Wizard of Oz Blu-ray Buying Guide (Update 3)
HomeWizard of Oz Blu-ray Buying Guide (Update 3)
Posted September 29, 2009 04:00 AM by Juan Calonge
Months ago, when Warner Home Video announced the 70th anniversary
edition of 'The Wizard of Oz', only one version was listed for Blu-ray: the
Ultimate Collector's Edition. However, several retailers are
now allegedly preparing their own exclusive editions, with different content
and pricing. Confusion reigns among BD enthusiasts. This note aims to
compile the release details and pricing for all available editions, and help
our readers make an informed buying decision.
Note that this is a work-in-progress, culled from retailer information and especially the data we're getting from various sources, including forum members.
A. Ultimate Collector's Edition
This release contains four discs (two BDs, one dual-sided DVD, one Digital Copy disc). It includes the six-hour documentary 'When the Lion Roars'.
Bundled collectibles include: a high-quality replica of the film's original 1939 Campaign Book (for the first time reproduced in its entirety); a facsimile of a budget sheet; a 52-page book, Behind the Curtain of Production 1060; and a limited-edition 70th Anniversary Watch nestled in an Emerald City-embossed tin.
1. Amazon UCE
Amazon is selling the UCE with a set of four exclusive 8" by 10" posters.
2. Best Buy UCE
Best Buy is selling the UCE with a set of four exclusive lenticular postcards. (We apologize for the poor quality of the picture above, which is the only available one.)
B. Target "3-disc Emerald Edition"
The front, back and inside of Target's exclusive "3-disc Emerald Edition" (click to enlarge)
The existence and $34.99 price of this edition are confirmed (see Target weekly ad, page 9).
It consists of three discs (two BDs and one dual-sided DVD), in a three-disc keep case. Here is a close-up of the list of contents from the back cover.
(Emerald edition photographs by forum member Goblox, except inside
photo by doctorthodt.)
In summary, it will include all the audio/video extras listed on the UCE (see blu-ray.com's review), including the documentary "When the Lion Roars", but not the digital copy, or any of the collectibles.
In Canada, the Emerald Edition can be found at Futureshop. Retail price is 42 Canadian dollars.
C. Wal-Mart 70th Anniversary Edition
The front, back and inside of the Wal-Mart edition (click to enlarge)
This edition has been confirmed by multiple forum members. It retails for $19.96.
It consists of one disc (Disc 1 of the UCE), in a regular Blu-ray-sized case. Here is a close-up of the list of contents from the back cover.
(Wal-Mart edition photographs by forum member HRC.)
In summary, it includes the audio/video extras included on Disc 1 of the UCE (see blu-ray.com's review), but not those on Disc 2, the documentary "When the Lion Roars", the digital copy, or any of the collectibles. Note that the sticker on the front of the case is incorrect: the Wal-Mart edition does not include the documentary on director Victor Fleming, the Dreamer of Oz TV special, or the Munchkin featurette. If you want any of those, you need to buy the UCE or Target's Emerald Edition.
We will update this post as we get more information.
If any forum member comes across any relevant information, it will be highly appreciated - feel free to post it in the comments area or send it by PM or email.
Thanks to: doctorthodt, Goblox, HRC, kdssrugby, musick, Pfdfiredog, qz3fwd.
Note that this is a work-in-progress, culled from retailer information and especially the data we're getting from various sources, including forum members.
This release contains four discs (two BDs, one dual-sided DVD, one Digital Copy disc). It includes the six-hour documentary 'When the Lion Roars'.
Bundled collectibles include: a high-quality replica of the film's original 1939 Campaign Book (for the first time reproduced in its entirety); a facsimile of a budget sheet; a 52-page book, Behind the Curtain of Production 1060; and a limited-edition 70th Anniversary Watch nestled in an Emerald City-embossed tin.
Amazon is selling the UCE with a set of four exclusive 8" by 10" posters.
Best Buy is selling the UCE with a set of four exclusive lenticular postcards. (We apologize for the poor quality of the picture above, which is the only available one.)
The front, back and inside of Target's exclusive "3-disc Emerald Edition" (click to enlarge)
The existence and $34.99 price of this edition are confirmed (see Target weekly ad, page 9).
It consists of three discs (two BDs and one dual-sided DVD), in a three-disc keep case. Here is a close-up of the list of contents from the back cover.
In summary, it will include all the audio/video extras listed on the UCE (see blu-ray.com's review), including the documentary "When the Lion Roars", but not the digital copy, or any of the collectibles.
In Canada, the Emerald Edition can be found at Futureshop. Retail price is 42 Canadian dollars.
The front, back and inside of the Wal-Mart edition (click to enlarge)
This edition has been confirmed by multiple forum members. It retails for $19.96.
It consists of one disc (Disc 1 of the UCE), in a regular Blu-ray-sized case. Here is a close-up of the list of contents from the back cover.
In summary, it includes the audio/video extras included on Disc 1 of the UCE (see blu-ray.com's review), but not those on Disc 2, the documentary "When the Lion Roars", the digital copy, or any of the collectibles. Note that the sticker on the front of the case is incorrect: the Wal-Mart edition does not include the documentary on director Victor Fleming, the Dreamer of Oz TV special, or the Munchkin featurette. If you want any of those, you need to buy the UCE or Target's Emerald Edition.
We will update this post as we get more information.
If any forum member comes across any relevant information, it will be highly appreciated - feel free to post it in the comments area or send it by PM or email.
Thanks to: doctorthodt, Goblox, HRC, kdssrugby, musick, Pfdfiredog, qz3fwd.