The Wizard of Oz Reviews
Carlos M
Super Reviewer
December 23, 2010
Conceived by MGM as an answer to Walt Disney's Snow White, this sweet, colorful fable full of music and adventure will always be a pleasure to children everywhere for its relatable characters and universal message - but it may also prove a bit too slow for adults nowadays.
KJ P
Super Reviewer
January 29, 2010
"The Wizard of Oz" will be a class in everyones eyes forever, bringing the light of day into the world of film and putting a smile on anyones face. As Dorothy dreams a dream that is unlike anything on earth, she creates a story that is one of the most brilliant telling in the history of film. I absolutely love this movie from start to finish. From it's clever dialogue, to it's hilarious acting, to the true heart of the story, this film surpasses any film of it's kind. Easily one of my favourites. New techniques and editing, the directors of this film (Victor Fleming and King Vidor) make it a wonder to behold! Absolutely stunning filmmaking!
Bathsheba Monk
Super Reviewer
October 21, 2012
Oz, the great and powerful! Beyond the sheer enjoyment factor, there are a lot of messages here for youngins and geezers alike: if you want a quality (intelligence, oourage, heart for example) act as if you already have it and soon you will own it; never trust the "great and all-knowing" ANYTHING....kids, there is ALWAYS a man behind the curtain. Oh, and some neighbor will always hate your dog or cat. That's just life and get used to it. One more: it was a real payday for little people.
Mark H
Super Reviewer
June 10, 2008
The story is as familiar as your own name. A young girl from Kansas, bored with her life, yearns for a more exciting one "over the rainbow." A horrific tornado, which continues to amaze, hits her cherished farm and whisks her, house and all, to the wonderful world of Oz where she meets a scarecrow, a tin man and a lion. They join forces to help her get back to Kansas by visiting the Wizard who they've heard can reunite her with her family. The spectacle was expensive for its time and it shows. Even though it was a success, it did not show a large profit until the 1949 re-release. Regardless it was obviously money well spent. The production design is beyond compare. That early shot where she steps out of her black and white sepia toned existence into a land of color is practically a religious experience the way it's presented here. You've seen it before but think back to when you first witnessed the transformation and it's one of the most exhilarating moments in movies. Seven decades later, everything continues to dazzle: the performances, the sets, the costumes, the music. It is such a force of goodness. There may very well be people who dislike this film, but I have no desire to meet them.
Jens S
Super Reviewer
June 13, 2006
When you're talking about the classics of cinema you can't skip mentioning this masterpiece that may have done more for fantastic movies than any other release of that era. The musical version of Dorothy's travel through Oz is full of lovable characters, beautiful sets, make-up and, of course, songs. Even with every aspect of the film being a testament of its age, the story and message still works for kids of all ages today. The film has sunk so deeply into pop culture consciousness that you'll find it referenced quite often these days. An absolute delight.
Adriel L
Super Reviewer
March 25, 2012
It is incredibly difficult not to love this story that cascades in a million colors, while splashing its wholesome essence on to fantastic visuals. Truly a memorable adventure with acting and music in big splendor.
Directors Cat
Super Reviewer
October 29, 2011
Still as breathtaking, mind blowing and above all entertaining as it was over 70 years ago.
Christopher H
Super Reviewer
October 15, 2011
A truly timeless fairy tale that will endure for the ages. Also arguably the greatest musical of all time.
Lady D
Super Reviewer
August 2, 2006
A great oldie.
A Classic Musical with an adventurous journey and moralistic tale. With familar songs, a magical work with a dark force and a whole land of characters.
A great oldie.
TheDudeLebowski65
Super Reviewer
September 23, 2011
What can I say that hasn't been said about The Wizard of Oz? The film is a definite classic of cinema. A wonderful story with impressive visuals for the time period and of course an unforgettable score. The Wizard of Oz is a memorable film experience, one that every film fanatic should at least see once in their lives. The acting of this film is brilliant and the special effects are wonderful. I don't need to go into detail as to why this film is such a classic, because, well everything has been previously stated before. The Wizard of Oz is a wonderful film that has a very engaging story, brilliant performances and like I said, the music is unforgettable. The Wizard of Oz is a masterpiece, and if you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor, and do so, now. The Wizard of Oz remains of the timeless family films to ever grace the screen. This is a fine film that must be seen. Judy Garland is wonderful in her performance and The Wizard of Oz has some of the most memorable scenes in cinematic history. This films cultural significance cannot be dismissed. Love it or hate it, this film is a benchmark of cinema. The film is a definite classic that remains one of the best films ever filmed. Everything about the film is wonderful and it is a definite must see film.
Alexander D
Super Reviewer
June 14, 2011
I still cannot take it into my mind how exactly THE WIZARD OF OZ is a classic. For about two years, it was my favorite film ever, but that was between the ages of 6 and 8--when I really hadn't seen anything decent at all. That's surely not to say that this is in any way a bad film. Sure, it started the whole "Oh, well, really, I woke up, and I realized--the whole thing was all a dream!" concept that began to become an old joke as soon as it started, but, looking at the glass halfway full rather than halfway empty, at least this started something. And, to add to that, it's been, what...72 years since this was first realized? Unlike many of the other films of the late '30s, this definitely isn't one of those titles that I could name out of a total grab bag and you would say, "What's that?" or, "Nope, I don't recognize it." Instead, if I said this film's title, you would most likely say, "Oh, yeah! I remember seeing that!"
DreamExtractor
Super Reviewer
March 1, 2011
The Wizard of Oz is a movie that has stood the test of time, and deep in this movie is a great meaning that possibly nobody will ever understand. The plot is great, every minute something is going on and it never dies down, and the story has so many great lessons and meanings, I loved it. The cast was incredible, not only great actors but great singers too. The music in this film stands as probably my favorite musical ever. The production couldve fooled me, this movie looks actually really real, im impressed. The make up even still impresses me 70 years later. The Wizard of Oz is about is not about brains, hearts, and courage, the movie is about you dont have to be smart to do great things, and you dont need a heart to be kind, and you dont need courage to be brave, and most importantly, home is where the people who love you are, and if you need them, you look no farther than your own backyard.
blkbomb
Super Reviewer
January 13, 2011
"We're off to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz!"
The Wizard of Oz is a timeless family classic that is arguably the best film ever made. It's one of the few movies that everyone knows and loves. Think about it, is there another movie where you can reference it to anyone and they will know exactly what you are talking about. If they didn't know what you were talking about; you'd look at them sideways too. This has been one of my favorite movies since I can remember and it's probably the movie I've seen the most times. It's still required in my mind to watch it at least two times a year.
Dorothy, along with her dog, Toto, fall on a witch after a tornado and end up in Munchkinland. The scene in Munchkinland isn't only my favorite scene in the movie, but probably my favorite scene from any movie. It's absolutely brilliant. The switch from black and white to color is one of the best moments in cinematic history. In Munchkinland, she meets the good Witch of the North and the bad, Wicked Witch of the West. She then sets out on her journey to get back to Kansas. She comes across Scarecrow, Tinman and the Cowardly Lion; all while eluding the Wicked Witch.
I still fail to comprehend how this movie was made in the 30's. It looks so good and the picture is so clear and the color is truly magnificent. I have absolutely no problems with anything in the movie. The songs are great, the storytelling is perfect and the acting is good for the material they are doing. It also has one of the best screen villains ever in the Witch. From her green skin to her laugh; everything about her is perfect. Then there's the little imaginary details like the trees that throw apples and the horse of a different color that just add to the appeal of the film.
Wizard of Oz: You are talking to a man who has laughed in the face of death, sneered at doom and chuckled at catastrophe. I was petrified.
Wicked Witch of the West: Going so soon? I wouldn't hear of it. Why my little party's just beginning.
"We're off to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz!"
The Wizard of Oz is a timeless family classic that is arguably the best film ever made. It's one of the few movies that everyone knows and loves. Think about it, is there another movie where you can reference it to anyone and they will know exactly what you are talking about. If they didn't know what you were talking about; you'd look at them sideways too. This has been one of my favorite movies since I can remember and it's probably the movie I've seen the most times. It's still required in my mind to watch it at least two times a year.
Dorothy, along with her dog, Toto, fall on a witch after a tornado and end up in Munchkinland. The scene in Munchkinland isn't only my favorite scene in the movie, but probably my favorite scene from any movie. It's absolutely brilliant. The switch from black and white to color is one of the best moments in cinematic history. In Munchkinland, she meets the good Witch of the North and the bad, Wicked Witch of the West. She then sets out on her journey to get back to Kansas. She comes across Scarecrow, Tinman and the Cowardly Lion; all while eluding the Wicked Witch.
I still fail to comprehend how this movie was made in the 30's. It looks so good and the picture is so clear and the color is truly magnificent. I have absolutely no problems with anything in the movie. The songs are great, the storytelling is perfect and the acting is good for the material they are doing. It also has one of the best screen villains ever in the Witch. From her green skin to her laugh; everything about her is perfect. Then there's the little imaginary details like the trees that throw apples and the horse of a different color that just add to the appeal of the film.
Wizard of Oz: You are talking to a man who has laughed in the face of death, sneered at doom and chuckled at catastrophe. I was petrified.
Eric A
Super Reviewer
August 5, 2011
CLASSIC! 5 stars! There aren't many movies made where pretty much EVERYONE has seen it, this is one of those movies.......that should say enough right there!
murphmann93
Super Reviewer
June 24, 2011
A childhood favourite and a classic!
deano
Super Reviewer
April 29, 2007
Judy Garland truly shines in her portrayal of Dorothy, perfectly capturing the wide-eyed innocence of her character. She definitely deserved the special Oscar she was awarded for her performance.
Billie Burke is exactly right as the Good Witch of the North, and Margaret Hamilton is wonderfully shrill and repulsive as the Wicked Witch of the West. The talents of Dorothy's friends - Jack Haley as the Tin Man, Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow and Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion - have been frequently celebrated, but their good humour and their shining humanity behind the grotesque makeup remain fresh eternally.
This 1939 sepia-and-colour fantasy classic movie based on L. Frank Baum's children book is my first one which seems really wonderful special effects, amazing characters and their songs as a part of musical. The painted backdrops and old-fashioned tornado trick photography may be outclassed by modern effects. And this has a bright Technicolor print with special rare footage additions.
Judy Garland truly shines in her portrayal of Dorothy, perfectly capturing the wide-eyed innocence of her character. She definitely deserved the special Oscar she was awarded for her performance.
Billie Burke is exactly right as the Good Witch of the North, and Margaret Hamilton is wonderfully shrill and repulsive as the Wicked Witch of the West. The talents of Dorothy's friends - Jack Haley as the Tin Man, Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow and Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion - have been frequently celebrated, but their good humour and their shining humanity behind the grotesque makeup remain fresh eternally.
Emile T
Super Reviewer
February 14, 2008
Classic or not, it bore the hell out of me.
It's epic filmmaking, but it really is too much for me.
Classic or not, it bore the hell out of me.
TheGame90
Super Reviewer
January 2, 2011
All of a sudden...Citizen Kane don't seem so impressive any more. This is way better. Just the fact that it is in color blew my mind. I never thought about that it was in color. And I was just sitting enjoying the very nice Sepia tone when the movie suddenly switched to color and my jaw dropped. Amazingly beautiful colors. And amazing effects throughout the whole movie...It's from 1939 damnit...(even though flixster says '33). And all the amazing makeup...especially on the scarecrow...that would look good even today. And the whole movie is very good directed, filmed and edited. There was like 2 bad cuts throughout the whole movie. And all the actors is really going all in for there roles. And Judy Garland is absolutely adorable. I didn't even have to watch this as a child to enjoy it. It should really get 5 stars...
bbcfloridabound
Super Reviewer
November 29, 2010
This is not part of my 30 Holiday Films by Christmas, but still needs to be mentioned. One of the best films of all time, really it needs no review because if you haven't seen this film, you've been somewhere other then earth. The fact it was recoded in 1939 (not 1933 as per flixster) makes it that more incredible. The special effects could not even be matched in today's movie world. This is one I look forward to each year. Not enough stars to rate this one so have to settle for 5 Stars.
