Rating: 
Summary: Wizard of Oz
Review: Easily the most timeless classic of all time, L. Frank Baum's Wizard of Oz is one of my many favorite movies and the favorite of millions world wide. Almost directly from the pages of the book to the screen, the Wizard of Oz delivers great sing a long, family fun, great for all ages. With vibrant, brilliant sets and (for it's time) amazing, detailed costumes, it has eye candy and of course the lovely songs such as "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Follow the Yellow Brick Road". This is a great movie and I highly recommend this movie to anyone, no matter how old or young because I think that all will enjoy this film. Also, while you're shopping around, see if you can find the book as well because it's a great book and there are a few things that were unfortunately lost in a fire that the movie couldn't produce. Great film, check it out!
Rating:
Summary: It's not a brain one needs, but a diploma
Review: 257 Reviews from 1998 to 2002, many by people who seen it several times over the last 30-40+ years. And here I am taking time out on Christmas to write my love for this movie and give it my 5 stars. My favorie quote (this may not be exact ... but it's the same difference) is when Oz says to the Scarecrow: "it's not a brain that one needs, but a diploma." Or did Oz say something more like "Why, great politicans and corporate executives that lead hundreds and thousands of people, have no more brains than you ... but they do have something YOU don't have ... a degree from Harvard or Yale or Cornell or MIT or University of Small Town Nowhereville. Great Film ... timeless.
Rating:
Summary: The one True and forever endearing movie classic!!!
Review: If anyone has doubts about the edurning magic of "The Wizard Of Oz" you must read this. This is the one film that since it's release in 1939 has remined the pivatal and favorite childhood fantacy. The film has such an unforgettable meaning to it and it reaches into the depth of ones deepest dreams and makes one realize that no matter what happens are where you are in the world, Home, family and friends are the most important things. Judy Garland starred as the little farmgirl who journeys to Oz to find just that the importance of Home. For it's day "The Wizard Of Oz" made history with it's special affects. It starts out in Black and White and then goes to the most incredable color that anyone has ever seen. If you have never seen this film then you must. There are such deep parts that it will make you cry. The music, the stars, the color and the story make this are truly magnificent masterpeice of the golden age of MGM musicals and you get to see why more than 33 years after her death Judy Garland is still one of the most beloved singers and actress's of all-time!
Rating:
Summary: Ahhhhhh... that's much better!!
Review: Ironically, when I was growing up (in Kansas, no less), every year I would see this film on on the tube except that our TV was... a black and white!! So I missed the whole transition-to-color-and-then-back-again thing that helps make this such a magical movie. I must say, it's much better this way. Still, I can't decide who I like better: the Scarecrow or the Cowardly Lion. Some questions remain eternal.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best movies ever made
Review: This is probably one of the best movies ever made. You'll fall in love with each of the characters, especially the munchkins. This movie was definately ahead of its time. There's not much to say about this movie other than it's almost perfect!!
Rating:
Summary: There's No Place Like Home
Review: Everybody has a favorite movie and "The Wizard of Oz" is mine (and I'm sure I'm not alone in that sentiment). This is a timeless masterpiece as witness its' continuing popularity with successive generations. Younger fans might not be aware of this but the movie used to be shown exclusively once a year on TV and countless households made a family event of watching it together. It has everything; good acting, great cinematography, fantastic music, creative innovations, great props and scenery, and a terrific storyline. Some dismiss this as a children's movie but it appeals to all ages because of its' timeless message. I mentioned that the acting is good. I didn't feel comfortable with a stronger superlative but it's hard to fault any of the characters. Certainly Bert Lahr, as the Cowardly Lion, steals many a scene with his fantastic performance. Margaret Hamilton is a fantastic Wicked Witch of the West. The others play their roles as they were meant to be played. Let's face it, the title role was not meant for the likes of Spencer Tracy or Marlon Brando. Although I can somewhat envision it, the Scarecrow was not a role for the likes of Jimmie Stewart. The casting was, perhaps, better than the acting itself. The only real debate is whether Judy Garland or Shirley Temple would be the better Dorothy Gale. A case could be made for Miss Temple but then "Somewhere over the Rainbow" would be synonymous with "On the Good Ship Loli-Pop" and "Animal Crackers in My Soup". I prefer the way Miss Garland belted it out. The cinematography was certainly innovative. I can only recall one other movie in which the contrast of black and white was used to any effect ("Schindler's List" with the young girl in the red coat). I may be forgetting an obvious example but it seems that movies were either black and white or color and never a mix. The scenery and the props are a part of cinematic history. We all know about the ruby slippers and the yellow brick road. The music is beautiful from the opening credits to the closing ones. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead" are know to all. Personally, I love the Munchkin's welcoming song to Dorothy as much as any of the music. And speaking of the munchkins, they are just another of the many creative touches in this movie. It was no small feat to amass so many adult dwarfs and midgets. However, it is the story that makes the movie such a timeless masterpiece. This is a story about persons in search of what they don't have only to discover that they had it all along but didn't realize it. The Scarecrow thought that, because there were things that he didn't know, he must not have a brain. He learns that knowledge is a journey rather than an end. The Tin Man thinks that his loneliness is because he doesn't have a heart. He discovers that love exists in our relationships and loneliness exists in being alone. The Cowardly Lion confuses fear with cowardice only to discover that courage is action despite fear, not instead of it. Dorothy felt the need to wander off to find a better place. She soon discovers that there's no place like home. How many of us spent years trying to find ourselves before we, too, discovered the same message. These are all important lessons in life and we all share the joy of Dorothy as she wakes up in her own bed happy to be home at last. The fact that this makes us wish, secretly, that were children again does not make this a "children's movie". Watch it with the whole family (and a box of Kleenex).
Rating:
Summary: an all time classic
Review: this is the story of a young kanas girl transported to the magical land of oz wher she meet many strange and unusual characters who join her on her quest to meet the wizard. timeless special effects a great storyline and wonderful songs make this a family must see
Rating:
Summary: Cinematic Treasure and THE American Fairytale
Review: The 1900 novel by Lyman Frank Baum is THE American Fairytale - and this movie - is the AMERICAN Movie. Others may debate; my mind is made up. Even though I am a 'purist' of this book, this movie gives us something new that the book doesn't give us, a different way of giving us the same message - and a few others. Of course the themes of growing up and going home are there, but my favorite is how the movie transitions in that fashion when Dorothy is confronted with her first 'real' adult tasking - getting the broom of the WW of the W (notice all the songs stop after that point in the movie). Of course this was not intended, it just happened that songs in that area were clipped, but it was accidental genius. This movie is for all, even if little kids get frightened (which amazes me since we live in a society where we grow up desensitized to violence).
Rating: 
Summary: Willy Wonka is so much better.
Review: I used to enjoy this movie every year as a kid, and I recently watched it again after a hiatus of several years. It just did not hold up! While I'll grant that the visuals and special effects were great for a film from the '30s, the movie is too long, the characters are cardboard cut-outs, and the script is silly. The only engaging performances (other than Garland's singing) were from the Wicked Witch of the West and Toto (and I guess the Wizard, to some extent). A good example of the wonders of Hollywood and mass-marketing.
Rating:
Summary: My favorite film of all time!!!
Review: The first few times I watched this as a child, I was always so petrified of the Wicked Witch of the West, that I could never wath the entire film. I loved Dorothy and her little dog, Toto, and her three new friends, Scarecrow, Tinman, and the cowardly lion. And most of all loved the music. As I grew up and continued to watch the annual t.v. viewing of it, I was able to watch the whole thing but in Black and white! At the time it didn't bother me as I loved the fantasy of it all and it had appealed to me so well. Then one year, I was invited to my best friend's house to watch it, well, all I can say is WOW. The colors! They actually made the story all that more my favorite movie.
Through the years I watched it less and less but always treasured it as my absolute favorite movie of all time. My husband bought me this dvd, and it is just an amazing feast for the eyes. With oodles of extras to watch, even some parts that originally met the editting floor show up here, this is just a perfect dvd to add to your collection.
Even if the dvd didn't have all that supplemental stuff, I would still love it. The movie just sets the imagination free and let's you go with it. I sing a long with the entire cast and have a ball! The witch doesn't scare me anymore, and I watch it on a 42 inch screen so I am getting a pretty good showing.
I highly recommend this dvd. It's a perfect family film and for any fans of older movies, this is the one to have. It will not disappoint in the least. I've only met one person in my entire life that didn't like this movie. What's not to like? You have a good story, motivation, fun songs to sing a long with, awesome acting by all in it, and glorious cinematography. It's a wonderful film that will remain forever in my heart and always remind me of my youth. "There's no place like home", Dorothy says. I say, "Tthere is no movie like this one."
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