Warner Home Video announces “The Wizard of Oz” 2012-2013 Moratorium for North America in Anticipation of 75th Anniversary Celebration

(February 14, 2012 –Burbank, CA) – Warner Home Video has announced a moratorium initiative in North America on one of their best-selling titles – “The Wizard of Oz” -- which will celebrate its upcoming 75th anniversary in 2014. The magic that is “The Wizard of Oz” began in May, 1900 with the publication of L. Frank Baum’s book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, upon which the beloved film was based. Now, beginning May 1 of this year, the title will become very scarce when WHV North America will cease new shipments in all formats until 4th quarter 2013. Only “The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Edition 2-Disc DVD” will remain active until October 2012, at which time no “The Wizard of Oz” home entertainment products will be available until the 75th Anniversary release. “2013 will see the re-launching of “The Wizard of Oz” franchise in a multi-platform, unprecedented rollout that will include new and restored formats with major sponsorships and branding, as well as massive media support. We expect 90% – 95% consumer awareness, with a kickoff event consistent with only a handful of titles that are considered the crown jewels of our WB library,” said Jeff Baker, WHV’s EVP and GM, Theatrical Catalog. The “Wizard of Oz’s 70th Anniversary” home entertainment editions sold more than two million units, with life to date sales of more than 10 million units across all platforms and the 75th Anniversary is sure to be just as highly anticipated. Because the film is such an icon of popular culture and a ritual for many families at holiday time, WHV will share the joy of a glorious new restoration in time for holiday viewing in 2013. Adapted from L. Frank Baum’s timeless children’s tale about a Kansas girl’s journey over the rainbow, “The Wizard of Oz” opened at Grauman’s Chinese Theater on August 15, 1939. The film was directed by Victor Fleming (who that same year directed Gone With the Wind), and starred Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow; Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion, and Jack Haley as the Tin Woodman. Frank Morgan was seen in six different roles, including that of the "wonderful Wizard" himself. Dorothy was portrayed by a 4'11" sixteen year old girl who quickly earned her reputation as “the world’s greatest entertainer”-- the incomparable Judy Garland. “The Wizard of Oz” received six Academy Award nominations (1940), including Best Picture, and captured two Oscars -- Best Song (“Over the Rainbow”) and Best Original Score -- plus a special award for Outstanding Juvenile Performance by Judy Garland. The magical story and heartfelt performances of “The Wizard of Oz” have enabled it to grow from a perennial classic to its current status as a treasured icon of popular culture. About Warner Home Video:
With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, a division of the Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment. About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group:
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment/videogames, direct-to-DVD production, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution of content through DVD, electronic sell-through and VOD, and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels, and is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party videogame titles. ###