I hadn’t watched The Wizard of Oz in a while before attending “Oz with Orchestra” Friday night at Abravanel Hall. The latest viewing--my first in at least 20 years--reminded me of why this is a timeless classic. ---

It’s hard to believe that in 1939, when computer graphics, sexual innuendo and irony did not yet exist (at least for purposes of mainstream entertainment in terms of the sex and humor) they still managed to make a movie that is visually stunning, funny and entertaining every moment from start to finish.

Of course, part of the reminder of how great this film is came from seeing it on a big screen sitting above the Utah Symphony complete with colors so bright they seemed to jump off the screen. The live orchestra, under the baton of associate conductor David Cho, was right on with every beat and at the appropriate volume 98 percent of the time (a pretty good batting average over the course of a two-hour movie). The effect was that the musicians didn’t distract from what was happening on screen, but only enhanced the immortal performance of Judy Garland.