Why was the first part of the Wizard of Oz in black and white and the second part was in color?

Answer 1

It was done to heighten the fantasy atmosphere. the film started out in Black and white and when the Cyclone hit- then there was another torrent of technicolor- spring on the audience- odd and unreal colors were transmitted ( probably using follow spot strobes) on horses , for example. I had only seen the picture on TV in black and white and was unaware of this (rainbow) though not called, transition.

Answer 2

At the time the movie was made, color in movies was a recent innovation, and was not taken for granted. By introducing color only when the Emerald City was reached, this conveys the sense of the magical nature of that city. When Dorothy and her friends get there, the whole movie is transformed. Of course, it also turns out that the Wizard of Oz is not really a wizard, so the Emerald City is not really what it first appears to be.

Answer 3

It was an artistic decision used to distinguish the dull, everyday world of Kansas and the amazing world of Oz.

Answer 4

Due to the emerald city and horses of a different color

Answer 5

Originally it was made in black and white but now it has been turned into colour.