The Wizardry of Oz: The Artistry and Magic of the 1939 MGM Classic

by Jay Scarfone

THE WIZARDRY OF OZ: THE ARTISTRY AND MAGIC OF THE 1939 M-G-M CLASSIC

Genres: Media Tie In

258 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2004

Reviews

[Russell Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wizardry of Oz: The Artistry and Magic of the 1939 MGM Classic,” by Jay Scarfone and William Stillman is a fascinating and imminently readable companion to the film classic. This edition, revised and expanded in 2004, was the most exhaustive book about The Wizard of Oz published at that time. The book goes behind the scenes, explaining make-up, costuming, set design, special effects, and publicity strategies for the movie. All of it is quite interesting, never bogging down in technical details. The book is also filled with pictures from the film and from the technical aspects. My biggest criticism is that often a blueprint takes up most of a page while a color still from the film illustrating the blueprint is so tiny it is hard to see any details. The blueprint itself is largely a cypher, for most of us have no idea how to read a blueprint, plus the type is faded anyway. A larger still and a smaller blueprint, for me, would have been more enlightening. There are now on the market, perhaps, better books about this film. In fact, I actually thought I was ordering a more recently published book. But this one is definitely worth the read and celebrates this magnificent movie in all its glory. In a world where most movie effects are accomplished by computer generated imagery, going behind the scenes of The Wizard of Oz, definitely created by the wizardry of the human mind and hand, is amazing.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally got to this beautiful book in it's entirety after flipping through it for years. Beyond inspiring. The work and craftsmanship that went on to make the film would school amateur and professional alike. So many great alternatives to CGI from camera angles, to special effects, to costuming and makeup. Love the film. Love knowing what was behind it as a creative adult.

[Leslie Carnahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best Oz books for collectors/Oz fans. Super detailed. 10/10.

[Bethany Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read! Great in-depth look at one of the greatest classics of all time! Very visual with great photos. If you're not interested in the technical side, the book can be a tad boring. However, any Wizard of Oz fan would enjoy the book, even just for the photos.