- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
In celebration of the 75th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, Warner Bros. has re-mastered its iconic 1939 film in 3D, with plans including an Imax 3D re-release as well as a collector’s edition home video launch.
Warners oversaw a 3D conversion that started with scanning the original Technicolor camera negative in 8K resolution, which contains 16 times more picture information than HD. It was then re-mastered with Imax DMR (digital re-mastering) technology for the Imax 3D release, which will run for one week in North America beginning Sept. 20.
Said Warners’ domestic distribution president Dan Fellman: “The Wizard of Oz Imax 3D Experience is an integral part of our studio-wide anniversary initiative, and we are excited to give fans the rare opportunity to see this stunning version on the big screen.”
VIDEO: James Franco Expounds on His ‘Wizard of Oz’ Character
Following the theatrical release, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will release a limited and numbered The Wizard of Oz 75th Anniversary Collector’s Edition on Oct. 1.
The five-disc set will include Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, DVD and UltraViolet versions of the film; as well as bonus features and collectibles (current plans include an anniversary journal and a hardcover book). It also offers a new documentary, The Making of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which will include contributions from historians John Fricke and Sam Wasson, composers Stephen Schwartz and Marc Shaiman, critics Leonard Maltin and Michael Sragow, Bert Lahr’s son John as well as clips featuring Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Buddy Ebsen, Margaret Hamilton and Mervyn LeRoy. This version will list for $105.43.
Also available will be a two-disc 3D/Blu-ray ($35.99), a one-disc Blu-ray ($19.98) and a two-disc DVD ($16.95).
The promotional campaign surrounding the film’s anniversary will also include the debut of a hot-air balloon in the 87th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day