Wizard of Oz to be re-released in 2014

The Judy Garland classic 'The Wizard of OZ' is set to be re-released in time for its 75th anniversary, which falls in 2014.

Warner Bros, which currently owns the rights to the film, announced yesterday (15 February) that it will no longer be shipping DVDs or Blu-Rays of the movie from 1 May 2012.

That is so the film can be restored and relaunched in time for its anniversary, Digital Spy reports.

Jeff Baker, theatrical catalogue chief at the firm, is quoted as saying: "We expect 90-95 per cent consumer awareness, with a kickoff event consistent with only a handful of titles that are considered the crown jewels of our library."

The Wizard of Oz was first released in 1939 and tells the story of Dorothy Gale who is transported to the Land of Oz in a tornado. As she tries to make her way home she makes three unusual friends.

It catapulted child star Garland to fame and audiences heard 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' for the first time.

Garland went on to star in 'A Star is Born' for which she was Oscar nominated, and 'Meet me at St Louis'.