It is perhaps one of the most widely loved movies of all time, appealing to fans young and old. Now in its 75th year, the 1939 classic Wizard of Oz has wowed audiences since the first time it appeared on the silver screen. And in a stunning finale to Coronado’s Oz Con International, the Coronado Island Film Festival presented the digitally remastered edition of the classic film in 3D on the big screen.
Two sold out screenings were presented at Coronado’s Village Theatre on Friday, August 7th. Moviegoers were greeted with a few familiar faces Dorothy, Glinda (the Good Witch), and even the Cowardly Lion before taking their seats. Throughout the film, audience members, donning their 3D glasses, could be heard singing along to the time-honored tunes.
In association with Coronado Cultural Arts Commission and Vintage Cinemas, CIFF presented the film along with a conversation with special guest and Hollywood journalist and film historian Aljean Harmetz, author of The Making of The Wizard of Oz.? During her presentation, Harmetz recalled the time she spent with the cast, shared secrets to some of the film’s special effects and described the era of moviemaking at MGM studios.
“The most interesting thing about the movie you are going to see, is that you are going to see it at all,” quipped Harmetz.
Harmetz explained that in the 1940’s, movies were considered “products with a shelf life” and oftentimes were only shown for a brief period before being put into the vault.
She also recalled that the most memorable scene of the movie almost didn’t make it in.
“No MGM star should ever sing in a barnyard,” she quoted MGM executives as saying, when referring to Judy Garland’s portrayal of Dorothy singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” After much discussion, it was decided to keep the scene.
Coronado celebrated Oz Con August 1-7 with a series of events, film, live theater, tours and exhibitions to commemorate the film’s 75th anniversary.
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Mary Douglas
Staff Writer
eCoronado.com
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