When the trailer for ‘Oz the Great and Powerful’ was released, you couldn’t help but be awed by the stunning imagery. Many commented on how it reminded them of Tim Burton’s ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ That may be because both films used the same production designer, Robert Stromberg (who also happens to be currently working on ‘Maleficent’). As a follow up to the trailer, Disney has released some new images from the film.

The stills are from moments in the trailer and they show off the beautiful visuals only briefly glimpsed. As they are in a higher resolution, you can really see how bright and utterly gorgeous the film will look.

The movie is not really a prequel to the hugely popular ‘Wizard of Oz,’ but rather a re-imagining of the original book by L. Frank Baum that predates the time Dorothy arrived with Toto. As much as I love the old MGM movie, I’m actually really hoping this film lives up to its predecessor.

Here’s the synopsis followed by the images:

Oz The Great and Powerful imagines the origins of L. Frank Baum’s beloved character, the Wizard of Oz. 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 of Oz but into a better man as well.

‘Oz the Great and Powerful’ Images:

Directed by Sam Raimi, ‘Oz The Great and Powerful’ stars James Franco, Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams, Zach Braff, and Rachel Weisz. It debuts in theaters on March 8 2013.

Source: /Film