Oz the Great and Powerful Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Oz the Great and Powerful" is a captivating showcase of high-definition excellence. Rich, delineated primary colors and vibrantly lush pastels dominate the screen, rendering the film's digitally crafted images with mesmerizing quality. The video quality is remarkably clear and three-dimensional, with objects and landscapes displaying exquisite detail and a sparkling clarity that enhances the visual experience. Contrast levels are finely tuned, delivering deep blacks and excellent shadow detail without compromising on delineation. Flesh tones appear diverse and subtly structured, contributing to the sophisticated visual design that seamlessly blends real imagery with CGI to evoke the film’s spirit and emotion.

The 3D Blu-ray edition elevates the experience with a technically proficient transfer that expands from a 1.33:1 Kansas circus to the 2.40:1 wonders of Oz, immersing viewers in a rich palette of colors and crisp textures. The slight dimness due to 3D glasses actually adds a filmic quality, effectively masking CG-practical seams. Outstanding depth and dimensionality make Oz feel grand and magical, with aggressive 3D elements providing visual punch without significant ghosting or aliasing issues. However, some inconsistencies emerge during fast movements and long shots, where artifacts like jagged edges and digital noise occasionally detract from the overall enjoyment. Despite these minor issues, the 3D presentation excels in enveloping viewers in its fantastical world.

While the 2D version offers a sleeker, smoother visual experience with brighter, bolder colors and better cohesion in background details, the 3D version still stands out for its depth effects and immersive potential. Black levels remain rich, and contrast is well-balanced, though fleshtones sometimes veer toward an artificial orange hue. The black-and-white opening sequences in 1.33:1 aspect ratio transition effectively to color, although lacking the iconic wow factor of the original "Wizard of Oz." Overall, this Blu-ray video presentation combines stunning high definition with a technically adept 3D transfer to create a visually engaging journey into the land of Oz.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Oz the Great and Powerful" is a masterclass in immersive sound design, utilizing a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track to captivate listeners. This reference-quality soundscape offers an expertly detailed and dynamic experience, with multilayered effects that are judiciously placed within the soundfield, resulting in a clearly definable yet non-overstated auditory environment. The front and rear sound fields integrate seamlessly, providing a fluid transition of sounds traveling through the room. Dialogue clarity is impeccable, showcasing excellent focus, descriptive intonation, and crystal-clear articulation that keeps conversations easily comprehensible amidst the film's dynamic range.

Additionally, this audio track boasts an energetic and enveloping quality, although it is optimized for smaller listening environments through a single Near Field mix. While this optimization raises questions, it impacts a minimal number of listeners. The soundstage remains broad and engaging, loaded with transparent rear speaker activity and directional cues that create an immersive soundscape. Explosions, flying monkeys, and the tornado sequence, in particular, leverage robust LFE output to deliver impactful and visceral experiences. Danny Elfman's score weaves through the mix seamlessly, with textured nuances during softer moments and bold bursts of fidelity during climactic sequences.

Overall, this track exemplifies Disney's commitment to high-caliber audio craftsmanship for major releases. Each element, from high-end sound effects to dynamic score transitions, contributes to a harmonized whole that enhances the film without detracting from its visual elements. It effectively captures the magical essence of Oz, enriching the cinematic experience with auditory splendor.

The Blu-ray edition of "Oz the Great and Powerful" offers a comprehensive and enriching set of extras that delve deep into the making of this visually stunning film. The Second Screen Experience app enhances immersion by providing an interactive map of Oz and exclusive content about its characters and creatures. James Franco’s "My Journey in Oz" offers personal insights and behind-the-scenes footage, while Danny Elfman’s interview reveals his musical inspirations. Fans will appreciate the detailed looks at character designs, set construction, and special effects, highlighted in features such as "China Girl and the Suspension of Disbelief" and "Before Your Very Eyes: From Kansas to Oz". Although the 3D disc lacks on-disc extras, all supplemental content is accessible through Digital Copy Plus.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Magic of “Oz The Great and Powerful” (Second Screen Experience): Interactive app with secrets and surprises about the world of Oz.
• The Enchanting Characters and Creatures of Oz: Character and creature development from inspiration to final outcome.
• The Sounds of Magical Oz: The sound design process for various elements of the film.
• Sleight of Hand: Zach Braff Puppet Theater: Introduction to the Finley puppet by Zach Braff.
• Mariah Carey Music Video
• Bloopers: Fun moments with the cast.
• My Journey in Oz by James Franco: Personal story and behind-the-scenes footage produced by James Franco.
• Mr. Elfman’s Musical Concoctions: Interview with Danny Elfman on scoring the film.
• China Girl and the Suspension of Disbelief: Bringing China Girl to life through art, puppeteering, and VFX.
• Before Your Very Eyes: From Kansas to Oz: Set design journey with Robert Stromberg.
• Mila’s Metamorphosis: Makeup design and effects for the Wicked Witch.
• Walt Disney and the Road to Oz: Disney's historical connection to the Oz stories.

In "Oz the Great and Powerful", the story revolves around Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time magician whisked away from 1905 Kansas to the vibrant, magical Land of Oz. The film’s narrative focuses on Oscar's reluctant transformation from a dubious con artist into the wizard the land desperately needs. Upon arrival, Oscar meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz), and Glinda (Michelle Williams), each unconvinced of his grandeur. As he navigates through the complex dynamics and challenges of this fantastical realm, Oscar must decipher who is genuinely good or evil, ultimately using his trickery and burgeoning wizarding skills to become both the wizard and a better man.

The film is helmed by Sam Raimi who injects his expertise in practical effects and knack for thrilling sequences into this high-budget prequel. Despite Raimi's credentials, "Oz the Great and Powerful" suffers from an overwhelming reliance on glossy CGI effects that at times overshadow the narrative and emotional depth. The whimsical yet disjointed world crafted by Raimi is more reminiscent of Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" than the timeless charm of the original "Wizard of Oz", resulting in a mixed visual and thematic execution. The 3D presentation, while producing energetic and immersive scenes with carnivorous plants, flying monkeys, and glittering emerald backdrops, often masks the film’s inherent flaws but also highlights its overall lack of cohesion.

The cast performances are uneven, with James Franco’s portrayal of Oscar lacking the gravitas needed for such a central role. While supporting characters like Finley the flying monkey (Zach Braff) and the charming China Girl (Joey King) add moments of levity amidst the film's darker overtones, Mila Kunis' performance falters particularly in the later stages. Rachel Weisz stands out as the sole engaging presence, juxtaposing Michelle Williams’ unremarkable interpretation of Glinda. Despite its ambition and the nostalgic nods to its predecessor, "Oz the Great and Powerful" struggles with its hurried execution and over-abundance of effects, offering viewers sporadic cinematic magic but failing to tap into the rich emotional vein fans might expect.

Disney's "Oz the Great and Powerful" on Blu-ray presents a visually captivating take on an iconic tale, though it doesn't quite achieve the timeless charm of its predecessor, "The Wizard of Oz." Directed by Sam Raimi, the film delivers energetic action aimed primarily at younger audiences. Despite some impressive 3D effects that add a layer of immersive excitement, the intricacies of the script and performances fall short of the high bar set by the original classic. There's a noticeable lack of whimsy and finesse in Raimi's fantasy world, which at times feels more like "Alice in Oz" than a genuine continuation of the beloved universe.

Technically, Disney's Blu-ray release is far more rewarding. The video transfer excels in clarity and color reproduction, making the vibrant visuals truly come to life. The 3D edition enhances this experience further, even if some sequences feel slightly gimmicky. Where the Blu-ray truly shines, however, is in its audio department. Equipped with a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track, it delivers a potent auditory experience that complements the film’s fantasy elements well. One downside is the supplementary material, which is available through Disney's Digital Copy Plus online service, potentially adding an inconvenience for those expecting physical extras.

In conclusion, "Oz the Great and Powerful" may not be the magical prequel some fans hoped for, but its Blu-ray release stands out with stellar audio and video quality. For those who appreciate high-quality AV presentations, this edition offers a compelling reason to add it to their collection. Nonetheless, considering its content and accessibility issues with extras, it might be best suited as a rental for all but the most dedicated Oz enthusiasts.