The Wizard of Oz
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Score: 91
from 7 reviewers
Review Date:
The Wizard of Oz's 4K UHD release by Warner dazzles with stunning visuals and legacy extras, a must-own classic rejuvenated.
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Video: 95
The Wizard of Oz's 4K UHD release masterfully enhances its timeless beauty, preserving original details with HDR, showcasing vibrant colors and deep blacks, offering an unparalleled visual feast from the 1939 classic.
Audio: 87
The DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio mix enhances The Wizard of Oz with clear dialogue, rich music, and effective surround sound, keeping faithful to the original while modestly modernizing the experience.
Extra: 90
The Wizard of Oz 80th Anniversary Edition features extensive extras, including commentary, documentaries, a storybook, profiles, stills, and radio shows, preserving the film's legacy and enchanting history.
Movie: 94
The Wizard of Oz endures as a magical cinematic triumph, celebrated for its innovative effects, timeless music, and the universal appeal of home, courage, and friendship.
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Video: 95
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.
Audio: 87
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.
Extra: 90
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.
Movie: 94
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.
Total: 91
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.
avforums review by Simon CrustRead review here
Video: 100
Audio: 80
A Space Odyssey, The Shining and Unforgiven, The Wizard of Oz has a picture that is gloriously bright, detailed, colourful and film-like, putting all previous releases in the shade....
A decent enough track While it is, of course, the songs that make the best use of the surround field, with ‘crowd songs’ being best of all....
Extra: 80
Movie: 90
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The Making of a Movie Classic – A 50th anniversary TV documentary, hosted by Angela Lansbury, runs at 50 minutes and covers most of the bases....
Many have postulated, much like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, that it is, in fact, a horror film in disguise as a children’s fantasy, and when you see Margret Hamilton’s magnificent turn as the Wicked Witch...
Total: 90
The Wizard of Oz is a timeless classic As a 4K UHD, this set from Warner is pretty good, the native 4K picture is simply stunning – a bright, well detailed image with stunning colouring, strong blacks...
Blu-ray.com review by Randy Miller IIIRead review here
Video: 100
Audio: 80
The production design's vivid color palettes are a close second, appearing bright and vivid without venturing into cartoonish territory; this is clearly thanks to a strong but tasteful use of HDR color...
This is a slightly disturbing trend in my opinion, but one that likely arises from simple laziness rather than a case of purposeful revisionism: a lossless mono track takes up such a small portion of disc...
Extra: 80
Movie: 100
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The Making of a Movie Classic - This charmingly dated 1990 CBS TV documentary (which celebrated the film's 50th anniversary) is hosted by Angela Lansbury; as mentioned earlier,...
That's doubtful, but this new two-disc package easily stands tall as the most impressive edition of The Wizard of Oz to date; perhaps not size-wise or even in the way of extras...but from a purely technical...
Total: 80
It's arguably the format's most visually stunning release to date, a true top-tier effort that richly captures the appearance of its Technicolor negative in new and exciting ways....
The Digital Bits review by Bill HuntRead review here
Video: 100
Audio: 85
Again, the HDR grade is subtle—it’s just enough to give image a luminous appearance without crossing the line....
It’s a fine remix that retains the soundtrack’s original mono character, with only very subtle and atmospheric use of the surrounds—for example during the tornado scene and for music when Dorothy first...
Extra: 95
Movie: 95
The Blu-ray version is the same one created in 2009, which again means it’s mastered from an 8K restoration (just not the new one)....
Based on the popular 1900 children’s book by L. Frank Baum, Victor Fleming’s The Wizard of Oz tells the story of Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland), a young Kansas farm girl who runs away from home one day and...
Total: 94
Every fan of The Wizard of Oz deserves to see it looking this good… and every self-respecting cinephile who’s made the transition to 4K owes it to themselves to add this disc to their collection....
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 100
Audio: 100
It always did, but here density improves by a factor of 10.Things like flesh tones stick out on Garland or the powdered cheeks of Oz....
Borrowing the TrueHD tack from the Blu-ray, Wizard of Oz remains a testament to what great sources and careful restoration can do....
Extra: 60
Movie: 100
Angela Lansbury reads Baum’s original story over on the Blu-ray, nine actor profiles look into the lives of the film’s stars, three radio promos are preserved, a sing-a-long/jukebox are offered in tandem,...
Wizard of Oz doesn’t appear to carry any philosophical might, yet the depiction of false leaders and why they seek to rule does poke at human nature....
Total: 90
Wizard of Oz released days before World War II’s start, a last minute call to come together and defeat your own doubts....
High-Def Digest review by David KraussRead review here
Video: 100
Audio: 90
Add to that an array of beautifully textured costume fabrics, dense patterns that are sharp and remain rock solid, and the sepia-toned Kansas scenes that brim with a rich, immersive earthiness, and you've...
Over the years, Warner technicians have done yeoman's work sprucing up the sound, and the result is a robust, nicely nuanced effort that perfectly complements the glorious visuals....
Extra: 100
Movie: 100
Stills Galleries (SD) – A whopping 18 galleries include a multitude of photos, promotional material, sketches, and storyboards relating to a wide range of topics from before the project's inception all...
This treasured motion picture has touched almost every human being on the planet, and thanks to the folks at Warner Home Video and their commitment to preserving and updating director Victor Fleming's...
Total: 100
A dazzling sensory spectacle from the first frame to the last, this UHD edition of The Wizard of Oz exceeds expectations and is now the gold standard against which all future UHD classic film transfers...
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 100
Audio: 86
and I am absolutely thrilled with the job that Warner Home Video has done in bringing it to Ultra HD Blu-ray in this latest offering that includes remastered video derived from a new 8K 16bit scan of the...
Extra: 90
Movie: 100
We Haven't Really Met Properly: "Terry" • Music & Effects Track • Original Mono Track • Sing Along Tracks • Audio Jukebox •...
Accompanied by a brainless Scarecrow, a heartless Tin Man and a Cowardly Lion, Dorothy and her little dog, Toto, follow the Yellow Brick Road seeking the Wizard of Oz, in order that he may grant her wish...
Total: 94
Celebrating its 80th anniversary, it comes to Ultra HD Blu-ray in this Comb Pack from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment featuring newly restored video quality that befits its status, complimentary lossless...
Why So Blu?Read review here
Video: 100
Audio: 90
Depth: Depth of field is absolutely terrific here in the transfer, and you can see how it easily lent itself to a 3D Blu-ray a few years back....
Mono Dolby Digital, Czech Mono Dolby Digital, Hungarian Mono Dolby Digital, Russian Mono Dolby Digital, Arabic Mono Dolby DigitalSubtitles: English SDH, French, German SDH, Spanish (Castilian), Dutch,...
Extra: 100
Movie: 100
(SD, 51:38) – Hosted by Angela Lansbury, this provides a pretty definitive retrospective look back at making the movie, with plenty of interesting tid bits and factoids....
When I say its the ultimate film, its such because everything is done in such a cinematic way....
Total: 100
This new look for the film is well worth the price tag, as this film should always be seen in its best appearance possible....
Director: Victor Fleming, King Vidor
Actors: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger
PlotA young girl from Kansas, dreaming of a place "somewhere over the rainbow" where her troubles are far away, finds her life turned upside down when a tornado whirls her away to a magical land. Upon arrival, her house inadvertently crushes a wicked witch, making her an instant heroine to the Munchkins who inhabit this vibrant realm. She inherits a pair of magical slippers and desires to return to Kansas. To do so, she must seek help from the enigmatic Wizard in the Emerald City. Guided by the Good Witch of the North and with Toto, her dog, in tow, she sets out on a yellow brick road that leads to the city.
Along the journey, she befriends a scarecrow in search of a brain, a tin man longing for a heart, and a cowardly lion who craves courage. Each of them sees the Wizard as the solution to their deepest desires, and so they unite with the young girl in the hopes that he will grant their wishes. Confronted by a series of challenges that test their bravery, brains, and heart, they come to realize that the qualities they seek may have been within them all along. The united front of this unlikely band of travelers solidifies as they face each obstacle, their shared goal of meeting the Wizard driving them forward on the perilous path to the Emerald City.
MoreWriters: Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson, Edgar Allan Woolf
Release Date: 25 Aug 1939
Runtime: 102 min
Rating: G
Country: United States
Language: English