'Oz' soundtrack gets a deluxe makeover

In celebration of the film's 70th anniversary, Rhino Records has released "The Wizard of Oz: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack — Deluxe Edition."

The 82-track box set collection has been digitally remastered. The cost is $24.99, depending on the outlet.

Not only will listeners get the original soundtrack, but they'll get more than an hour of rare outtakes, demo recordings, and alternate, partial and extended versions of songs.

Included are versions "If I Only Had a Brain," "Over the Rainbow" and the original "If I Only Had a Heart," sung by Buddy Ebsen, who was the first actor to be cast as the Tin Man until he suffered an allergic reaction to the makeup and was replaced by Jack Haley.

Other songs on the soundtrack include "Jitterbug," which was cut from the movie, and reprise versions of "Over the Rainbow" and "Ding Dong! Emerald City."

In addition, Rhino will release a handful of "Wizard of Oz" ringtones for $2.99. For more information, log onto www.rhino.com.

e-mail: scott@desnews.com