Within the year 2009, there will be a resurgence of Wizard of Oz sure to generate interest throughout the world.
ANDREW LLOYD WEBBERS WIZARD OF OZ PRODUCTION
Andrew Lloyd Weber, producer of the long running play Phantom Of The Opera will be behind the Wizard of Oz on Broadway. According to broadway.com, Webber “has secured the rights to the famous 1939 film and [L. Frank Baum’s] original story, as well as permission to include new songs alongside the movie’s classic E.Y. Harburg and Harold Arlen numbers.” Collaborating lyricist Glen Slater has hinted that the additional songs will include pieces for the Wizard and "the Witch" (no indication of which witch), as well as a big opening number.
ANDREW LLOYD WEBBERS WIZARD OF OZ PRODUCTION
Two animated Wizard of Oz movies are in works.
First is s a live-action film "Wonderful Wizard of Oz", that utilizes puppets and CGI to recreate the iconic Denslow designs being planned by Clayton Spinney. Director Clayton Spinney is well versed in the ways of digital effects work and his background in animation will be put to use extensively for this film. The only CGI characters will be the Tin Woodman, the Cowardly Lion, and the creatures like the Winged Monkeys or Kalidahs
Second is the CGI animated film by John Boorman. This Wizard of Oz project has been in development for some time.
CGI animated film by John Boorman
A movie is being planned on the life of Judy Garland, the original Dorothy.
Oscar nominee Anne Hathaway has reportedly signed on to star in the Weinstein Company’s biography of famous singer and actress Judy Garland. The deal reportedly includes a film and a stage adaptation.
Anne Hathaway as Judy Garland
MGM ANNOUNCES WIZARD OF OZ REMAKE
MGM and Sony Pictures made a surprise announcement a short while ago, saying that a remake of the nearly seventy year old classic was in the works and is on track to coincide with the original film’s anniversary next year.
Though it has been 110 years since L. Frank Baum wrote "THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ" and 70 years since the movie, international interest is expected to be higher than ever.
Historically, movies, in addition to other key factors, such as small print runs, rave reviews, awards, controversy, etc. positively affect the books' value. When the Wonderful Wizard of Oz book was released in 1899, the price was just $1.50. Today, the same 1st edition book is selling up to $100,000 (based on various criteria). The 1939 MGM edition in dust jacket was priced at $1.19. Today this edition is selling for up to $1000.
It appears, with the renewed interest in the subject, that OZ books are expected to be worth more in the coming years through the increased exposure through movies and plays.
Below is a sampling of movies whose preceding book value then went up dramatically after the release of the movie.
1. Alice in Wonderland
2. Wizard of Oz
3. Harry Potter series of movies
4. Snow White
5. Pinocchio
6. Jules Verne books..From the Earth to the Moon, 20,000 leagues under the Sea, Swiss Family Robinson, etc.
7. Robinson Crusoe
8. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
9. Eragon
10. Charlotte's Web
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