WARNER BROTHERS PLANS 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF WIZARD OF OZ MOVIE

Anthony Jones - Celebrity News Service Contributor
New York, NY (CNS) - Warner Bros. is celebrating the 70th anniversary of "The Wizard of Oz" with events that are anything but munchkin-sized. Among the many special events taking place to celebrate the anniversary of the American classic include the release of brand new Ultimate Collector's Editions, a one-night-only event in theaters, and a special Emerald Gala.

On Wednesday, September 23rd, over 400 theaters across the country will present "The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Hi-Def Event" with a newly remastered digital presentation of "The Wizard of Oz." The special also includes a special introduction from classic film historian Robert Osborne and interviews and behind-the-scenes footage in the featurette, "We're Off to See the Wizard."

On Thursday, September 24th, Manhattan's Tavern on the Green will host the Emerald Gala, which will include performances by Ashanti and Lorna Luft, daughter of Judy Garland. The entire grounds will transform into the Emerald, complete with a winding Yellow Brick Road. Members of the national tour company of the Wizard of Oz will also appear to perform acts, as well as five of the original actors who played the "munchkins" in the 1939 film.

On Saturday, September 26th, Warner Bros. will host a special, star-studded screening of "The Wizard of Oz" in New York City. It will take place at the Alice Tully Hall as part of this year's New York Film Festival.

The events all lead up to the September 29th release of "The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Editions" which will release on DVD and for the first time ever on high definition Blu-ray. The collector's editions will be packed with bonus features and collectibles.

"Warner Home Video is proud to be part of the year-long celebration of this cinematic treasure. When I viewed this Blu-ray version, it was like seeing and hearing the film for the very first time. You're brought into Dorothy's adventure so profoundly that all the endearing Oz characters and unforgettable songs resound as never before," said Ron Sanders, President,Warner Home Video


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