The Wizard of 3D

Real 3D picture! Red/blue glasses required.

As this article announces, Warner Brothers is indeed converting MGM's The Wizard of Oz to 3D. This has proved a little controversial to Oz film fans and cinephiles alike. On one hand, some would like to see this classic in 3D. Others feel that giving such a modern treatment is disrespectful to a classic film.

Counter arguments to "No 3D" often call up recent 3D conversions, such as The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and even Titanic.

As I stated in this blog entry, those arguments don't really hold. The directors of those films are still alive and were involved in the 3D conversion process, able to give final approval. Warner Brothers is at the disadvantage of not being able to consult Victor Fleming or Mervyn LeRoy and can only do the best they can.

Regardless of whether or not this is respectful, it is without question that Warner Brothers will ensure the original two-dimensional version will still be available. In fact, they've confirmed that it will be one title among a collection of the company's biggest properties, including Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (if the 3D Oz conversion is successful, I'll bet this will get it next) and the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

A question many have is: will there be a theatrical release of the 3D version of Oz? While it has not been confirmed, I should not be surprised if this is the case. In 2009, two screenings of the new HD print of The Wizard of Oz were shown in one-night events at select theaters. This will likely be the same case again next year.

As for me, I am not a fan of 3D films. The only film I've seen in 3D is The Adventures of Tintin, and that was only because it was the only screening of the film I had time for. I don't plan to buy a 3D television, much less a 3D Blu-Ray player, so I don't plan to purchase the 3D home video release.

However, if it is indeed released to theaters, I'll make the attempt to see it.