Review of The Wizard of Oz (1939) by Dan F — 13 Sep 2014

There have been several attempts to capitalise on the success of Oz- Disney has given us the terrifying "Return" and Sam Raimi the disappointing saccharine CGI miscast misfire prequel. There's been a few animated takes, too, one featured Liza Minelli picking up where her mother left off.

Although there is plenty of scope for a franchise, it will never escape the shadow of this bonafide classic of cinema. Anyone who says it hasn't dated is in absolute denial, but it's charm hasn't.

The suspension of disbelief, the tenchnicolor, the pantomime outfits and the defining music creates a surreal and innocent adventure that will only sicken the most hardened cynic. The musical theatre off-shoots are banal (Wicked, and the stage adaptation of the film) and should never be considered a legacy, which is just an endless barrage of terrible attempts to cash in on a classic.

It stands alone.