Must See Movie Monday - The Wizard of OZ

Film: The Wizard of OZ
Released: 1939
Rating: G
Director: Victor Fleming
Staring: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Burt Lahr, Jack Haley
Short Summary: Dorthy Gale is swept away by a cyclone landing her in the land of OZ. Dorthy with the help of a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion set off on a quest to find a Wizard that will help her return home.



Why It's A Must See Movie

Happy Monday! This weeks must see movie is inspired by the newest installment second half of season of Once Upon A Time, which is implementing a story line including the Wicked Witch of the West. Also picking this film gave me an excellent opportunity to finally get around to watching my Blue-ray copy of The Wizard of OZ. I had owned it for something like two years and still hadn't watched it yet. Luckily it works. Yes!

Here's the thing that is awesome. Several of the films made in 1939 will probably be make the Must See list in the future. It just so happens that this was a great time in film. Not only was The Wizard of OZ made in that year, but so were Gone with the Wind and The Red Shoes. All beautiful films that used the beauty of Technicolor to their advantage. In fact a large percentage of what make the Wizard of OZ awesome is it's use brilliant use of color. Not just when Dorthy enters OZ but even before that when her world is captured in a lovely tone of sepia. A nod to the novel which describes the landscape and people of Kansas as a grey existence.

Speaking of the novel. This is actually a good adaptation of the book. The hilarious thing about it is that when you think about it, the film barely maintains anything from the novel. The film however totally tricks you into believing it's exactly like the book, because it still captures the spirit and lessons of the novel. In my opinion it's actually a good thing the film isn't too close to the book even though I like the novel. Firstly because I found the book kind of creepy in places. (Look up how the Tin Man ended up being made of tin if you want an example.) Secondly, I get a musical with great/famous songs in the bargain. Thirdly the movie made the awesome decision to make Dorthy's magical slippers ruby red instead of the silver color they are in the book. I know that the silver shoes are symbolism in the novel. I know that they only changed the color for Technicolor purposes and the fact that silver might clash with the yellow brick road. However, pop culture and little girls' Halloween costumes, would not be the same without those ruby red shoes. Now that I think about it pop culture probably would be the same if they hadn't made The Wicked Witch of The West green in the film either. So many of the images that we think of when we think of The Wizard of OZ come from the movie more than the book.

After watching the movie again after a long while I do have to say that the film does have a sort underlying cheesy melodrama feel to it. Yet, it's in a very endearing theatrical way that evokes a feeling innocence and happy feelings. Watching The Wizard of OZ just simply makes you feel like a kid again. The actors are so animated a vibrant and you can connect with them. Also the visual effects are really good considering it was released the the 30's. All of these are reasons why you should watch this film. However, the main reason to watch it is that if you haven't seen it...well...you must be an alien from another planet. Haha! Just kidding. There's is no shame if you haven't seen it yet.

If you are like me and would like to explore more adaptations relating to OZ you most certainly can. Here are my thoughts on some other adaptations that I've seen and enjoyed. There is the 1985 film Return to OZ staring the young Fairuza Bulk. It's a little more on the creepy side but in an awesome B movie/slightly bad effects/cult classic way. I can also recommend the prequel film OZ the Great and Powerful. This film is an interpretation of the back story of the Wizard, as well as explaining how the Wicked Witch became wicked. The movie that uses elements that pay homage to the 1939 film and book in a lot of places which is fun. Though I admit my favorite part of the movie is how super cute the china doll character is. If you like theater you can of course go see the awesome musical production that is Wicked. The story of the life and times of the Wicked Witch of the West based on the novel of the same title. It is an amazing musical. If you get a chance go see the the stage version of The Wiz. The stage version is has great music and celebrates people of color. However, DO NOT, I repeat do not, EVER watch the film version of The Wiz if you can help it. The movie is so bad and boring! Just don't do it.

Okay I've said all I have to say on The Wizard of OZ and a little bit more. To close out I have also included a music video of Pentatonix and Todrick Hall's The Wizard of Ahhs, because it's awesome. Not only that but it will make your Monday happy. I'll catch you all later. Stay Shiny!