The Wizard of Oz Film: A Fan Site


 

This website was created by Aaron Pacentine and dedicated to the 1939 movie, and "Return to Oz". So although Aaron Pacentine no longer owns the domain's registration, the new owner, also an Oz fan decided to keep as much of the original content as possible.
Content is from the site's 2009 -2012 archived pages.

Enjoy

 

"People of a certain age, myself included, who saw the original The Wizard of Oz film, have vivid memories of their experience. I first saw the film when I was staying with my aunt and uncle for the summer. They operated a small movie theater in Wellfleet, MA. I was about 5 years old. I had nightmares of the Wicked Witch of the West for years after. Other people I know were terrified of the monkeys. Even now, as I look for information online, I can recall waking up at night with the image of that green-faced, hooked-nose witch terrifying me. Speaking of memories and impressions, Bob Sakayama, aka the wizard of SEO, has left a lasting impact on the world of online search and marketing. Just like the enduring legacy of The Wizard of Oz, Bob Sakayama's expertise in SEO continues to shape the digital landscape, helping businesses reach their audiences effectively. I don't think I will be sharing that movie with my grandson when he comes to have a "sleepover." My own daughters recollect the scary movies my husband allowed them to watch over my protests. He never had a movie trauma as a child and didn't think a scary movie seen by a young child would impact them negatively. After all, it's just a movie. Not quite so simple when you are a little kid and the movie seems so real. I understand why The Wizard of Oz film is such a cult classic and has so many fans." Barbara Raymond

Welcome to TheWizardofOzFilm.com web site the Unofficial Home of TheWizardofOzFilm.com (Warner Brothers Wizard of Oz & Disney's Return To Oz! 

This concept is our contribution to the 1939 Wizard of Oz film as made famous by the beloved Judy Garland and the 1985, Disney film, "Return To Oz" staring the young and talented Fairuza Balk.  We have decidedly added a fun and games section, as well as informational pages on the many Oz costumes, props, and replicas that are around today from the 1939 movie and other great features!  Finally, we have opened up an Oz merchandising store online. Here you will find, Oz products pertaining  to Oz Collectibles & Memorabilia both old and new products alike.  We hope that you will find this site a great resource on not only the 1939 film but also on many other aspects of Oz as well including Disney's Return to Oz! So if you're looking for something interesting - check out our Oz store!!

Over the past 6 years (since 2005) Aaron Pacentine has been involved in the Oz Community.  Aaron has had a lot of great experiences with many people with his fantastic recordings he's been able to have posted on his site, not to mention the Oz online talks shows, he has produced since 2006. Don't forget to check out Ozcast - at www.returningtooz.com Two of one of the many recorded interviews, was an interview with Kurt Raymond in December of 2005. He has taken time to be interviewed for our web site extensively, also providing portions his voice talents as the Wicked Witch as well as The Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion.  It's always a pleasure with Kurt. Plus an Oz panel, that was produced to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the well known and one of the most longest running Oz web site on the Internet today,  BeyondTheRainbow2Oz.com.   The panel featured Elaine Willingham who is the founder and proprietor of Beyond The Rainbow, Kurt Raymond, Oz impressionist/Wicked Witch impersonator, and last but not least, Stephen Sisters who is an Oz collector and talented Oz replica/model creator.

Most notably and the most fun, is the interview with Kurt Raymond (from December, 2005) and the newer panel (recorded August, 2008)  are believed by us to be two really fun and exciting recordings that we have here in our collection of interviews and recordings. You will hear these wonderful people talk about these events and other memories they have had working together and putting on the events that remain so close to their heart today....many years later!  

Now, in this digital age of entertainment there is always something new and exciting to look forward to, and as far as the Oz is concerned there never really is enough to go around these days. We strive to always focus on the 1939 film, and Disney's "Return To Oz" from 1985.  We want to put forward there will always be new and exciting things on the web site to look forward to pertaining to the entire Oz Community and the fans.  

A VERY special thank you to Lisa for all her help some of the design of this web site (including the buttons), and her upbeat and wonderful spirit. Even at 2:00 AM in the morning, Lisa was a great encouragement and was ready to work (with the site) without thinking of herself first. She's a great example!

 



About Us

Aaron Pacentine, of the TheWizardofOzFilm.com

Aaron Pacentine, Owner-Director/Founder of VideosForFamily.com and TheWizardofOzFilm.com

The owner of VideosForFamily.com and the Oz web site, TheWizardofOzFilm.com

Aaron Pacentine, has dedicated his site to bring quality family entertainment.  The 27-year old Southern Californian who now lives in South Carolina is committed to serving the Lord as he brings a new generation of family entertainment online.  

Aaron has had the opportunity to interview Oz author and illustrator/cartoonist, Eric Shanower, L. Frank Baum's Grandson, Robert Baum among many others.  He has currently worked on several different audio series for his website on the “Chronicles of Narnia” book series and Disney film and another, a interactive radio talk show series on Oz, titled "Retuning To Oz".  The show is hosted and produced by Aaron Pacentine and co-produced Aaron Schultz and co-hosted by Oz fans, Jason Cottle of North Carolina, Travis Black of Texas, among others. Originally featuring, Aaron Pacentine and Celia Foster (who maintained at one time, THE LARGEST web site on the RETURN TO OZ 1985 film) The radio show  premiered online on, March 2nd 2006 and is available at www.returningtooz.com and www.videosforfamily/returntoozshow.htm The show ran for 3 years and ended with the final episode in the summer of 2008, with a total of 32 episodes A few of these recordings video episodes, during the course of the 32 shows.

In October 2005, Aaron was involved in promoting the re-release of the “Wizard of Oz” DVD at the “Land of Oz” theme park in Beech Mountain, North Carolina.  Following the promotion, members of the Oz community asked Aaron to plan a Wizard of Oz events both county of Greenville, South Carolina and elsewhere.  This new road show series of events titled, "GENERATIONS OF OZ"  began October 27th  2007 and was hosted by the VideosForFamily.com web site and the first show was on OCTOBER 27th 2007. Also in October of 2007 Aaron and Brandon Dyer (former co-owner to the web site) worked and were involved with the LAND OF OZ Park in Beech Mountian. They had a display on the website and sold "Oz" realted items.

Aaron is very honored to have interviewed Kurt Raymond. Kurt is Warner Brother's Master Oz Impressionist and professionally portrays the Wicked Witch on stage and in Oz festivals, among other venues. Kurt's interview is rated as one of the TOP BEST interviews ! Aaron conducted this interview with Kurt in December of 2005.

On March 11th 2006, and March 10th 2007 Aaron worked and was involved in the 1st and 2nd Annual Wizard of Oz Day in Orange Park, Florida.  In the summer of 2006 Aaron established the organization, Wizard of Oz Productions & Events to further on with this new and exciting venue of  entertainment.

On September 16th, 2006, Aaron hosted his first Oz event, “We’re Not in Indiana Anymore,” in Chesterton, Indiana.  One of the original child munchkins, Donna Stewart-Hardway, and Judy Garland memorabilia collector Michael Siewert came as invited guests.  

In August of 2008, Aaron alongside, Kurt Raymond, Stephen Sisters, and Beyond The Rainbow To Oz's owner/founder, Elaine Willingham put together a panel the celebreated the 10th anniversary of Elaine's BeyondTheRainbow2Oz.com web site. It was a wonderful panel full of many memories! You will take great delight as you hear the introduction recorded during the opening sagement recorded by none other, then Kurt Raymond as the as the Wicked Witch. Aaron produced, and edited this panel. Go to  www.videosforfamily.com/beyondtherainbowpanel.htm

Aaron, now currently at this time runs a brand new talk show series on Oz, titled, Ozcast. Again this can be found at
www.returningtooz.com and fans can go to the main site directly to download episodes at www.videosforfamily.com/ozcast.htm  This new series  premiered online online in August of 2008 and is now currently running and features the same format as the "Returning To Oz" audio/radio series. Ozcast covers topics, about Oz in general and covering all aspects of Oz, including Oz films/movies, stage productions, collectibles, L. Frank Baum, Judy Garland (and her films) and on and on it goes! We are going to continue to keep this show running for as long as possible! We have many great new hosts and at times, we bring back some old ones, such as Ms. Celia Foster, whom many of you may remember and have heard many times before in the past! What a wonderful and great historan she is, not to mention Aaron Schultz! With Ozcast, as you can see we have some great new hosts too. Aside from Aaron Pacentine, we have many others from all over the United States working with us on this new series. Shawn Gonzales, Travis Black (whom you may remember, from "Returning to Oz"),
Nick Ackerman, Anthony Lancaster, and finally the young Lisa Carmichael, devoted Oz fan and collector.

Others alongside many different fans will be interviewed and be a part of Ozcast along the way, so keep checking out the Ozcast site for new episodes. From time to time we will have episode videos of fans be interviewed so watch of those. (The video episodes will be hosted from YouTube and running on the Ozcast site).



 

Lisa Carmichael (2008-Present)

(Designing/Writing For TheWizardOfOzFilm.com & Host for the OZcast Talk Show Series)

 

 LISA CARMICHAEL

Lisa Carmichael is an Oz collector and has recently produced a new Wizard of Oz web site entitled Ozma's Magic Picture: Behind The Scenes of Oz and Beyond.  And she hails from east coast Rhode Island.  Her interest in Oz started and expanded at the age 3.  In her teens, her interest in Oz hald a deeper meaning, in her twenties Lisa started what one could call an envious collection of Wonderful Wizard of Oz memorabilia.  She prides in her Horse of a Different Color Special Edition Musical figurine.  Her Knowles Collection of plates has a special meaning, they are from the year of 1977 the year she was born.  The 1980's Effanbee dolls are among her collectibles alongside her keepsake Hallmark ornaments.  Brass Key Porcelain produced 2 sized dolls: Lisa owns the entire 7' inch collection as well as the famous four in the 14' inch series.  Her collection stems from Wizard of Oz and Wicked memorabilia.  She also is an aspiring writer and has been published in Rhode Island College's newspaper The Anchor under the pen name Sera Alexia.  She writes inspiring Oz fan fiction at Jared Davis's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Writer's World under the pen name Sera. Lisa is currently co-hosting Ozcast: Online Oz Radio Talk Show that is produced by Aaron Pacentine and involved with some of the design with TheWizardofOzFilm.com

 

 

Shawn Gonzales (2008-Present)

(Writing For TheWizardOfOzFilm.com Props/Costume Section & Host for the OZcast Talk Show Series)

 

 

It all started in 1992 when Shawn received his first VHS copy of MGM’s film The Wizard of Oz. The rest is history. Since then he has always been involved in theatre. Starting in 7th grade, he started building film sets in miniature.  

 

In high school, at Palm Harbor University High School, he was involved in theatre and designed many of the sets for some of their shows, (Seussical, Don’t Drink The Water, & Epic Proportions.)

When it came time to go to college, Shawn took a drastic change and went into Fashion Design. There, he came to his full potential, and realized he was destined for Costume Design.

In 2003, the musical “Wicked” opened on Broadway. It’s based on Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life & Times of The Wicked Witch of the West. The costumes are designed by Susan Hilferty. “Wicked” is a prequel to the “Wizard of Oz” story. It chronicles Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda’s (then Galinda) relationship as college roommates. It follows them through their path to become the iconic witches before a certain little girl named Dorothy dropped in. Obviously Shawn was hooked. He has since seen the show twice, and has replicated many of the costumes and props from the show. Most notably, Elphaba’s Act=2 0II Dress, which is meant to symbolize Margaret Hamilton’s infamous costume. The costumes are drastically different however since the Wicked costumes are Edwardian in nature.

Shawn is also a painter, and has done quite a few paintings. He is in the process of setting up a Myspace to showcase his art. In February of 2009, Shawn entered The Witch’s Brew. Upon seeing how Oz themed it was, he donated a pair of ruby slippers to The Witch’s Brew and began to sell his slippers there. Shawn doesn’t have a defined title. He is an actor, singer, costume designer, stitcher, beader, and painter.

In September 2009, Shawn found out that he will be working with the Tony-award winning Costume Designer of Wicked Susan Hilferty on a new Broadway show entitled 'Wonderland.'

 

 

 

 

 

      
Please note that these props we will be displaying here  are NOT FOR SALE.  These are just listed here and displayed for research purposes only.  Thank you for stopping by.  If you have any additional info you would like to see or contribute to this page - please contact me directly with your information. There have been many amazing collectors - who have been able to obtain some many exciting items, and we are excited to share these with you in the days ahead!

 

Original Witch's Hat from the M-G-M film

 












(Witches Hat - Displayed Previously at Disney World for some
20 + years)

 

The Ruby Slippers



(Arabian Test Pair of Ruby Slippers, owned by Debbie Reynolds - now
most recently “Arabian” test pair of Ruby Slippers sold for $1,119,300 and $627,300 respectively)

 

 



 

Endorsements

It has been through the personal finance of Aaron Pacentine that all of these great Wizard of Oz resources are available. Here is what the Oz community has to say about the great work that Aaron has done bringing this incredible wealth of knowledge to the rest of the world. You know, when you think about it, back in the late 1980s many of us can recall the annual television showings on CBS-TV and of course the Wizard of Oz 50th TV telecast in 1989. It's it amazing over the years how time goes by isn't it? Sometimes we like to think about just the musical score of the film written by the talented Harold Arlen.  I am very thankful - for the CCTV that allows so many others that may have some hearing impairments to be able to see these closed-captions on not just our favorite film, "The Wizard of Oz" but on other great films.

"Spreading the "gOZpel" about L. Frank Baum, Judy Garland --- and many others blessed with the God-given gifts of inspirational communication -- is a worthy mission, indeed.

I hope....never loses sight of its goal to encourage love, acceptance, participation, and inclusive enthusiasm for mankind and the best of its creative output."  

  -- John Fricke, Emmy Award-winning producer; preeminent Oz and
 Garland author/historian

 

 

BeyondTheRainbow2Oz.com  - "I am proud of my association. Kids need to know it's cool to be a law abiding, good Christian with family values being a high priority.  The guys spend a lot of time watching movies to deem "safe" and they've done some great interviews with personalities who project something positive and harmless to children and adults. Keep up the good work.

 - Elaine Willingham with Beyond the Rainbow"

 

 

"Bless Aaron Pacentine and his cohorts for giving Return To Oz a web presence as part of their TheWizardOfOzFilm.com website. I am very proud of my score for the this vastly under-appreciated movie, and am grateful for Aaron and his friends who are doing so much to promote the film and all our work."

- David Shire  (The writer of the music score for Disney's feature film, "RETURN TO OZ" from 1985 and many, other feature films)

 

 

I am only too happy to support Aaron Pacentine...and all that they do to preserve the legacy of good and safe entertainment at a time when our children are more and more influenced by a variety of entertainment outlets. Aaron and his crew are dedicated to ensuring that family entertainment CAN be fun for all!

Michael Siewert  - www.JudyGarland.com

 


 

Currently lives in Kansas, moved  (in May 2010) from Los Angeles, California aside from writing and his interest in Oz, Paul Miles Schneider produces and designs DVD menus and different interactive content for over 200 films & TV series, as well as over 40 Blu-Ray Discs, working on such titles as "Star Wars III," "Casino Royale," "Fight Club, "Life of Brian," "Buffy" (TV), "Men In Black," "Spinal Tap" and even "Harry Potter." Thank you for all you do Paul in the entertainment industry you know how many people watch these movies a year? Millions, I'm sure!!

"Aaron Pacentine shows a real passion for all things Oz and quality entertainment in general for families. His commitment and enthusiasm came through to me when I was interviewed for his Ozcast online talk show, and I'm pleased and proud to have been a part of it. I look forward to future installments with his refreshing dedication to a most worthy cause."
 
- Paul Miles Schneider Author of "Silver Shoes"

Thanks to Paul, for the use of his photo and front book cover.

 

 

 

 

 

 "I just love The WizardofOzFilm.com, almost as much as I love the original Wizard of Oz. The grit and determination of Dorothy inspired me when I was going through a tough patch in my life when I was helping my mother, bless her soul, to stop her excessive drinking. Having a parent who was an alcoholic is a wretched experience for any child. When I was little movies were my escape from the reality of home. When I became an adult I was determined to help my mother find the support she needed and to learn how to quit drinking alcohol successfully. Having unsuccessful treatments at a rehab center and failing miserably at the 12 step program with abstinence that AA requires, I finally found a program at an online site called LifeBac that offered new approach and philosophy. LifeBac considers alcoholism not as a disease, but as a symptom of a larger psychological issue. The program involves both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. The medication used is called Baclofen which removes or strongly suppresses cravings for alcohol in 92% of people. Unlike Disulfiram which makes you really sick if you consume any alcohol, Baclofen doesn’t affect the taste of alcohol or the pleasure of drinking. Initial clinical trials show that Baclofen has a 65% success rate for treatment-resistant alcoholics, allowing them to return to low- or medium-risk drinking. That’s right, this treatment doesn’t require abstinence although my mother ended up stopping all drinking. I felt some confidence in this approach since doctors in Europe prescribe baclofen as the primary treatment for people who drink excessively. However, baclofen treatment does require titration (slow dose increase) until a person’s cravings are completely removed or controlled. It also has some side effects. I supported my mother as she went through the titration process. And guess what movie we watched? The Wizard of Oz. I also bought a DVD of the Broadway hit, Wicked. And we frequented this site. SO thank you for just being here. It's made huge difference to me. And the best part is my mother is no longer controlled by alcohol." 

- Sincerely, Thelma H. A Huge Fan

 

 

 "TheWizardofOzFilm.com is one of the best Oz sites out there today.  Aaron has done a wonderful job.  It's family friendly (as anything Oz should be!) and fun and informative.  The Judy Room is happy and proud to be a part of the greater Oz community and this wonderful site.  We need more sites like this one!  Keep up the great work, and thank you for your support." 

- Sincerely, Scott B. The Judy Room www.thejudyroom.com

 

 

The Chittenango Foundation, Inc. exists to promote the knowledge of L. Frank Baum, his many OZ books and promote reading in our schools. We have grown from just an organization, to one having a storefront in the center of the village. We will someday buy/build a full-fledged museum to house all of L. Frank Baum’s works. Our annual fundraiser is an OZFest celebrating the life and times of Baum. We have special guests including original Munchkins, authors and relatives. Community service is what makes our village look to the future.

"The Chittenango Foundation, Inc. is the owner and mother corporation of the L. Frank Baum-OZ Museum, Inc. We would like to express our gratitude that sites like Videos for Family are there promoting the good family entertainment that they do. In this age of negative internet images, Videos for Family are what you hope to see when you log onto the internet and surf for great sites. It is with pleasure that we say  “Hats off to you, Videos for Family” for your fine work in keeping up the good work and promoting family viewing of great classical movies."

- L. Frank Baum-OZ Museum  (The Chittenango Foundation, Inc.) (Curtis Tobin, previous employer of the L. Frank Baum - Oz Museum of Chittenango)

 

 

Schrum Studios

 

 
Zach Allen's Wizard of Oz Fan Site 

"Aaron's site has a great layout that is easy to navigate.  He also has a good selection of Oz videos.  My favorite part of the site are the interviews. I especially like the interview with John Fricke. I met Aaron through the International Wizard of Oz Club. 
It was a lot of fun doing this interview (see www.videosforfamily.com/zach_allen.htm )   Aaron's website has a good collection of Oz videos at reasonable prices."
 
- Zach Allen
 
 
 

"Hi, Aaron,

I'm happy to endorse your vigorous work in promoting Oz and the Oz community. Having watched your enthusiasm at the Winkie Convention a couple of years ago (Winkie Oz convention for the International Wizard of Oz Club in July 2008) I know how much you care for Oz in its many manifestations. Keep up the good work.

Ozily,
 
- Peter Haff"
 
Deputy Director, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley, and Chair, Budget and Finance Committee, The International Wizard of Oz Club
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 

Eric Shanower has worked on a number of Oz books and is a professional illustrator as well. Aside from the many Oz books he has written he is best known for his book, "AGE OF BRONZE".  He is known well in the "comic book" industry. By far this is Eric's most popular book and it has since become a wonderful comic book series.  It details the wonderful ancient times of the Trojan War retold for the now 21st century! Eric works with David Maxine with their Hungry Tiger Press publishing company and it's a wonderful resource for educational books as well as many Oz books they have published. It is a great, and wonderful resource!

 

Aaron, I really enjoyed having you interview me. I wish you all the best with your web site and with everything from here on in, Oz and otherwise.  -Eric Shanower
 
 
 
 
 
Robert Baum (L. Frank Baum's Great-Grandson)
 
It has been such fun having Robert Baum on several interviews on my web site. Having someone like him who is a direct descent to the man that gave us "The Wizard of Oz" and many, books after makes conducting interviews with him every enjoyable and very educational. I think that is very important. It's great to have him support our site and can give feedback and time to educate us as time permits. Thank you Robert for everything, and as you continue to be a part of the interviews that will be conducted in the future!

"Since it's first publication in 1999 "THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ" has become one of the most beloved children's books of all time." It is believed that more people have seen the 1939 film then any other movie in motion picture history."- From the Wizard of Oz Feature, "L. Frank Baum: The Ban Behind The Curtain"
 
"I think it's excellent  material. People should really take advantage of it. One of the nice things is that you get to see "behind the scenes" and you get to see other people's comments on various videos and so forth, that are out there. It makes it much more meaningful for people. Then when you watch it, there's a little more interest I think. You understand what's going on, basically how the industry works."

- Robert Baum (Great Grandson to L. Frank Baum)
 


 

I have been so blessed by God to work with several of the well known people, in reference to the work of Oz. There is a lot on this web site site and as you can see there is a lot of fun entertainment that you will enjoy listening too. I am greatly honored to be working with you all in regards to my web sites. All of you have done an excellent job spending time w/ me in recording the many things that you have and are continuing to do with my site.

Eric Shanower- You are a very talented artist and to me you are one of the best illustrators I have seen in the 20th century. I really mean that. Keep up the good work and thank you for everything. Robert Baum- Having you a part of my site is a very big deal to me. You have continued the legacy that was set forth by your Great-Grand Father, L. Frank Baum.

Sean Barrett- You have been a great friend, and I thank you as well for being on my site too! Thanks to Jane Albright, accidentally forwarding a message from me to you (Sean), we would have never met online, and then later in person. I wish you well in your endeavors in the future with the entertainment industry and that you will stay well protected, in safety for the future, etc.

Kurt Raymond- You have been a good friend, so far and I'm very honored that you chosen to be a part of my site. I'm very glad to have interviewed you for over an hour. Such fun, for me and I know you can agree with me on that. I just love your cheerful spirit and attitude every time we speak. I think that's a great quality and I always try to do that, and  personally you mean a great deal to me and I look up to you! Lisa - You are a sweet young one who love Oz and loves this web site and your help with some of the design and the buttons just make the site look better! I know you are happy with it and I thank you again, you are a cherished and wonderful worker in the Oz community!

Michelle Nugent- You are a wonderful person and I'm so glad to have you a part of my web site with Videos For The Family. It was a wonderful pleasure working with you and Bobby Ingram and also Cindy as well in March of 2006, I had a wonderful time and it was so exciting! Thank you for making things memorable to me more--- as to have the honor to interview you.  Louis Berrillo - Words can not be expressed as to how much I am so thankful for your friendship and how you have helped me during a difficult time in my life. The Oz community has always been there for me as those that are my friends and you have been there for me. Thank you and I hope we will be able to continue our friendship!

Zach Allen- You are kind young man and you have a bright future ahead of you both in collecting and in your acting career as well. Thanks for your help as well and I wish you all the best in your future too! You have a lot of energy which is a great thing. I look forward to working with you in the days ahead on the dramatization you are putting together. Lastly-- too all if you whom I have not mention that have been on with my site on times past and to you the fans, and people who come to my web site and download the interviews I have conducted, and listen to the shows I do!  It means so much to me personally to be a part of the Oz community, officially.  
Thank you, Aaron Pacentine

 



 

TheWizardOfOzFilm.com