RateItAll: The Opinion Network

One of the best known and quoted movies ever. Still need to watch it while playing Dark side of the Moon tho.

Not my favorite but it's okay.

This film just makes me real hungry.

A classic that has suffered somewhat due to over exposure. It was shown during the holiday season every year on network t.v. for something like twenty years in a row. The film was produced during the early transition to color movies. The place in the film where it blossoms into full color from a drab sepia tone must have been awesome when it was first viewed. Even today it is a dramatic moment in spite of the fact I have seen it too many times to count. A true classic film.

It is a good movie but I have seen it way to many times!Overall its a pretty good movie.

As a kid, this was the film we waited all week to see on TV. Wonderful classic still. Almost as interesting on-screen is what happened off-screen during the planning of the film. Shirley Temple originally was supposed to play Dorothy. W.C. Fields was supposed to play the Wizard. Buddy Ebsen was the Tin Man for awhile, but proved allergic to the silver paint they used on him, necessitating his replacement. I always loved Margaret Hamilton, a former schoolteacher from Ohio, as the Wicked Witch. She lived her last years in Amenia, NY, and when she died, her body was cremated and the ashes scattered over the town, a fact which crosses my mind every time I drive through there (if I see her some night on a broomstick, I swear I'm gonna drive into a tree!). I defy anyone to watch a youthful, lovely Judy Garland singing "Somewhere Over The Rainbow", cognizant as they watch of her ultimate fate, and not be heartbroken. May be somewhat sappy and dated for today's audience, I suppose, but it always will retain a place of affection in my heart.

Well ahead of it's time; I can only wonder what it would have been like to be sitting there watching in those days and to see the color for the very first time.

To say that this movie had many unforgetable performances would be an understatement. Judy Garland's "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" has to be one of, if not the, greatest musical moments in movie history.

So much to love about this timeless classic that will go on for the ages.

You know, when I was growing up, it was a special time every year around Easter when they aired it. It was magical! My kids now could care less because they can see it anytime.

Classic movie. Love the munchkins and the songs they sing throughout the movie.

One of my all time favorite movies!

A timeless classic.

Love the movie.

I remember when I was little this used to air only once a year (around Easter I think). I think that made it even more special - it was something I would look forward to watching every year.

A classic movie that never grows old. First it was shown on tv once a year then came VHS and now DVD! Wow, now I can watch it anytime I want!!

The alltime children's classic. I have seen it since 1960. That's 46 years now. Sometimes 3 and 4 times. L. Frank Baum was a genius.

One of the most beloved movies of our time, and rightly so. Growing up I always anticipated an airing of The Wizard of Oz on tv. What a treat it was, to be taken to OZ, to escape from the real world, and be apart of something so fantastic and beautiful. Its sometimes hard for me to think that Shirley Temple was actually considered first and foremost for the film, as Dorthy is supposed to be just a Child. I doubt the movie would be the classic it is today, without Garlands brilliance, and amazing voice. Somewhere over the Rainbow, strikes a cord to all whom listen, and its probably the single most definitive score in Cinema history. A tale of 4 wayword souls, on a journey to become "complete" find along the way that they didnt need anything to prove their worth, it was inside them all along. And our beloved Dorothy, finds that, through all of lifes struggles, what matters in the end, are those whom we love and love us, and indeed there is no place like home~

A movie so good that it continues to grow an audience with each new generation that is exposed to it. An ensemble cast with brilliantly played characters and an unforgettable soundtrack. The message of the film, "There's no place like home.", is one that resonates inside the hearts of all who are fortunate enough to enjoy the love of home, friends, and family, the world over. To think that they nearly left Judy Garland's emotionally charged rendition of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' on the cutting room floor makes you thankful for occurences of devine intervention. A true classic for all times.

The goofiness and silliness of the characters gives the movie its own beauty.

I think it is a great film to watch with children. They will love the silly scarecrow, the funny lion and the girls will want the red sparkly shoes so they can click the back of their heels and say "There is no place like Home." They will pretend to be the wicked witch of the West to other siblings by saying in a scary tone "I will get you my Pretty." They will sing and skip the tunes Were off to see the Wizard the wonderful wizard of oz.... Follow the yellow brick road.. etc. If you watch it for the first time as an adult you might not enjoy it as much as someone that has seen it as a child. I have a friend that saw it for the first time as an adult and he said, "I wished I would have seen this movie when I was a kid. I think I would have really liked it. The tornado has a certain amount of mystery to a child because you do not know what will happen when you get sucked up in it.

Also being one of the very first movies in color, this movie is a true classic that has an unmatched storyline that people will cherish for generations.

Definatly a classic, don't listen to the people who say its just a kids movie. Although it IS in fact for kids, its so timeless that no matter what age group it is aimed at, everyone will enjoy it.

not bad for a kids movie, but if you're an adult, read the book.

i never missed the wizard of oz when it on ever since i was a child. even when i became a teenager id tell my friends i got in trouble and had to go home but really it was cuz i didnt miss the movie. i had a reputation to uphold. this is a movie that should forever be passed down the generartions

it really made me go to sleep,how boring

This movie is sheer perfection without all the computer generated special effects of today. It is a classic.

Had its moments but overall didn't care much for this classic.

This movie is definitely a classic. Here it is 2005 and children still get exited watching it.

One of the few times I actually agree with Louie. This mocie is a masterpiece and I personally believe that it is the best movie of all time. I watch this movie at least once a year and I could never ever grow tired of it, never.

Probably the greatest movie of all-time, doesn't get better than this!

Real classics never die. Wonder why they only play it during the holidays though.

How can anyone not like this movie? First let me state that if this type of movie were released today I would be hesitant to see it because I'm not into musicals per se; my tastes range from witty comedies to supense to action movies. That being said, I have to acknowledge the greatness of this movie since it is ingrained into my (and everyone's) memory, and I always enjoy seeing it. I just wish it were presented on television as an event once a year like in the old days (it was shown on or around Easter time on NBC when I was a kid), not 30 times a day on TBS or TNT on July 4th. Anyway, if you have not seen it there is something wrong with you.

Probably Hollywood's greatest film. It has great songs, good action and humor. The transition from black & white Kansas to full-color Oz is brilliant. The film has great cinematography.

Whoever rated this low is obviously in denial... c'mon, did you honesly not love this epic as a kid??? I know I sure did and I just turned 24 today!!! (10-02-80) Whenever I grew up I watched this movie at least a dozen times and NEVER got sick of it and never will. After the house drops... after the tornado, she emerges inside of a colorful OZ that is the most beautiful thing ever witnessed on t.v. GREAT!!!

This is a great movie. Here something to do with OZ. On the third lions roar on the MGM Logo, start the album Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd. If you timed it right, When Miss Gulch is riding her bike to the Gale Farm, a bunch of clocks should be chiming, the song Money should start when it goes to color. Just listen to the words in the song while watching the movie and I think you will enjoy it.

This is one of those classical movies that unfortunately will never die. For a film of its time (1939) The Wizard of Oz boasts magnificent scenery, costumes, script, colourful characters and memorable songs. Its one of the most popular holiday films and like it or not for people to remember it for many generations after its original release date are already speaking volumes of how popular this film truly is.

Released in 1939, The Wizard Of Oz is an institution of American cinema. The movie went through a series of directors; however, Victor Fleming sat in the chair for most of production. Obviously, this movie was a landmark film in its use of color, switching from black and white as Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) leaves her drab reality in Kansas for the vivid Land of Oz over the rainbow where magic and fantasy are the rule rather than the exception. In Oz, Dorothy has magic slippers to protect her in this alien world as well as her humanity represented by the Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), the Tin Man (Jack Haley), and the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr) (ie wisdom, love and courage). Nevertheless, Dorothy discovers that fantasy is not as fulfilling as her home in reality, so she searches to find the great Wizard (Frank Morgan) while her nemesis the Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton) attempts to waylay her at every turn. Ultimately, Dorothy triumphs over flying monkeys (which scared me as a child), the forces of evil and temptation, and failed, misdirected hopes to find that her power is within not without. The casting for the film was perfect despite the fact that Dorothy was to be played by Shirley Temple, Buddy Ebsen as the Scarecrow, Gale Sondergaard as the Wicked Witch, and W.C. Fields as the Wizard. Another interesting note is that the signature song Over The Rainbow was going to be cut to speed the pace of the film. The bottom line is that The Wizard Of Oz is now a part of the common American experience and remains enjoyable even today.

I've never cared for this movie. I find it simply annoying. I was interested to read Enkidu's commentary on the symbolism of Baum's book. I'm curious, who does the Wizard himself represent?

One of the best movies ever made and it is one of the great family movies to watch. When I was a kid, I had always anticipated the event during Thanksgiving time when I always knew that is time for THE WIZARD OF OZ. The story is absoultely beautiful and that the talent of Judy Garland was surpreme. The singing, the story, the acting and costumes were a sight to see. I was just overjoyed by it all. It was very creative to start in black&white then to go to color and then to end with black&white. Each charceter was very intersting, The Scarecrow, The Tin Man and The Lion were amazing especially when they were all together. My favorite line is when the witch is melting aways, How can a beautiful girl like destroy my wickedness! What a line! What a great movie!

A wonderful fantasy, but very few people know about the political allegory intended by L. Frank Baum, who wrote the book in the era of Populism and the 1890s. The story is the quest for Free Silver, with Dorothy representing Kansas (the root of the Populist movement); the scarecrow the BRAINLESS agricultural midwest; the tin woodman the HEARTLESS industrial north; the cowardly lion was William Jennings Bryan. The witches represent the different regions, and their competition either helpful to the cause (north vs south, post Civil War) or destructive (west vs. east). The Yellow Brick Road (gold) leads to the Emerald City which was of course Free Silver. A thousand apologies for not saying what the Winged Monkeys represent, but you should be able to guess. This was the 1890s after all, and not very PC.

biggest load of s*&t I've ever had the misfortune to see in my entire life

It has Judy and the land of Oz.

As you can tell, this is one of my very favorite movies of all time. Toto was the perfect star and knew everything would be ok all along. Judy Garland was at her best!

This is one of the greatest movies of all time.As a child it has everything you want in a movie; flying monkeys, witches,talking animalsetc. Also one of the greatest movie songs in Somewhere over the Rainbow.This film appeals to all age groups.

One of the best!

Truely a Clasic!!

I absolutely adore this movie. The perfect family film.

Although it family-friendly and good-natured escapism, the movie as a whole is just your typical fairy tale movie, with little else to make it interesting. The plot drags at times, the songs can become annoying and the ending isn't exactly the way that it should be. But, I must compliment the acting, which all the way around, is quite well-done.

A good imaginative movie.Dorothy gets caught up in a tornado and ends up in a new land where she meets Munchkins., a bad witch, Glinda the good witch, Scarecrow, Tinman, the Cowardly Lion, Along with her new found friends she and TOTO go off to meet the Wizard so he can send her home. they have to deal with the bad witch along the way. There are some good songs in this movie, Especially Somewhere over the Rainbow one of the most famous songs ever. A wonderful fairy tale. Judy Garland is perfect as Dorothy GAle.All the actors are good.We still like to watch this movie every now and then.One of the best fantasy movies.

A wonderful cast, great story, great songs, everything is AAAA++++. This show will live forever.

very great classic movie. Judy Garland is a great actress. This movie will be around for a long time

I've always loved this movie. When I was a kid it would play once a year on channel 10. It was the only night we were allowed to eat in the living room.

TOTO is the real star of this show and so talented and smart. Love the whole thing: stars, songs, and story.

The big daddy of all the family films. A wonderful fantasy about Dorothy getting whisked off to Oz and meeting up with many memorable characters. You could see this a hundred times and not get tired.

loved it seen it many times since i first saw it and plan to see it again

One of the greatest films of all time. So entrenched in our society that we forget it's a movie. But it is, an important one to our society and culture. Also, "Dark Side of the Moon" goes along with it. And that's awesome.

Greatest film of all time, starring the greatest actress of all time.

this is one oif the most amazing films ever made. A true cinematic tour de force. One can watch this film with a sense of wonder throughout all the facets of their life. As a kid you watch for the magic and cartoonish horror, and later as an adult you can watch it while high or drunk(i prefer drunk) and the feeling is the same. In fact I believe that the Wizard of Oz was created by seedy 1930's hollywood drug abusers for their personal enhancement.

There has been no greater story told than this one, and no more beautiful or talented actress has lived than Judy Garland. And, I know we're not supposed to comment on other people's comments. But, DAMN, if "Lord Of The Waves" honestly believes that ONE person did any kind of drugs because they saw "The Wizard of Oz", he/she needs real help.

Still as great as it was so many years ago. Magical, brilliant, frightening, essential, are just some of the words that could describe this great film. It has inspired so much, and those winged monkeys, the way the witch melts, the black-and-white beginning, it's timeless. Summary: A TIMELESS, ESSENTIAL, BRILLIANT, FRIGHTENING FILM.

I was thrilled by it when I was a little kid. Though it still has a certain charm, I must admit it now seems kind of juvenille. But young Judy Garland - and especially Judy Garland doing "Over The Rainbow" - is almost irresistable.

Fantastic adventure! Classic story told very well in this movie. Highly recommmend.

How hilarious is anubis' comment???? Seriously though, i like the movie but i dont think its even great let alone one of the best movies of all time. Ignoring the fact that the director was high during most of the filming (so rumor has it) and a dead writer was actually used on the set of filming, it's a good fun entertaining movie. Top 3 of all time? Nah.

I have heard that THE WIZARD OF OZ is the most watched American movie ever made. It is, indeed, an excellent movie and I can understand why it has earned such a reputation. It appeals to the sensibility of everyone, basically. It is probably the greatest family film ever made. I remember watching this movie when I was younger. While not one of my top favorites, THE WIZARD OF OZ is an extremely entertaining movie and it deserves every bit of praise it has gotten.

I understand that this movie is a classic, but it is watched so tediously. It is very boring in my mind. I got sick after I saw the first 10 times. The story is so old and it really is so stupid when you think about what you're watching.

Doesnt make the grade. This move is unsuitable for little children yet too childish for adults. The troupe is knocked out by poppies. An educated person can tell that poppies are the producers of opium. So it implies that these heroes are really druggies. These loveable charecters whom children want to be like influence them to do things the majority of them might not have done if this movie was not shown to them.