The Wizard of Oz is a classic movie that, since 1939, has been watched and loved by the world. The iconic ruby slippers and yellow brick road came out in IMAX 3D for everyone in the U.S. starting on September 20, 2013. A blend of new technology and old-fashioned film has been combined to create a thrilling and family-friendly story. This is because of Warner Bros., Prime Focus, and IMAX.
The movie came out with brand new visual effects and, although you’d think that the movie on an IMAX screen would be pixelated and fuzzy, it was sharper looking than ever. The movie was digitally remastered so that the 75-year-old film was more modern looking. I went into the movie thinking it would be pretty childish and gimmicky at some points but it was just visually stunning. 3D can typically leave a movie seeming too fake and set up, but this one was done in such a way that it seemed realistic. It still began in Auntie Em’s black and white house, but when the tornado hit I felt like I was flying out of Kansas with Dorothy! Sadly, in reality, I was in a theater with some special effects glasses.
In most places an IMAX 3D “experience” costs you about $18.00. Now that might not seem like a lot when it’s a two-hour movie that is all the rage, however, I’ve seen the Wizard of Oz about 15 times and could rent it for less than $18. Sure, you get a cool pair of glasses and can see the movie in sharp detail, but it kind of defeats the old timey charm of the movie. While some might like the more realistic feel that came with the movie, I prefer the ‘not quite perfect’ aspect of movies.
There is no doubt that a lot of hard work went into the new remastering though. The film went through three stages to get its new quality: restoration, 2D to 3D, and IMAX conversion. To get through these processes, the original film was cleaned up and resurfaced of scratches. The film was analyzed to be color corrected and detailed so each piece of straw coming from the scarecrow was noticeable. Lorne Orleans, IMAX's camera department and producer, told Mashable, "We didn't create any of the phenomenal details and textures. It was all living in the movie and survived over the years. We were just able to bring out everything throughout the restoration process and it's amazing what new things you will discover while watching it in 3D IMAX."
So if you’d like to see Glinda floating in her pink bubble in 3D, and some detailed shots of those ruby red slippers, this movie’s a great new classic!
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