The Wizard Of Oz IMAX 3D Experience

September 18, 2013

Last night I had the pleasure of experiencing the newly restored 3D IMAX version of "The Wizard Of Oz" at TCL's (originally Grauman's) Chinese Theatre IMAX, which is now the largest IMAX theatre in the world (932 seats and a screen 94 feet wide and 46 feet tall, the third largest in the world). This was the same location of the film's original Hollywood premiere on August 15, 1939. "The Wizard Of Oz" will have an exclusive one-week engagement in more than 300 IMAX theaters across North America beginning September 20, 2013. The film is the oldest ever to be converted to 3D and IMAX 3D. As for the restoration, the Warner Bros. restoration team spent approximately 16 months working with Prime Focus on the Technicolor 3D conversion. More than 1,000 people reportedly worked on the 3D and IMAX 3D conversions. The 3D conversion was initiated with a very high resolution (8k) scanning of the original Technicolor camera negative. The restored 2D image was then transformed by creating a depth-map of each frame to construct 3D imagery and determine distances from the viewer’s vantage point. This was followed by the long process (with the use of a rotoscope) to further refine viewer distances and fully layer shapes and objects. "The Wizard Of Oz" was digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX 3D Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The IMAX DMR process combines proprietary algorithms with IMAX’s in-house image specialists to remove visual noise or grain and optimize the image (shot-by-shot) and soundtrack for The IMAX Experience. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that makes audiences feel as if they are in the movie. To learn more about IMAX’s DMR process, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9izZYEX2Ru0 At the TCL Chinese Theatre presentation, it was apparent that the image and sound of the film was impressively optimized for the 1.37:1 IMAX 3D full-fame experience. An amazing visual aspect of the restoration was the revealed detail showing, for example, Dorothy's freckles, the texture of the burlap in the Scarecrow's face, and the extra rivet in the Tinman's face, just between his eyes, as well as the effect of increasing the size of the Wicked Witch's head so as to appear she was shrinking. The film was directed by Victor Fleming (who that same year directed "Gone With The Wind," which won the Academy Award® for Best Picture). The theatre restoration architects and craftsmen did a beautiful job of preserving the look and feel of the original historical theatre. It is such a beautiful and intricate arts deco masterpiece. If you've only seen "The Wizard Of Oz" on a TV screen, you've never really experienced it. The restoration in terms of color and resolution is gorgeous and the 3D is amazingly effective as a window into the world of Oz. The image is pristine throughout and most definitely is the best that audience of any age has ever seen. And the sound is pristine as well with effective dynamics and deep bass extension. You owe it to your childhood memories and to your children and grandchildren's memories to go and experience this 3D IMAX presentation. You will not be disappointed! On October 1, 2013, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will debut a limited and numbered "The Wizard Of Oz 75th Anniversary Collector's Edition," a five-disc set including Blu-ray™, Blu-rat 3D™, DVD and UltraViolet™ versions of the film, plus myriad bonus features, new documentaries and collectible items. New exclusive collectible 75th Anniversary memorabilia include deluxe award pin set from The Noble Collection™, 52-page hardcover photo book, Ruby Slippers™ Sparkle Globe, hardcover journal, frameable map of Oz, and frameable photo card. Three more editions will be available separately: a two-disc 3D/Blu-ray, a single-disc Blu-ray, and a two-disc DVD. All four will contain the new documentary and extra content. For more information, visit www.thewizardofoz.com. Look for my review in Widescreen Review's October issue!

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