Oh did I want this one to work. I am sure a lot of you, including me, had high hopes for this silent version of the W of O in the hopes that you could compare the two. Well, better make a short (or long) list, because the 1941 version is NOTHING like this one. This silent version is a very very long winded and boring rendition of the tale. Gone are the witches, tornadoes, munchkins and the yellow brick road. From what I understand, Dorothy is the long lost queen of Oz (by way of being dropped far far away from Oz as a baby), and she quite by accident arrives in Oz by way of flying house (well, at least they got THAT part right. Soon, some of the companions in the house become the lion, the tin man and a scarecrow (don't ask), while Dorothy rather likes the position she is given and starts ignoring all that were dear and true to her. What will happen next? WHO CARES? Just pretend that the Judy Garland edition was the first one to come along and spare yourself the time and agony.
Oh, and if you rent the Reel Media video version, be prepared for an oddball soundtrack and some not-needed audio transcription of the titles in the movie.
Oh, and if you rent the Reel Media video version, be prepared for an oddball soundtrack and some not-needed audio transcription of the titles in the movie.