1/400 oz Silver DOROTHY AND THE SILVER SHOES Note (OzNote)

In L. Frank Baum's original Oz book, the Silver Shoes are described with a unique flair. Unlike their ruby counterparts in the film, these shoes are crafted from silver and feature a distinctive Arabian-Dutch design. This style is characterized by sharp, pointy toes and Mary Jane-style buckles, blending elegance with a hint of whimsy. Despite their solid silver construction, these magical shoes remain incredibly flexible and comfortable. Rooted in the enchanting world of Oz, they never wear out and possess a remarkable ability to adjust their size. This ensures a perfect fit for whoever owns them, shrinking or stretching as needed. These qualities highlight their mystical nature and importance within the story.

The Silver Shoes, sometimes referred to as Silver Slippers, are enchanted footwear originating from the magical world of Oz. They make their sole appearance in L. Frank Baum's novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, published in . Unlike their vibrant movie counterparts, Baum describes these shoes as silver, adorned with Arabian-Dutch style pointy toes and Mary Jane buckles. Key Differences Between the Silver Shoes and Ruby Slippers: Appearance: In Baum’s book, the shoes are unmistakably silver, exuding a classic charm. Conversely, the 1939 film adaptation chose to portray these enchanted shoes as dazzling ruby slippers, a change that catered to the vibrant Technicolor innovation of the era and has since become iconic. Origin and Ownership: In both the book and film, the shoes begin as the Wicked Witch of the East's prized possessions, only to transfer to Dorothy upon the witch's demise. Their legendary magic is activated by a simple act—clicking the heels together three times. Magical Abilities: The literary Silver Shoes are somewhat mysterious, with their full range of powers left largely unexplored in Baum's work. They ultimately disappear when Dorothy unwittingly loses them in the Deadly Desert. On the other hand, the ruby slippers of the film are imbued with formidable power. Not only are they impossible to remove except in death, but they also defend themselves fiercely by emitting electric shocks to deter anyone—just like the unfortunate encounter the Wicked Witch has when trying to seize them. In essence, while both the silver and ruby versions symbolize the ability to return home, their portrayal and magical prowess differ significantly between the original book and the beloved 1939 movie.

The transformation from silver shoes to ruby slippers in the 1939 movie adaptation of The Wizard of Oz was a strategic cinematic choice. This change was made to harness the capabilities of Technicolor, a revolutionary color process at the time. By transitioning to a vivid red hue, the filmmakers aimed to make the shoes stand out more prominently on the screen. The deep red color contrasted dramatically with the yellow brick road and the surrounding scenery, creating a stunning visual effect that captured audiences' attention. This decision underscored the film's commitment to using vibrant colors to enhance the visual experience, making Dorothy's journey through Oz even more magical and memorable.

In the TV series Once Upon A Time, the iconic Silver Shoes from the Land of Oz play a notable role. These magical shoes are known for their ability to transport the wearer between realms. On the show, they serve as a pivotal plot device, offering characters a way to traverse different worlds and advance their personal quests or solve complex problems they encounter. The appearance of the Silver Shoes underscores the show's theme of interconnected fairy tale universes, bringing a touch of classic charm and intrigue to the storyline while allowing characters to engage with Oz’s rich, imaginative lore.

In the 1986 anime adaptation of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, notable changes were made to the iconic Silver Shoes. Initially, these shoes, belonging to the Wicked Witch of the East, appear as orangish-brown with distinctive curled-up toes. However, once the Witch of the North uses her magic, they transform on Dorothy's feet. Unlike the book, where the shoes are explicitly silver, in the anime, they resemble more of a sandal design, complete with heels and rounded toes rather than pointed ones. Although they look more white than the classic silver, Dorothy remarks on their comfort. She feels as though she is floating with each step, a stark contrast to her ordinary shoes, which would have worn out early on her journey along the Yellow Brick Road.