What is it that has kept audiences so devoted to The Wizard of Oz, which seems to grow in popularity year after year? With all the viewing choices available these days, why is this iconic Hollywood film still one of the most popular movies of all time?
Perhaps it’s because the technology, absolutely revolutionary for its time, still holds up today, even with all the new special effects tools currently available to filmmakers. Maybe it’s the magical, timeless story, filled with rich characters who evoke our full range of emotions as we join them on their journey to see The Wizard. Or the music, the costumes, the memorable lines…it’s likely all these things and more.
Perhaps the best testament to the true greatness of this visually stunning film is how popular it was even in the days of tiny black and white televisions. With our current HD technology and giant widescreen color TVs, it’s probably hard for some to imagine a room full of parents and children huddled around a tiny set, excitedly watching the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion trying to get Dorothy home to Kansas. But that’s what it was like, and it was amazing.
For those old enough to remember those days, watching The Wizard of Oz on today’s televisions is like seeing it again for the first time. It’s a safe bet that for children (of all ages!) The Wizard of Oz will continue to be viewed as one of the greatest films ever made.