Reel Deal: Taking one too many trips to 'Oz'
Alex Plimack
Arts | 3/5/08
You would think after Michael Jackson starred in "The Wiz," all hope would be abandoned for a decent remake.
If only that were true.
"Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!"
The thing is, I'm not exactly sure who to blame for this predicament. I'd like to point the figure at the studios and accost them for being money-grubbing whores (which they are) and trying to re-do (i.e., bastardize) a franchise for a new generation (which they frequently do).
But I must also take satisfaction in the realization that "The Wizard of Oz" remains relevant today. Sure it's been almost 70 years since it was first released, but it's fascinating to see a piece of art still inspire people to create today. It's a true testament to the power of film. Artists are still able to find new ways to tell the classic story in ways that creatively look at the timeless archetypes of Dorothy and her journey through Oz. Sure, most of them suck hard, but I'd like to think it's the thought that counts.
Of course, it's always a lot easier to blame those damn studios.
"There's no place like home."
So while this newest remake may or may not make it to the big screen, I would hope that those being exposed to the world of Oz for the first time will at first be shown the original 1939 movie. I would hope that they will get an experience like I did when I sat with a numb backside in the Senator on that rainy evening and saw what the small screen of the television could never convey.
In the world of home theaters, HDTV's, Blu-Ray and 5.1 surround sound, I would hope that the classic movie house is still revered by cinephiles when it comes to watching the classics.
Because that's the only place to see "The Wizard of Oz" and appreciate it for all of its glory.
And trust me, the flying monkeys are even scarier when they're 20 feet tall.
Just ask my mom.
If only that were true.
"Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!"
The thing is, I'm not exactly sure who to blame for this predicament. I'd like to point the figure at the studios and accost them for being money-grubbing whores (which they are) and trying to re-do (i.e., bastardize) a franchise for a new generation (which they frequently do).
But I must also take satisfaction in the realization that "The Wizard of Oz" remains relevant today. Sure it's been almost 70 years since it was first released, but it's fascinating to see a piece of art still inspire people to create today. It's a true testament to the power of film. Artists are still able to find new ways to tell the classic story in ways that creatively look at the timeless archetypes of Dorothy and her journey through Oz. Sure, most of them suck hard, but I'd like to think it's the thought that counts.
Of course, it's always a lot easier to blame those damn studios.
"There's no place like home."
So while this newest remake may or may not make it to the big screen, I would hope that those being exposed to the world of Oz for the first time will at first be shown the original 1939 movie. I would hope that they will get an experience like I did when I sat with a numb backside in the Senator on that rainy evening and saw what the small screen of the television could never convey.
In the world of home theaters, HDTV's, Blu-Ray and 5.1 surround sound, I would hope that the classic movie house is still revered by cinephiles when it comes to watching the classics.
Because that's the only place to see "The Wizard of Oz" and appreciate it for all of its glory.
And trust me, the flying monkeys are even scarier when they're 20 feet tall.
Just ask my mom.
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