When I say ‘They dont make them like they used to’ this is the film im specifically referring to. One of the first films to utilize technicolor and what a marvel for the age it really truely was. The 1939 ‘Wizard of Oz’ is a marvellous family film that, while almost certainly dated in some of its less politically sound choices, is nontheless an enjoyable, colourful ride through the wonderful world of ‘Oz’.

What astounded me the most was really how fresh this film STILL feels almost 85 years since its release. while I cant say it looks ‘fresh’ in the face of modern 4k digital CGI and animation, it DOES look fresh from a live action perspective, and moreso; I feel like even modern audiences would find something to latch onto with this.

The scripts…imperfect, I think thats fair to say, its a little slow burn, but manages to keep the audience holding on by way of its VERY unusual aesthetic and imagery. I feel like the film overruns by about 10-15 minutes. Which, by chance is exactly how long (roughly) the sequence where Dorathy is captured by the wicked witch of the west and has to be rescued by the tin man, scarecrow and Lion takes. I’d have honestly been happy enough with a final confrontation with the wicked witch in the emeral city. But! the film feels the need to complicate itself at the final hurdle…which was a bit of a shame.

However, outside of that, we have a really solid time. The scripts dialogue choices are solid with plenty of quotable moments, most of which have been absorbed into modern media via cultural osmosis. The characters are a little basic, but well defined, the land of Oz is a spiriting place filled with curiosities and intreague. the act structuring up to the 3rd act is pretty straightforward and interesting.

Tonally, its campy fun. plenty of fun little musical numbers and because the characters are especially vibrant and animated, it leads to a number of semi slapsticky encounters which I really enjoyed.

The direction, for the time, is remarkable. Honestly; this is an incredible work showcasing the real potential of colour film, and the use of technicolour here REALLY takes things to the next level. I was amazed by the practical effects, the creativity that came into the city and worldbuilding and the costume design, all of which felt grand and intricate.

The cine too was rock solid, with some incredible ‘in camera’ effects, glorious rich and deep colour and surreal compositions that to this day continue to inspire film makers ranging from Tim Burton, to John Waters. compositions are significant. Its an incredible work.

Not to mention the astounding performances from Margret Hamilton, Judy Garland and our anthropomorphic trio. Who are all firing on all cylinders giving performances that very much defined their careers (which is incredibly bittersweet when you know the hardships that these actors went through in order to produce this film)

The musical elements are delightful, memorable and instantly reciteable. hits that carry on reinventing themselves WELL into the modern age. the incidental music is standout and distinctive to.

In short, barring some pacing issues and moments where this film gets a little TOO simplistic at times. I had a ball with this, I have fond memories of watching and rewatching this film on TV as a child on bonfire nights and around christmas time. and given it had been 22 years (at least!) since I last saw this. It felt surprisingly like slipping into a well worn and appreciated armchair.

If you’ve NEVER seen this before, I dont know how you’ll take it, but i’d like to think you’d love it. If you HAVE seen this before, and its been a while, go fix that.

Also; Toto was euthanized 3 days later…

source https://letterboxd.com/tytdreviews/film/the-wizard-of-oz-1939/