The Wizardry of Oz: The Artistry And Magic of The 1939 MGM Classic - Revised and Expanded [Paperback]

Jay Scarfone (Author), William Stillman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2004

PUBLISHED ON THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RELEASE OF THE FILM: AUGUST 15, 2004! The Wizard of Oz is one of the most popular and beloved motion pictures of all time. Seen by over one billion people worldwide since its 1939 premiere, Oz is an indelible part of our national consciousness and our earliest childhood memories. Why does this movie endure despite modern advances in film make-up and special effects? This lavishly illustrated book explores the construction of Oz at the height of Hollywood's golden age and under the auspices of filmdom's greatest studio. Details about Oz's make-up, costumes and special effects are revealed, accompanied by rare stills, Technicolor test frames, and blueprints - over 300 color and B&W illustrations, many published for the first time! Actual costumes and props - now priceless treasures - are presented from the archives of memorabilia collectors, supplemented by never-before-conducted interviews with Oz's cast and crew. Written by the nation's leading Oz authorities, and with a foreword by the Cowardly Lion's make-up man, The Wizardry of Oz is a fascinating trip over the rainbow, from concept to realization. This book is an absolute must for Oz fans, film scholars, devotees of Judy Garland and Hollywood's golden era, or anyone who's ever wondered, "How'd they do that?" while watching this classic.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Applause Books; Rev Exp edition (June 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557836248
• ISBN-13: 978-1557836243
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #328,932 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lions and Tigers and Bears "Oh My", July 3, 2005

By 

JudyFan "limogesboys" (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Wizardry of Oz: The Artistry And Magic of The 1939 MGM Classic - Revised and Expanded (Paperback)

One word can adequately describe this book. FANTASTIC. I was in heaven (Oz) while reading this book. It is the best book ever written about the making of "The Wizard of Oz". Jay Scarfone has out done himself. I have gone back many times to look at many of the rare photo's he has included in this book. I got it for Christmas and it was my favorite gift. Want to learn something about the making of this beloved classic GET THIS BOOK NOW!

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended for dedicated movie buffs, August 9, 2004

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Wizardry of Oz: The Artistry And Magic of The 1939 MGM Classic - Revised and Expanded (Paperback)

Now in a newly revised and expanded edition, The Wizardry of Oz: The Artistry And Magic of The 1939 MGM Classic is a colorful companion to the 1939 classic movie that brought Baum's famous children's classic of a magical world to vivid life. Black-and-white as well as full-color photographs and a text that explores the movie's creation from its initial design concepts to casting, shooting, and release in theaters. The expert collaboration of Jay Scarfone and William Stillman, The Wizardry Of Oz is a superb treasure filled from cover to cover with little-known behind-the-scenes stories and is most especially recommended for dedicated movie buffs with fond memories of going over the rainbow and entering Oz!

12 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This WIZ is a WOW, July 23, 2004

By 

Scott Schechter "[e-mail] / Author ... (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Wizardry of Oz: The Artistry And Magic of The 1939 MGM Classic - Revised and Expanded (Paperback)

This book is the greatest book I've ever seen on the 1939 MGM musical masterpiece. Any OZ lover will be in heaven over the vast amount of rare, and NEVER before seen photos -- all presented in top-notch quality, many of them looking astounding crisp and clear, like never before. Even the PAPER used in the book is thick and rich. The book is huge and heavy, and must be one of the bargains of the century. Only $19.95 list price? Astounding. You simply will be OVER THE RAINBOW when you read the insightful history of the production. These gentlemen are THE top authorities on OZ, and it shows. Click on the Buy Now button, and you will be so happy you did. If Ever Oh Ever a BOOK There Was, THIS One's THE One, the WIZARDRY one, Because, Because, Because, Because, BECAUSE : Because of the WONDERFUL Book It Is!