Lisa Rantala

Its an interesting experience. Some of the augmentation is gorgeous. Some of the effects are magical (snow in the field of poppies, the twister). Others are a bit gimmicky, but fine. The AI of it all is a bit jarring, I think the treatment of the munchkins is particularly offensive. I grew up in Judy Garlands home town. Every year when I was growing up there would be festivals and parades and the actors that were still alive would travel to northern Minnesota to celebrate. These were real people, not AI slop. They are all gone now and while the rights to their images are probably fair game legally, ethically I think what has been done is wrong. Further, while I appreciate augmentation of special effects (part of the original magic of the movie has always been in the effects), the cutting of 15 minutes of content really makes the story rushed and cheapens the experience. The pacing of the original is tight, it doesnt need a hacksaw treatment. I love Wizard of Oz, and this experience has the potential to be a beautiful homage. But it feels like the almighty dollar is prevailing.