I still love The Wizard of Oz.  It’s iconic.  It’s beautiful.  And those shoes are to die for.  I’ve even read a few of L. Frank Baum’s other Oz stories; Ozma of Oz is a great character, and I still wish we had lunch-pail trees in the real world.

Now the story just about everybody knows is getting a spiffy prequel.  Oz the Great snd Powerful is directed by Sam “I rocked Evil Dead y’all” Raimi and takes place before Dorothy, when “The Wizard” first makes his appearance in Oz.  I’m glad to see that this film is rated PG; from the trailer and artwork I’ve seen it’s sure to be eye candy for all ages.  Mmm, so pretty.  But with this new, witch-tastic poster, it looks like they’re still gonna whip out the green for the Wicked Witches….

The official synopsis:

Disney’s fantastical adventure “Oz The Great and Powerful,” directed by Sam Raimi, imagines the origins of L. Frank Baum’s beloved wizard character. When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot—fame and fortune are his for the taking—that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone’s been expecting. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity—and even a bit of wizardry—Oscar transforms himself not only into the great and powerful wizard but into a better man as well.

For more info, check out the official Web site at Disney.com/TheWizard, the film’s Facebook page, and the Disney Pictures Twitter feed. Oz the Great and Powerful is in theaters March 8, in DISNEY DIGITAL 3D™, REALD 3D and IMAX® 3D.

Now, about those passes.  Ready?  Read on….

Free Screening: Oz the Great and Powerful

When: March 4th, 7:30pm

Where: Winners will receive location info

How: Head over to SeeItFirst.net (http://www.seeitfirst.net/) and enter code 936007 .  The first 40 folks to do so will snag Admit Two passes.

Why:  As always, because we like you.  We really, really like you.

Remember y’all: seating is first-come, first served so passes don’t guarantee admittance.  Get there early to get your seats!

Good luck to everyone, hope to see you there!  (Yes, I’ll be there.  Think I’d miss this?)