The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Kick-Off
The Party Was the First of Several Events for this Classic Film
Jun 11, 2009
Recently Warner Home Entertainment held a kick-off event to publicize the upcoming special edition, which will be released on September 29. There were Dorothy look-alikes, a special hot air commemorative balloon, and a display of 19 ruby slippers, each designed by one of today’s top designers.
Today’s Designers Created Their Own Ruby Slippers
Diane Von Furstenberg, Manolo Blahnik, Oscar de la Renta, Moschino, Stuart Weitzman and 14 other designers of the 21st century each created their own updated version of the famous shoes.
There were paintings and other exhibits commemorating the film and its lasting impression on pop culture. It is one of those films that keeps giving enjoyment year after year.
The Wizard of Oz Has Been Engrained in Our Lexicon
Several lines from the film are part of today’s lexicon:
- “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.”
- “And what would you do with a brain if you had one?”
- “I’ll get you my pretty, and your little dog too.”
- “There’s no place like home.”
- “Lions and tigers and bears, oh my.”
- “Follow the Yellow Brick Road”
And the word “munchkin” has become part of our vocabulary, as have “Oz” and “Toto.”
The Special Edition Will Have Many Bonus Features
The Blu-ray edition will be filled with bonus features that everyone in the family will enjoy. There will be a new feature on the Munchkins, a Sing-Along track, the 1914 silent film, a coffee-table book, an exclusive watch, and more great extras will be included in The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition.
If there was ever a film which deserved to be seen in High Definition, it would have to be The Wizard of Oz. While a DVD edition will be available, the best way to experience this classic will be in Hi-Def Blu-ray.
The Hot Air Balloon Goes on Location Around the U.S.
The new edition won’t be released until the end of September, but in the meantime fans can see the special commemorative hot air balloon on tour in the following locations:
- June 11-15 in Las Vegas, Nevada at CineVegas
- July 1-5 in Battle Creek Michigan at the Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival
- July 23-27 in San Diego, California at Comic-con
- July 31-August 3 in Akron/Cleveland at the Hall of Fame Balloon Classic
- August 20-24 in St. Louis, Missouri at the Centralia Balloon Festival
- September 4-6 in Cincinnati at Riverfest
- September 24 in New York City at the Tavern on the Green
- October 3-10 in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the Balloon Fiesta
- October 15-19 in Washington, D.C. at the Shenandoah Valley Balloon and Wine Festival
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