Oz the Great and Powerful

Disney's rendition of "Oz the Great and Powerful" on Blu-ray offers a visually stunning 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation that significantly enhances the viewing experience. Beginning with an interesting narrative choice, the film starts in a boxed 1.33:1 aspect ratio, which then gracefully opens up to 2.40:1, marking a visually symbolic journey from the mundane to the magical world of Oz. This transition is accompanied by a burst of vibrant colors where reds are piercing, yellows dazzling, and blacks beautifully deep, creating an entrancing visual feast. Although minor issues such as shadow crush and occasional noise are noted in darker scenes, they hardly detract from the overall quality. Detail is meticulously preserved across the board, from the edge definition to textures and delineation, effectively enhancing the CG elements and giving even 2D images a three-dimensional feel.

The Blu-ray does an exceptional job at showcasing Oz's fantastical elements through its color grading, with saturated greens, blues, and especially yellows of the iconic brick road. The decision to present the film's beginning in black-and-white before transitioning to color mirrors the original "Wizard of Oz," albeit with a modern twist that maintains depth and detail without resorting to sepia tones or added grain. Despite some facial tones leaning towards orange and the absence of grain to differentiate Kansas from Oz, the presentation respects the source material's integrity, ensuring clarity and a deep contrast that allows for finely textured details and inky blacks without any disturbing artifacts like banding or pixilation.

The superiority of this 2D Blu-ray transfer over its 3D counterpart cannot be overstated. It succeeds in delivering a palpable sense of depth and smooth integration of visual elements, making the fantastical realm of Oz feel more alive and immersive. Background elements maintain an impressive sharpness, from crowded scenes to costume fabrics, further enriching the viewing experience. Disney's effort in rendering this version free from enhancements such as edge sharpening or noise reduction preserves the film's cinematic texture, offering viewers an exceedingly polished yet faithful representation of Oz's enchanting world.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track for "Oz the Great and Powerful" is a testament to Disney's commitment to high-quality, immersive audio experiences, albeit with a slight tilt towards optimizing for smaller listening environments through its Near Field mix. This choice, unusual in its explicit labeling yet negligible in its impact, ensures a broad and inclusive appeal. The soundstage, despite these considerations, remains expansive and uncompressing, displaying no signs of narrowing that would detract from its enveloping nature, even in more expansive home theater settings. Dialogue cuts through with clarity and precision, maintaining its prominence without ever being overshadowed by the dynamic range of effects and music. The track balances the demands of intricate sound effects, from the delicate flutter of wings to the robust roar of a tornado, with an effortless grace that elevates the overall cinematic experience.

Sound effects are rendered with exceptional clarity and depth, utilizing the full range of the surround setup to place viewers in the heart of Oz's fantastical realm. The track excels in its handling of both high-octane sequences and quieter moments, maintaining a cohesive and immersive audio experience throughout. The robust LFE channel adds a palpable sense of weight to the film's more intense moments without overwhelming the subtler sounds that add texture and atmosphere. Danny Elfman's score benefits greatly from the track's wide dynamic range, with its quieter moments presented with as much care as its more bombastic passages, ensuring a rich, full-bodied auditory experience.

In conclusion, this audio presentation serves as a remarkable component of the "Oz the Great and Powerful" Blu-ray, demonstrating a masterful blend of technical prowess and artistic sensitivity. The careful prioritization of dialogue amidst a flurry of sonic elements, along with a well-maintained balance between the highs and lows of the dynamic range, guarantees an audio experience that is as engaging as it is technically impressive. The result is an auditory journey that complements the visual spectacle of the film, reinforcing its fantastical elements while providing a solid foundation that anchors the narrative's more whimsical aspects.

The extra features on the Blu-ray of "Oz the Great and Powerful" serve as a comprehensive and immersive dive into the making and conceptualization of the movie, intertwining technology with classic storytelling to enhance viewers' experience. Among the highlights are Disney's innovative Second Screen experience, which links iPad users to exclusive content, and a rich documentary detailing Disney's historical attempts to bring the Oz narratives to life. James Franco's engaging diary offers a unique behind-the-scenes look, complemented by technical deep dives into character creation and visual effects, notably the realistic animation of China Girl and the prosthetic wizardry behind the Wicked Witch. Danny Elfman's discussion on composing, alongside a playful blooper reel, rounds off the package. However, the absence of a director's commentary by Sam Raimi is felt, considering the depth of content provided.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Magic of Oz the Great and Powerful (HD): Disney's Second Screen experience for iPad users.
• Walt Disney and the Road to Oz (HD): Documentary on Disney’s history with Oz.
• My Journey in Oz, by James Franco (HD): A production documentary hosted by James Franco.
• China Girl and the Suspension of Disbelief (HD): The animation process of China Girl.
• Before Your Very Eyes: From Kansas to Oz (HD): On creating the world of Oz.
• Metamorphosis (HD): Bringing the Wicked Witch to life through makeup.
• Mr. Elfman's Musical Concoctions (HD): On composing the film's score.
• Bloopers (HD): Cast bloopers and gag reel.

Oz the Great and Powerful," directed by Sam Raimi, dives into the origins of the famed wizard from L. Frank Baum’s cherished universe, preceding the events of the legendary "Wizard of Oz." This Disney prequel sets out with ambition, backed by an evident high budget, envisioning a colorful yet darker iteration of Oz. The film commences in Kansas, 1905, where we meet Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time magician with grand dreams. Transported to the magical Land of Oz during a tumultuous tornado, Diggs encounters a world brimming with expectation and prophecy, alongside such characters as Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz), Glinda (Michelle Williams), and a host of CGI-created companions including Finley (Zach Braff) and China Girl (Joey King). While the premise aims high and the visual spectacle is undeniable, there's an overwhelming consensus that the film struggles to capture the heart and depth of its predecessor. Critics and audiences alike found the reliance on CGI and high-tech visual effects to detract from the story's emotional core, resulting in a presentation that felt more enchanting to the eyes than to the heart.

Despite these criticisms, there are elements within "Oz the Great and Powerful" that stand out. The performances, particularly from Weisz and, at times, Franco, add layers to the narrative, even as other cast members falter under less convincing material. Raimi's direction showcases his ability to craft visually stunning set pieces and moments of genuine charm. Unfortunately, these aspects are often overshadowed by a script that struggles with tone consistency and character development. The dialogue lacks the wit and insight expected from a film bearing the Oz moniker, leaving much of its potential whimsy and intrigue unexplored.

In sum, "Oz the Great and Powerful" offers a mixed bag. While it succeeds on a visual level, capturing the fantastical elements of Oz with modern filmmaking technology, it falls short in delivering the emotional depth and narrative cohesion that made "The Wizard of Oz" an enduring classic. The attempt to blend reverence for the original with modern cinematic techniques results in a film that, although visually appealing, lacks the essential warmth and inventive spirit of its source material. It presents a journey through Oz that is vibrant yet superficial, leaving audiences entertained but ultimately yearning for the soulful magic that has always been at the heart of Oz's allure.

Oz the Great and Powerful" fails to capture the timeless enchantment of "The Wizard of Oz," struggling with its identity amidst comparisons it can never live up to. The film, directed by Sam Raimi, endeavors to serve as a captivating prequel but instead meanders through a narrative that feels more akin to "Alice in Oz" than a meaningful extension of the Oz legacy. Despite solid performances and visually striking effects, the script and overall execution fall short of delivering the magic and whimsy associated with the original. However, when it comes to its Blu-ray presentation, Disney has done an admirable job. The 2D version, in particular, shines with a stunning video transfer that surpasses its 3D counterpart, and a potent DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track enhances the experience, along with a thoughtful collection of supplements housed on the disc.

The film's Blu-ray release stands as a notable redemption, offering a visual and auditory feast that somewhat compensates for the movie's narrative and directorial shortcomings. Viewers are treated to a supremely crafted home viewing experience, with the high-definition transfer showcasing the vibrant and detailed world of Oz in splendid clarity and color depth. The accompanying audio track envelops viewers in the film’s various environments, from the quietest whispers to the roaring might of Oz's fantastical elements.

In conclusion, while "Oz the Great and Powerful" might not fulfill the legacy of its predecessor or carve out a new niche within the storied franchise effectively, its Blu-ray release ensures that fans and newcomers alike can appreciate the effort put into its production values. The superior quality of the 2D Blu-ray, along with its comprehensive extras, make this a worthwhile consideration for enthusiasts keen to explore every facet of this ambitious, though flawed, cinematic journey into the land of Oz.