HD is rubbish for films like “The Wizard Of Oz”. It only comes off looking cheap projecting 35mm. I have seen the two comparisons and I was well aware that I was watching a digital “print” before I was told and asked for my money back. Give us a decent 35mm print studio cheap skates!
I saw Wizard for the first time on film at Baltimore’s Senator Theater for its 60th anniversary back in ‘99. It was my first time to the theater and have been a patron since. The theater boasted a new print where the non-Oz scenes were in its original sepia tone and not color. I never knew or saw it that way. On tv, prior to that, it always in black and white then to color when Dorothy left her house and ventured into Munchkin Land and Oz. I brought my parents along and they, too, were totally enthralled with this viewing even though we’ve seen the movie many times on tv. And surprisingly, neither of them fell asleep during the show (they usually do during other movies which is why I seldom take them out.)
If an area theater has it on film, I’d rather see it there as opposed to HD TV. Its not in DP either. May as well watch it at home on tv.
I see your point, John J. Fink. Great, golden oldie-but-goody classics such as Wizard of Oz, not to mention a whole slew of others, should be shown in full technicolor on a three-strip film. I saw the same re-release of Wizard of Oz, and I agree that it’s still feasible. My hunch is that technology has changed so that digital, I’m sorry to say, is slowly but surely edging out film.
I wish they’d do this with more indie, documentary and foreign films. IFC should team up with a content delivery system and create “indie movie night” – one show only, Tuesdays at 7:30 – you show up and we’ll show you a new film that’s currently in release in only major cities. As for classics, I’m conflicted – it’s nice to see them on the big screen… but projected on the “pre-show” projectors? The Wizard of Oz should be seen in full technocolor on a three-strip film. I saw it this way about 10 years ago when it had a wide re-release and it still holds up.
I’ve just marked my calendar to give a private screening to family and friends at my home’s little Bijou Cinema… so “CT”, please make that 441 showings!!!
I am so there…. I have seen it in the theatre in 35mm previously, but am completely unable to skip a big screen showing of one of my favorite movies of all time.
p. s. Here’s hoping that something similar is done with the 50th Anniversary of the movie “West Side Story”., when ITS 50th Anniversary comes up in 2011! I’ll be there for sure!!
Thats right Jaimie.
HD is rubbish for films like “The Wizard Of Oz”. It only comes off looking cheap projecting 35mm. I have seen the two comparisons and I was well aware that I was watching a digital “print” before I was told and asked for my money back. Give us a decent 35mm print studio cheap skates!
In North Carolina…exclusive enagements of THE WIZARD OF OZ will opened for a limited showing in two cities on November 27, 2009.
CHARLOTTE: Ballentine Village
CHAPEL HILL: Varsity Theatre
Oh, I don’t know, JodarMovieFan. Seeing Wizard of Oz on a great big screen, in a real movie theatre is always fun. I bought my ticket….and I’m going.
I saw Wizard for the first time on film at Baltimore’s Senator Theater for its 60th anniversary back in ‘99. It was my first time to the theater and have been a patron since. The theater boasted a new print where the non-Oz scenes were in its original sepia tone and not color. I never knew or saw it that way. On tv, prior to that, it always in black and white then to color when Dorothy left her house and ventured into Munchkin Land and Oz. I brought my parents along and they, too, were totally enthralled with this viewing even though we’ve seen the movie many times on tv. And surprisingly, neither of them fell asleep during the show (they usually do during other movies which is why I seldom take them out.)
If an area theater has it on film, I’d rather see it there as opposed to HD TV. Its not in DP either. May as well watch it at home on tv.
It is a wonderful idea, but I’m surprised they’re bypassing Manhattan completely. New York sure ain’t the movie town it used to be.
I see your point, John J. Fink. Great, golden oldie-but-goody classics such as Wizard of Oz, not to mention a whole slew of others, should be shown in full technicolor on a three-strip film. I saw the same re-release of Wizard of Oz, and I agree that it’s still feasible. My hunch is that technology has changed so that digital, I’m sorry to say, is slowly but surely edging out film.
I wish they’d do this with more indie, documentary and foreign films. IFC should team up with a content delivery system and create “indie movie night” – one show only, Tuesdays at 7:30 – you show up and we’ll show you a new film that’s currently in release in only major cities. As for classics, I’m conflicted – it’s nice to see them on the big screen… but projected on the “pre-show” projectors? The Wizard of Oz should be seen in full technocolor on a three-strip film. I saw it this way about 10 years ago when it had a wide re-release and it still holds up.
I’ve just marked my calendar to give a private screening to family and friends at my home’s little Bijou Cinema… so “CT”, please make that 441 showings!!!
I am so there…. I have seen it in the theatre in 35mm previously, but am completely unable to skip a big screen showing of one of my favorite movies of all time.
I saw this in 35mm last year at the Gillioz so I’m not interested in seeing a digital version of this.
However, I am very interested in the Plan Nine From Outer Space show that they are doing on Thursday.
Sounds cool!! I’m there!
p. s. Here’s hoping that something similar is done with the 50th Anniversary of the movie “West Side Story”., when ITS 50th Anniversary comes up in 2011! I’ll be there for sure!!
“Remastered” and “High Definition” can only mean it’s showing in a video format. Come on studios, show us nice 35mm prints of this classic.