The Wizard of Oz

If you ever only watch one old movie, this should be it. The switch from black and white to color, the characters, the music, the actors, it's all so well done. And this is one of Judy Garland's most memorable performances. It's fun and exciting and the music will have you singing and dancing along.

Fabulous !! And the songs in the movie was great!
you should not miss this !

You just need to understand: this is the **most wonderful** movie of all time (period)

Pure magic. The quintessential Hollywood picture, the ultimate dream factory. Not sure I've seen this since I was a kid, but it was a joy to watch as I near 40. I think the shot of Dorothy opening the door to Oz is absolutely breathtaking, and is maybe my favorite shot of all-time?

(1939) I've lost count of how many times I've watched this over the years. And yet, every time I settle in for a viewing, I'm still swept up in the magic of this beloved classic.

There's just something about the combination of Judy Garland's vulnerable yet feisty Dorothy, the Technicolor splendor of the Emerald City, and the timeless themes of friendship and perseverance that never fails to enchant me.

As a kid, I was captivated by the sheer wonder of it all: the tornado, the Munchkins, the flying monkeys (okay, maybe not that last one, but you get the idea). As an adult, I appreciate the clever writing, the memorable characters, and the way the film's messages about empathy, kindness, and self-discovery continue to resonate.

Of course, no discussion of The Wizard of Oz would be complete without mentioning the inimitable Judy Garland. Her performance as Dorothy is perfection in acting, singing, and sheer charisma. That iconic voice, those expressive eyes, and that irrepressible spirit. It’s no wonder she's become an icon for generations of film fans.

So if you're looking for a cinematic experience that's equal parts nostalgic and timeless, look no further.

this movie is absolutely incredible from start to finish the characters, the soundtrack, the color, some of the lines and scenes are so iconic I love this movie to pieces!

What an eye-opening experience to watch this movie after so many years and now being a wicked band. Considering that this movie was made in 1939 that is why I gave it a 10 out of 10 the acting creativity filming and very unique plotline dust coming from an original source is why this movie is so great. A great watch with your family as it has drama, comedy, emotion, and everything else. As it follows a young farm girl who all of a sudden wakes up in a weird dream of a magical land with all kinds of creatures and other things and she has to find her way home.

Everything about this film is peak cinema. Looks incredible, performances rule, great music; definition of a masterpiece.

1939 (12th) Academy Award nominations: Outstanding Production, Best Art Direction (Cedric Gibbons and William A. Horning), Best Original Score (Herbert Stothart - Winner), Best Original Song ("Over the Rainbow" Music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by E. Y. Harburg - Winner), Best Special Effects (A. Arnold Gillespie and Douglas Shearer), Academy Juvenile Award (Judy Garland - Winner)

The magic of “The Wizard of Oz” isn’t just in its musical numbers or the effects that, for the time, were a visual spectacle. What really makes the 1939 film shine is its ability to touch on universal themes of fear, friendship, and the search for belonging—elements that leave a deep mark on kids and adults alike. The iconic shift from black and white to Technicolor when Dorothy (Judy Garland) arrives in Oz is more than a technical feat; it’s an emotional and symbolic leap. It marks the shift from the dull gray reality of Kansas to a world full of possibilities and challenges, where the unknown is both vibrant and frightening. This initial transition captures the film’s essence, transforming it from simple entertainment into a personal journey for both the protagonist and the audience.

Character development is one of the film’s core strengths, especially since each figure along Dorothy’s path represents a piece of her emotional growth. Dorothy, so young and vulnerable, is portrayed by Judy Garland with such sensitivity and depth. Her natural vulnerability grounds the story, especially when she encounters characters like the Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), the Tin Man (Jack Haley), and the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr), each representing parts of ourselves that resonate with childhood insecurities. It’s a clear allegory of growth, where Dorothy learns—while helping her friends—that these insecurities are within us all, and courage, wisdom, and love, though they seem distant, are closer than we think.

One of the film’s most notable aspects is its seemingly lighthearted tone that actually conceals an immense psychological depth. For kids, Dorothy’s adventure is pure fantasy; for adults, it’s a reflection of the childhood anxieties and hopes that often stay with us through life. The dreamlike structure—seen in the tornado that whisks Dorothy away and the characters who have doubles back in Kansas—is a narrative tool that works well for kids, but also gives adults a sense of circularity, where the dangers and rewards in Oz mirror real-life struggles and triumphs. This lasting impact keeps the film timeless; every time I rewatch it, I find a new layer waiting to be uncovered.

The cinematography and visual effects in “The Wizard of Oz” stand out, but in a way that feels almost “homemade,” especially when compared to modern standards. The sets look like sets, and the effects proudly show their handmade nature. But this simplicity is one of the film’s most charming qualities. The yellow brick road and the Emerald City have a magic that surpasses realism; they’re like a child’s imagination, where everything is fantastic but clearly artificial. This approach makes Oz even more memorable and real to viewers because it awakens that childlike sense of adventure, where we aren’t looking for realism but for wonder and discovery.

The cast is another major highlight, especially Garland, who brings a touching vulnerability to Dorothy, perfectly balancing sweetness and sadness that guides the entire story. Haley, Bolger, and Lahr, as Dorothy’s friends, give genuine and charismatic performances, bringing humanity to the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion that goes beyond their symbolic “flaws.” The trio captivates because their insecurities mirror our own, creating instant connection. Margaret Hamilton, as the Wicked Witch of the West, gives us an antagonist who is both scary and fascinating, essential for a children’s fantasy where “evil” needs to be strong but not so terrifying as to alienate younger audiences.

“The Wizard of Oz” is also timeless because of its central message: the journey of self-discovery. As they travel, Dorothy and her friends realize that the qualities they’re searching for outside themselves are actually within. This lesson is universal and enduring, resonating with viewers of any age. Dorothy begins her journey wanting to run away, but she discovers that, despite its flaws and hardships, Kansas with her family is truly where she belongs. It’s a moving, somewhat bittersweet ending, as the Technicolor magic of Oz fades back to black and white, as though the magic, learning, and adventure were a dream—but one that left lasting marks.

Overall, “The Wizard of Oz” is more than a cinematic classic; it’s an exploration of the child’s subconscious and a tribute to the journeys we all undertake in life. The combination of adventure, friendship, and discovery comes together like few productions of its time, and its cultural impact is proof of its emotional depth. Perhaps that’s why it remains so relevant, filled with meanings that only grow richer over time. After all, at some point, each of us has felt like Dorothy—lost, dreaming, and searching for a place to call home.

“There’s no place like home.” _The Wizard of Oz_ is a fantastic film that has warmed the hearts of millions of people the world over. When a young farm girl named Dorothy Gale is whisked into the sky by a tornado she ends up in a magical land, and must seek out the Wizard of Oz to send her home. This adaption of L. Frank Baum’s beloved modern fairytale is a whimsical musical full of charming and magical songs; such as the unforgettable classic “Over the Rainbow.” And, the story’s themes of friendship and family have made it an enduring cinematic treasure that has become part of the culture. A classic family film, _The Wizard of Oz_ takes its audience to a wondrous place where dreams really do come true.