Marvelous Achievement
Picture: This new release was restored and mastered for 3D IMAX and is presented here as a 1.37:1 1080p MVC rendering. Both ersions are absolutely wonderful. The newest version exhibits no print damage or blemishes, nor artifacting. The Warner Bros. restoration team spent approximately 16 months working with Prime Focus on the Technicolor 3D conversion. More than 1,000 people reportedly worked on the 3D and IMAX 3D conversions. The 3D conversion was initiated with a very high-resolution (8k) scanning of the original Technicolor camera negative. The restored 2D image was then transformed by creating a depth-map of each frame to construct 3D imagery and determine distances from the viewer’s vantage point. This was followed by the long process (with the use of a rotoscope) to further refine viewer distances and fully layer shapes and objects. The crystal-clear images, coupled with a pristine digital audio remastered soundtrack, create a unique experience that makes audiences feel as if they are in the movie. An amazing visual aspect of the restoration was the revealed detail showing, for example, Dorothy's freckles, the texture of the burlap in the Scarecrow's face, and the extra rivet in the Tinman's face, just between his eyes, as well as the effect of increasing the size of the Wicked Witch's head so as to appear she was shrinking. The film was directed by Victor Fleming (who that same year directed "Gone With The Wind," which won the Academy Award® for Best Picture).
The film's opening Kansas sequence is presented in sepia-tinted black-and-white. Warner Brothers has perfectly transferred this digital restoration, maintaining the slight appearance of natural film grain, for a very authentic period look. Once Dorothy's house falls into Munchkinland and she opens the door, the picture magically transforms into a saturated color palette that is positively pleasing to the eyes. Hues are warm and varied. All along the 3D sense of depth and perspective is absolutely engaging. In the scene with the Wicked Witch of the West and the flying monkey in the witch's castle, the hues are quite rich and vivid. As Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion approach closer and closer to Emerald City, the color palette appears to deepen in saturation. Fleshtones favor a reddish push overall. Blacks are deep and solid, and contrast is quite good, with shadow delineation that is revealing. While resolution is generally soft, the imagery is dimensional, especially when contrasted against the studio sets. Still, this is the sharpest rendering ever to be released on a home video format, and is perfectly satisfying. The picture (and the production) is fascinating to watch and admire. The visual quality is so good that the production design elements are clearly discernible throughout. No matter what your age, this is a memorable picture full of dramatic color and historic filming imagery. If you've only seen "The Wizard Of Oz" on TV, video tape or DVD, you've never really experienced it. The restoration in terms of color and resolution is gorgeous and the 3D is amazingly effective as a window into the world of Oz, exhibiting impressive depth and dimensionality without apparent double image ghosting. The image is pristine throughout.Read full review
