When "The Wizard of Oz" first hit theaters in August 1939, flying monkeys were the least of America's worries.

The Depression, already almost a decade long, continued to grind away, and Germany stood on the verge of invading Poland, igniting a global conflagration that would envelop the United States just two years later.

Moviegoers needed escape. And along came Judy Garland's Dorothy Gale, a Kansas farm girl whose ruby slippers stepped out of the dreary present and into a Technicolor future, a magical Oz populated by talking scarecrows, Munchkins, bubble-riding witches and a con man of a wizard who showed that all we ever needed was within ourselves.

Seventy years after its first screening, "The Wizard of Oz" is headed back to theaters nationwide Sept. 23 for one night as Warner Bros. unveils a technologically updated and improved version ahead of its release on Blu-ray Hi-Def.

"A film like this, which is so unlike any other motion picture and so beloved by the public all over the world, it deserves to be seen in the best possible light," said George Feltenstein, senior vice president of WB's theatrical catalog marketing.

For many fans, the Sept. 23 showing will be the first chance they've had to see "The Wizard of Oz" on the big screen since its last national theatrical release in 1955. And even frequent viewers will be in for a surprise, Feltenstein said, as the new version, digitally sharpened and brightened, provides textures and details that were invisible in past prints.

"I've seen it so many times on television but when I saw (the new version) it was like seeing a brand new film," said Robert Osborne, film historian and host of Turner Classic Movies, who will introduce the film before its showing.

Click HERE for a list of participating theaters.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kennywood,

Toto i think we are going to make some more money...again.

Away from the cynisism of the hollywood machine i guess there will be a lot of people who will get pleasure from this so it will be good for them.

quote:

Originally posted by wolfie:
Toto i think we are going to make some more money...again.

Away from the cynisism of the hollywood machine i guess there will be a lot of people who will get pleasure from this so it will be good for them.

How can you scoff at a one-day re-release?

Sure they'll make some money, and why shouldn't they? I guaranted there will be many fans happy to throw their money at WB for a chance to see a movie they love on the big screen. Its nothing like watching it at home, even if you've seen a film a thousand times before.

I know I wasn't lamenting MGM making a few quid when they gave me the chance to see Dr. No, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger and OHMSS on the big screen this year. Especially as I wasn't even alive the first go around!

Honouring cinematic heritage is a great thing for a film studio to do, especially when they could go the cash-in re-make route with anything they want.

You don't honestly think it will stop there do you?

This version will then be released on dvd, hi def dvd, blue ray and in a single disc, double disk special edition, triple disc ultimate edition, i could go on.

If people want to enjoy them and pay to get them it is ok with me.

We just got back from seeing the movie and it was wonderful. The hi-def version was extremely good.

Our showing of the movie was completely sold out. What was nice to see was that a lot of parents brought their kids to see the movie. Everyone applauded at the beginning and at the end. A good time was had by all.

I wonder what it says about the state of movies today when a 70-year-old movie can sell out a showing when current new releases can barely fill half the theater.

If the other theaters were as successful with their showing of tonight's movie as our theater was, it wouldn't surprise me at all to see movie studios bring out more of their older classics.

Tonight was a lot of fun.

quote:

Originally posted by wolfie:
You don't honestly think it will stop there do you?

This version will then be released on dvd, hi def dvd, blue ray and in a single disc, double disk special edition, triple disc ultimate edition, i could go on.

If people want to enjoy them and pay to get them it is ok with me.

It doesn't matter what products may come of the showing - if there is a market (which WB obviously presumes there is) then the DVDs/blu-rays will sell and fans will be happy. If there is no market for these products then WB will fall flat on its face. Who cares really when nobody has to buy every edition? And as technology advances you have to expect updates even if you are not following them yourself.

Anyway, Kennywood's report shows just how much people enjoy seeing 'classic' films at the cinema. Like I said before, no uber-high-def disc is a comparable substitute for seeing a film you love on the big screen. If you can't see why this is event is a big deal, you just don't 'get' films.

Well i am very happy that Kevin and everyone else had a great time at the film.

I remember going to see Lawrence of Arabia at the cinema having only ever seen it on tv and it was fantastic so i guess i do get films.

quote:

Originally posted by wolfie:
Well i am very happy that Kevin and everyone else had a great time at the film.

I remember going to see Lawrence of Arabia at the cinema having only ever seen it on tv and it was fantastic so i guess i do get films.

Well your earlier cynicism could have fooled me!

It obviously did.

Must be near full moon in the Wolveramptons
Wolfie's getting grumpy

quote:

I know I wasn't lamenting MGM making a few quid when they gave me the chance to see Dr. No, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger and OHMSS on the big screen this year. Especially as I wasn't even alive the first go around!

would have loved to have seen those
I think they should re-release more classics

quote:

Originally posted by damien:

quote:

I know I wasn't lamenting MGM making a few quid when they gave me the chance to see Dr. No, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger and OHMSS on the big screen this year. Especially as I wasn't even alive the first go around!

would have loved to have seen those
I think they should re-release more classics

I agree, studios should re-release more - they were great to see on the big screen.

Wolfie...Grumpy ????? Must be time for his fall flea bath. I know he will be itching to answer me again on this..... De Wolfie, Whacking on my head again.....and loving it. I have the video of the Wizard Of Oz with the coroner's autograph on the box, he came to my area quite a long time ago at a con. Really great man.

I don't think it will be long before technology makes this a 3D film as is the trend at the moment.

The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Encore Event - 11/17/2009

By popular demand, NCM Fathom, Warner Home Video and Turner Classic Movies bring The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Encore Event back to select movie theatres nationwide for only one night on Tuesday, November 17th at 6:30 p.m. (local time). Don’t miss this last chance to see this family classic on the big screen!

Tickets on-sale NOW! Advance purchase for this one night event is strongly encouraged, as the original September event sold out in theatres nationwide.

Click here for a list of all participating theatres.

In addition to the feature presentation of The Wizard of Oz, this event includes a special introduction by Robert Osborne, a classic film historian and host of Turner Classic Movies, followed by “To Oz! The Making of a Classic,” a look into how L. Frank Baum’s classic novel was transformed into one of the most beloved films of all time including archival interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and rare musical outtakes.

The magic of this multi-generational favorite comes alive during this exclusive opportunity to enjoy it in its original movie theatre setting!

The presentation of “The Wizard of Oz,” first shown on the big screen over 70 years ago, has been digitally re-mastered using the original film source and screen format.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kennywood,