A cold shiver always runs down my spine, and a feeling of dread knots my stomach when I hear that a studio is re-mastering a classic film. I’m always reminded of the disembodied voice from GREMLINS 2, in Clamp Tower, that cheerfully says CASABLANCA will be shown that night, ”in full colour, with a happier ending!” So it’s with no small degree of irony that Warner Bros. – the studio behind the aforementioned GREMLINS 2 – have re-mastered THE WIZARD OF OZ for 3D and IMAX in honour of the film’s 75th anniversary.

THE WIZARD OF OZ 3D’s exclusive one-week engagement in IMAX begins September 20 in cinemas across North America, with a UK release yet to be confirmed. 

Following that, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will release THE WIZARD OF OZ 75th Anniversary Collector’s Edition October 1, 2013. Included with the limited and numbered five-disc set will be an all-new documentary, a collectible 75th anniversary journal, sparkle ruby slippers globe, Noble Collection’s 3-piece enamel pin set, a map of Oz and a 48-page hardcover book. 

“75 years later, THE WIZARD OF OZ continues its reign as a multi-generational favourite, with nearly 100 percent awareness among adults and more than 80 percent awareness among children,” said Jeff Baker, WBHE EVP and GM, Theatrical Catalogue. “In this new 3D version, the film is bound to make history all over again — with both past and future fans.”

Really? Do we need 3D version? Because converting a 2D movie into 3D always works sooooo well. Please studio bigwigs, by all means give us brand spanking new re-mastered prints, but 3D conversions…. No thank you.

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