Wizard of Oz, The (DVD)

Why does the 3-disc verson have to have the 'darker' cover art?

I like it, but the question is do we get a booklet?!

I like the darker cover as well, but what the heck is Warner's Ultra Resolution process they're using? I can't wait to have this definitive version of such a well received classic.

"...what the heck is Warner's Ultra Resolution process they're using?" --schmicky

They're not saying at the moment, but it's probably the higher bit rate they've been using for the past year or so, making most of their newer releases a lot better looking than they were previously.

John

Here is what came up after doing the Google search -

More than seventy years after the introduction of Technicolor, Warner Bros. Studios is employing the "Ultra-Resolution" process that begins with scanning the original Technicolor 3-strip black and white 'records' at extremely high resolution. The black and white records are then combined electronically to create the colour images, which are also electronically re-registered, steadied and cleaned before the final DVDs are produced.

Few titles that have utilized this process are -
Gone with the wind, Ben Hur new edition, Band wagon, Easter Parade, Wizard of Oz new edition.

It's scanned at 4,000 Horizontal Lines or resolution. So if HDTV ever becomes obsolete, those movies will be waiting to be shown in all their glory. There are more films that have been put through the restoration process: Singin' in the Rain, Meet me in St. Louis, and The Adventures of Robin Hood.

Finally a really good version of my favorite film of all time!!! Each time it has been released on DVD, I was hoping it would include an audio commentary, and finally I get my wish. I noticed the commentary is by historian John Fricke. If it is a copy of the commentary he did for the Ultimate Edition of the Wizard of Oz on laserdisc many years ago, then it is a GREAT track!!! I love the darker cover for the 3-disc set, and can't WAIT to get it!!!!!

The "Star Wars Trilogy" was supposedly scanned at 5,000 lines of horizontal resolution, and the result was excellent. But the fact is, today's standard-definition DVDs can only play back 480 lines, and the only way to make those 480 lines look good is by enhancing the transfer for widescreen TVs (anamorphic) and by using as low a compression rate as possible (high bit rate). I suspect WB's new "Ultra Resolution" is combination of all three elements.

John

From DVDanswers: "the collector's edition will include limited edition treasurable reproductions of rare original 1939 memorabilia, including MGM Studio Magazine, Grauman's Opening Night Program, Grauman's Ticket and Invitation, 9 Kodachrome Color Stills, and a Photoplay Studies Guide."

BOOM BABY!

Wow!!! This truly is an amazing set. I held off on the single disc edition because I knew there had to be a better edition coming out. If you are one of the many people who love this movie, this is the version to get. It's well worth the money. A movie like "The Wizard of Oz" deserved special treatment on DVD and it finally got it. Pick this up immediately!!!

Michael

Does anyone know if this edition comes with an alternate audio track of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon?

Tim ;)

Tim,

You're probably thinking of the four-disc "Dark Pink" edition, coming soon to your local mind.

John

Hi everybody !
I've bought the 3 DVD collector's edition, I spent a lot of time watching all special features (very interesting) BUT, I can't find on disc three the 1933 cartoon !!! Am I crazy or is this cartoon missing on everybody else's copy ??? I love this cartoon...I'd like to solve this mystery...
Thanks

The 1933 cartoon is the final item listed on disc three's menu, at bottom of the page. The feature is about eight minutes long, and it's the first dramaitic treatment of the story to show Kansas in black-and-white and Oz in color.

John

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