The Wizard of Oz1939The Wizard of Oz
1939
A Kansas twister carries Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto to the land of Oz. Pursued by a Wicked Witch, she follows the yellow brick road to the Emerald City with a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion.
The default: films the whole family can watch together; any scary or intense moments for the littlest viewers are flagged in the Context Notes.
Why it’s here
"There's no place like home." Dorothy's friends discover they already have the courage, heart, and wisdom they were seeking. One of the most joyful films ever made, with music children carry for life.
Context notes
For parents, before you press play.
The Wicked Witch, the flying monkeys, and the tornado frighten many young children, so it helps to preview those scenes; the witch is defeated and Dorothy ends safely at home. Dorothy runs away from home early, and the film shows her regret and longing to return, which is a natural talk about home.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Discussion questions
When the credits end, go around the room. Each person gives the film a score out of ten and says why.
- Why did Dorothy run away? What did she learn?
- Did the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion already have what they wanted? How?
- Was the Wizard a good man or a bad one?
- Which song stayed with you?
Content advisory
Common Sense Media 6+: a menacing witch and flying monkeys; a frightening tornado; no language or drinking concerns.
Trailer
Best edition
The disc comes first.
The Wizard of Oz 4K Blu-ray (80th Anniversary Edition)
4K · October 29, 2019
Coming later
Where to stream
Streaming services are not listed yet. When they are, this note stays secondary to the disc.