Is, and always will be, a classic for all time!

Rating: 10/10 (31 January 2013)

In order to coincide with the upcoming "Oz, the Great and Powerful", I'm going to make my own review of this 1939 classic that will be celebrating it's 75th anniversary next year (not to mention the fact that it will be in IMAX 3D this year in September). I watched it when I was a little kid and loved it as much as anyone else in the film industry. Sure, it's not actually faithful to the book, but it doesn't matter.
It did what it had set out to do and defined the meaning of a true Hollywood classic that inspired other acclaimed directors and filmmakers to do the same. The story is very original in the overall light-hearted tone, although it does have some moments that would make you feel scared(especially the Wicked Witch of the West who scared me as a little child). The scenery is beautiful and realistic and the look of the Emerald City is a sight to behold. The characters are charming and likable too. Judy Garland is a beautiful Dorothy, Ray Bolger is a terrific Scarecrow, Jack Haley is a wonderful Tin Man, Bert Lahr is a hilarious and cowardly Lion, and Margaret Hamilton is a scary Wicked Witch of the West.
The pacing moves along very nicely, but the best part would have to go to the musical numbers written by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Yip Harbug including "Somewhere Over The Rainbow", "Ding! Dong! The Wicked Witch Is Dead", "If I Only Had A Brain", "If I Only Had A Heart", "If I Only Had The Nerve", "We're Off To See The Wizard", and more.
Overall, The Wizard of Oz is, and always will be, a classic to those who are young and old. Recommended!