On September 23rd, Warner Home Video and Turner Classic Movies present will showcase the first ever High Definition presentation of The Wizard of Oz in movie theatres across the US. This one night event will take place in over 440 movie theatres nationwide and feature a look at how L. Frank Baum’s classic novel was transformed into one of the most beloved films of all time including archival interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and rare musical outtakes.

The Wizard of Oz originally opened at Grauman’s Chinese Theater in 1939. It received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and two Oscars -- Best Song (“Over the Rainbow”) and Best Original Score -- plus a special award for Outstanding Juvenile Performance by Judy Garland. The clip above explains how Judy Garland won the iconic role to play Dorothy Gale in the original version.

 Dakota Fanning, 15 (Twlight, War of the Worlds, Charlotte's Web) looks set to don Judy's ruby slippers for a forthcoming sequel to The Wizard of Oz, which is rumoured to be, "darker and more action-packed" than the original 1939 musical. The Warner Bros remake will play out in the present day and will chart the adventures of Dorothy's feistier granddaughter.

Kerry Olsen

Source: NCM, The Guardian