Throw Back Thursday: The Wizard Of Oz.

Due to it's soon to be re-release into cinemas in Imax 3D, some 75 years after it first graced  the silver screen, how can I not talk about the wonderful Wizard Of Oz.  This childhood treat has entertained many generations, and provided countless laughs with its irresistible charm. Based of the novel by L. Frank Baum, this iconic film follows Dorothy Gale, a delightful young girl whom is swept of her feet to a magical land where she must seek out the mysterious wizard of Oz, whom will be able to help get Dorothy home. However, with the Wicked Witch Of The West in pursuit, the young girl must  take up the help of a scarecrow, a tin man and the most cowardly of lions in order to ensure she succeeds in her quest.

How can anyone do nothing but adore this classic. No matter what number of people you encounter, it is difficult and in many instances downright impossible to find anyone who does not have the slightest affiliation to this classic. Yes the sets maybe dated and the songs so well know that you are fed up of the repetition, but you can do nothing other than adore this charming film.  From the moment the dull sepia fades away into lush colour, the audience is left with the most wonderful range of emotion, that stretches from sheer nostalgia, toward the first time you witnessed this transition, right to blissful childhood wonderment. The sets all of which were meticulously crafted, may look old to this CGI addicted generation, but to anyone else that hasn't been spoon-fed on Michael Bay a real sense of charm is created.

In many ways it is funny that I sit here praising this picture, because my first notion associated with it was sheer terror at the cackling green demon, that is the Wicked Witch Of The West. Yes I was one of those children, whom between the age of three and four could not stand Margaret Hamilton's legendary performance. However, as I entered the more manly ages of nine and ten I had matured to grow fond of this film. Even today the picture inspires a great sense of warmth, although I still keep a pillow to cower behind just in case any wicked and terrifying memories should crop back up.

Also, how could I not talk about the three supporting roles of the tin-man, the lion and the scarecrow. In many ways these three roles are some of the most iconic in film. The pantomime elements of all the roles are great at reflecting the joy and light-hearted tone of the picture. I especially love the scarecrow's rendition of 'If only I had a brain', this song is just joy and contagious in rhythm and rhyme.

The City of Oz through the eyes of a child is one of the most unique sights that can be seen. The use of light and the obvious infatuation  with green is one of the most magical moments in cinema, and one which I believe to have inspired so many works of film and fantasy. I adore the magic of that setting and chiefly the colour changing Horse, which in a matter of shots transitions through the rainbow.

Conversion to Imax 3d can be a tricky thing for any picture to undergo. However, if done correctly the conversion will only aid a sublimely addictive picture to become more immersive. I really do hope it succeeds and to anyone who has not seen this wonderful classic, number one what is wrong with you, and number two get you backsides to the cinema on September 12th.

My Rating 8/10
IMDB 8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
Did You Know?: Many of the Wicked Witch of the West's scenes were either trimmed or deleted entirely, as Margaret Hamilton's performance was thought too frightening for audiences. (Evidently not trimmed back enough for my view)