THE WIZARD OF OZ 70th Anniversary

Today is the release date for the excellent new DVD and Blu-Ray Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition.  I was lucky enough to attend a round table interview session with some of the amazing people associated with Oz and Warner Bros., and also the stellar Emerald Gala last Thursday at Tavern on the Green here in New York.  You can read all the details in my Blogcritics article, but in the mean time, here are some pictures for you to enjoy.

The above painting of the Wicked Witch of the West with the Flying Monkeys in the background is by the awesome Alex Ross, one of my favorites.  It was one of a selection of artwork on display in a gallery at the Tavern on the Green party.

 
Old friends greeted guests on the Yellow Brick Road carpet at the entrance to the Emerald Gala.

Jennifer "Oz" LeRoy, owner of Tavern on the Green and granddaughter of Oz producer Mervyn LeRoy, took the seven-and-a-half story hot air balloon for a test ride.

Judy Garland's daughter Lorna Luft and Grammy Award-winner Ashanti performed at the Emerald Gala to the delight of all the guests.

One of the great thrills of being at the event was seeing some of the original Munchkins: Karl Slover, Margaret Pellegrini, Meinhardt Raabe, Ruth Duccini, and Jerry Maren, all seen here with Lorna Luft and Jennifer "Oz" LeRoy.

Another highlight at the event was an online auction for the Ruby Slipper Collection.  Slippers created by some of the world's greatest designers were on display and available for bidding to raise money for charity.

Another one of my favorite artists, Todd White, also had a couple of paintings inspired by Oz on display in the gallery.