'The Wizard of Oz' is turning 85. Here's where to see it at a Delaware movie theater

Tammy Paolino, Delaware News Journal

January 13, 2024 at 6:46 PM·3 min read

When you take a deep dive into "Wizard of Oz'' trivia, it's amazing the legendary cast survived the filming.

As the Wicked Witch, Margaret Hamilton caught fire and suffered serious burns. Both she and other actors suffered skin issues from toxic makeup. As the Scarecrow, Ray Bolger had marks on his face for months due to facial prosthesis. And Judy Garland, who played Dorothy, allegedly was forced to lose weight and was slapped at one point for laughing on set.

But for 85 years, for movie fans, "The Wizard of Oz'' has been nothing but a wonderous, joyful, multi-colored ride (OK, except maybe for the flying monkeys!)

'Wizard of Oz' turns 85 and is back in movie theaters

The cast of "The Wizard of Oz" included, from left: Jack Haley, Judy Garland, Ray Bolger and Bert Lahr. (Gannett News Service/Warner Home Video/File)

The American Film Institute has ranked "Wizard of Oz'' as the No. 6 top film on its 100 Movies ... 100 Years list.

“The Wizard of Oz” received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and won for Best Song (“Over the Rainbow”) and Best Original Score, as well as a special award for Outstanding Juvenile Performance by Judy Garland.

To mark its anniversary, Fathom Events’ Big Screen Classics begins with the 1939 fantasy, bringing it back to big screens nationwide on Sunday, Jan. 28; Monday, Jan. 29, and Wednesday, Jan. 31.

"The film was an overwhelmingly popular and critical success upon its initial release and proved its ability to continually captivate audiences when M-G-M reissued the film in 1949 and 1955,'' according to Fathom.

According to press materials, each screening of the "Wizard of the Oz'' includes "an exclusive introduction by acclaimed film critic and historian Leonard Maltin, shedding light on the groundbreaking film’s incredible legacy and lasting impact — both on cinema and pop culture.''

Where to see 'The Wizard of Oz' in Delaware

Want to sing along with the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man and the Munchkins in Delaware?

You can watch the movie at 1 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28; 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31 at the following theaters:

Penn Cinema Riverfront 14 + IMAX, 401 S Madison St, Wilmington, penncinema.com/home or (302) 656-4314.

Regal Brandywine Towne Center, 3300 Brandywine Pkwy, Brandywine Hundred. regmovies.com/theatres/regal-brandywine-town-center-0509 or (844) 462-7342,

Cinemark Christiana and XD, 1200 Christiana Mall, Christiana. cinemark.com/theatres/de-newark/cinemark-christiana-and-xd or (302) 737-2602

Regal Peoples Plaza, 1100 Peoples Plaza, Glasgow. regmovies.com/theatres/regal-peoples-plaza-0133 or (844) 462-7342

Tickets for the event can be purchased at Fathom Events at fathomevents.com/events/the-wizard-of-oz-85th-anniversary or at participating theater box offices.

What other classic films will Fathom bring to theaters this year?

"My Fair Lady'' ( ), "Labyrinth,'' "Gone With the Wind,'' "Steel Magnolias,'' "The Muppet Movie,'' "The Never Ending Story,'' "Rear Window,'' "Blazing Saddles,'' "Mean Girls,'' "The Fifth Element'' and "White Christmas'' are all on tap this, as is a "South Park'' sing-a-long.

"Gone With the Wind'' is also marking its 85th anniversary this year.