner Bros.' commitment to fidelity is evident, as the restoration balances technological advancement with a respect for the film’s original aesthetic. The resulting image is devoid of compression issues, artifacts, or artificial enhancement, allowing the film's original beauty and groundbreaking visual style to shine through. This release not only sets a new standard for catalog titles in 4K but ensures that "The Wizard of Oz" can be experienced by new generations in the best possible quality, making it clear that no film, regardless of age, has ever looked better on a home screen.

The audio presentation of "The Wizard of Oz" in its 4K UHD Blu-ray iteration boasts a meticulously remastered English 5.1 DTS-HD MA track that expertly marries the vintage charm of the original mono recordings with the dynamic expansiveness of modern surround sound. Dialogue emerges with clarity and a strikingly natural timbre, primarily anchored in the front channels but engaging the surrounds when atmospheric depth or directional cues enhance the narrative immersion. A noteworthy utilization of the surround field comes through in the musical numbers, especially those involving larger ensembles, where the layering of sound adds a delightful richness without overwhelming the sonic landscape. Bass support, while inherently constrained by the age and nature of the source material, is aptly boosted in moments demanding greater impact, such as the iconic tornado sequence, ensuring these key scenes maintain their dramatic intensity.

Subtle enhancements peppered throughout—such as heightened clarity in background animal noises and refined balance in environmental effects—serve not merely as technical achievements but as faithful enhancements to the audio narrative. The mix demonstrates restraint and respect for the source, avoiding unnecessary bombast in favor of preserving the original’s auditory essence. This approach yields a soundstage that is both wider and more immersive, drawing listeners into the technicolor world of Oz with greater emotional resonance. Notably, though, this release sidesteps an opportunity by omitting the original mono track, a decision that, while likely pragmatic from a production standpoint, may disappoint purists longing for the utmost in authenticity.

This 4K UHD audio mix strikes a commendable balance between honoring the historic roots of “The Wizard of Oz” and leveraging contemporary audio technology to enrich and elevate the viewer’s experience. The technical prowess on display ensures that iconic moments—from the roar of the twister to the melodic purity of “Over the Rainbow”—are conveyed with a warmth, clarity, and vibrancy that breathes new life into this enduring classic. While some debates around format choices and omissions persist, the overall execution stands as a testament to the care and dedication involved in bringing this timeless film into the realm of ultrahigh definition.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Wizard of Oz" presents an essential collection of extras that will delight both newcomers and seasoned fans of the classic film. With an identical suite of special features on both the 4K UHD and Blu-ray discs, it includes fascinating audio commentaries by Judy Garland/Oz historian John Fricke alongside archival interviews with cast members, providing deep insights into the making and legacy of the movie. Noteworthy documentaries like the well-worn 1990 CBS Special “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The Making of a Movie Classic” hosted by Angela Lansbury and the comprehensive 2013's "The Making of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" offer extensive behind-the-scenes looks at the film's production history, technical secrets, and cultural impact. Other highlights include the detailed actor profiles in “We Haven’t Really Met Properly…”, numerous radio promos showcasing the film's music and interviews with the cast, and a vast array of stills galleries that chronicle the film's journey from pre-production to its iconic status in American culture. This release skillfully compiles nearly all fantastic extras from previous editions, though it lacks new special features, making it a treasure trove for those who do not already own the exhaustive sets from the 70th and 75th anniversaries.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful track featuring John Fricke with seasoned cast and crew members.
• The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The Making of a Movie Classic: A captivating 1990 documentary hosted by Angela Lansbury.
• The Making of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: In-depth 2013 documentary exploring the film’s influence on American culture.
• The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Storybook: Angela Lansbury narrates Baum’s original story in this brief but enchanting feature.
• We Haven't Really Met Properly: Mini-documentaries introducing the film’s actors.
• Music & Effects Track: Showcasing the film's impressive score and sound effects.
• Original Mono Track: Lets viewers experience the audio in its initial form.
• Sing Along Tracks: Karaoke style feature for movie songs.
• Audio Jukebox: Collection of alternate takes, rehearsals, and unreleased songs.
• Leo is on the Air Radio Promo: Extended promotional radio piece for the film.
• Good News of 1939 Radio Show: An hour-long show featuring interviews with the cast.
• 12/25/1950 Lux Radio Broadcast: A special Christmas radio adaptation starring Judy Garland.
• Stills Galleries: An extensive compilation of photos and promotional materials across various themes.
• Trailers: Includes several trailers spanning decades from the film's release.

In celebrating its 80th anniversary, "The Wizard of Oz" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray stands not just as a testament to the enduring legacy of this cinematic treasure but also showcases the pinnacle of current home video technology. Utilizing an 8K 16-bit scan of the original Technicolor camera negative, this release breathes new life into the vibrant, fantastical world of Oz, presenting details and colors with unprecedented clarity and depth. The meticulous restoration honors the visionary work of director Victor Fleming and the innovative spirit of MGM’s technical crew, who, despite the film industry's nascent stage, achieved such a complex, captivating production. Enhanced by DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, the iconic songs and score are more immersive than ever, enveloping viewers in the film’s enchanting audio landscape.

At heart, "The Wizard of Oz" is a story of discovery, friendship, and the quest for home, qualities that have cemented its place in the pantheon of American cinema. Judy Garland's Dorothy remains a beacon of sincerity and courage in a realm of whimsy and danger, supported by unforgettable performances from Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, and Margaret Hamilton. The seamless blending of heartfelt storytelling with groundbreaking special effects continues to fascinate audiences, proving that the film's magic transcends temporal boundaries. Even beyond its spectacular visual and audio upgrades, this 4K UHD release underscores the film’s thematic resonance — emphasizing notions of bravery, intelligence, heart, and the intrinsic value of home.

Warner Home Video's commitment to preserving this "national treasure" is evident in every frame of this edition. As technology advances, each new release of "The Wizard of Oz" enables older generations to relive their cherished memories while introducing new fans to its timeless charm. Despite the evolution of cinema and home entertainment, the movie remains a culturally unifying force, beloved across generations, languages, and cultures. This 4K UHD rendition not only honors the technical achievements and artistic ambitions behind the film but also reinvigorates its message for today's audience, ensuring that Dorothy's journey to Oz will continue to inspire wonder and joy for generations to come.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment breathes new life into a cinematic cornerstone with their 4K UHD release of "The Wizard of Oz," a film that continues to captivate audiences with its timeless charm and whimsical adventure nearly a century after its initial release. This set distinguishes itself with a painstakingly restored native 4K picture, showcasing vivid, well-defined colors, deep blacks, and a natural film-like texture that ranks among the best in the format. Additionally, the DTS-HD MA audio track delivers an immersive experience, with clear dialogue, well-separated sounds, and a dynamic use of the surround environment. Although some extras from previous editions are missing and no new content has been added, the collection still comprises a comprehensive compilation of knowledge about this iconic motion picture.

Released as part of the Warner Bros. 100th Anniversary Studio Collection and as a standalone 4K UHD Blu-ray from 16th October 2023, this version becomes an instant highlight within a set that celebrates ten classic films across different eras. The packaging and added memorabilia underscore the significance of "The Wizard of Oz" not just as a film but as an artifact of cultural history. Despite some noted drawbacks like the absence of the original mono track and the complete array of collector's edition extras, the visual restoration alone validates this release as essential for both seasoned aficionados and newcomers to Oz's magic.

In conclusion, Warner Bros.' 4K Ultra HD portrayal of "The Wizard of Oz" emerges as a definitive edition, setting a new benchmark for classic film presentations in the Ultra High Definition domain. Its unprecedented visual and auditory clarity confirms it as a must-have for any collector or cinephile's library, establishing a new standard for how beloved classics should be experienced in the modern era. Whether revisiting Oz or discovering it for the first time, viewers are guaranteed an enchanting journey over the rainbow that is brighter, more colorful, and more engaging than ever before.