The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Gems: The Wizard of Oz (1939)

How do you choose what to watch on all those streaming services you have access to? There are so many options that it is just overwhelming. These services constantly release new content and overshadow all the great films from the past that are already there and ready to watch. Now there is The Wasteland Gems! Here is a great film on streaming right now that you should check out this weekend:

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

What is the most beloved fantasy film and fantasy world in the history of cinema? That would be The Wizard of Oz and, of course, the Wonderful Land of Oz. This classic film is a towering achievement of classic cinema and Old Hollywood. This is a feat of the old studio system that is filled with wonder, massive production value, and dump trucks full of movie magic. L. Frank Baum’s stories of Oz were brought to the big screen at the end of the 1930s in such a wonderfully majestic cinematic package. One of the most iconic films of all time, The Wizard of Oz is an absolute gem.

What makes this such an impressive cinematic feat? The world building is impressive and second to none. The production design is a towering achievement with its practical sets that boast some of the most iconic cinematic elements in film. All the way back, the matte paintings are so rich and detailed. This is the backdrop that works so well with the detailed structures that are built throughout the film. Munchkin Land, the Witch’s castle, and (of course) the Emerald City. The vibrance of all these structures and elements is because of how rich the colors are. The Yellow Brick Road is one of the most iconic elements of any film ever. The sheer vibrance of the Emerald City is something to behold. The power of color just brings so many scenes in The Wizard of Oz. to life in such a poignant and unexpected way. Few films will get you lost in another world quite like this one can.

What is another element that truly brings this cinematic experience to life? The music. First off, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is one of the most iconic songs, let alone songs coming from films. Judy Garland’s performance of the song is second to none in its impact. This sets the tone for the whole film and once we reach Oz (and the incredibly awe-inspiring switch to Technicolor), the music really takes over. The Munchkins’ parade of little tunes is so charming and fun as the audience learns a lot about these fun characters. “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” is another iconic piece of cinematic music that has leapt into pop culture. Each of the three companions get their own little numbers (or whole songs like The Cowardly Lion) which have some of the most fun wordplay, fake words, and rhymes you will hear in a musical. The fact that The Wizard of Oz is such a universally beloved musical just makes it so much more charming.

How else truly makes this whole experience so special? The whole cast is perfectly assembled. Garland is charming and has that wide-eyed innocence that makes Dorothy Gale such a charming protagonist. Ray Bolger is a manic genius in this film as he brings the Scarecrow to life so well (the true brains of the operation). Jack Haley is cool and engaging as the Tin Man with all his stiff movements and moves. Bert Lehr is an absolute delight as Cowardly Lion who gets to do plenty of physical beats and have plenty of emotions (most fear) throughout. Frank Morgan is a dynamic presence as the Wizard (and all the other characters he plays…whether they are all the Wizard as well or not too). He brings empathy that makes the Wizard a good-hearted fool instead of a true monster that we witness in other adaptations. Billie Burke just has that voice and bubbliness that makes Glinda the Good…so good. Then you have Margaret Hamilton. Few performances are as iconic as hers as she set the tone and benchmark for cinematic witches for decades to come.

How does someone simply sum up that powerful impact of The Wizard of Oz? Magical. Triumphant. Iconic. Victor Fleming’s film was a team effort with multiple directors that bring elements to the film. The cast brings all their own spin on these iconic characters (with are iconic because of said performers). Technicolor rarely looked this good and live action fantasy working so well is even rarer. The Wizard of Oz is a must-see for those never touched by this work and the perfect rewatch for anyone who has already.

The Wizard of Oz is streaming on AMC+.