Author L. Frank Baum actually wrote 15 books about OZ. Of course Oz the Great and Powerful was based on Mr. Baum's book but was altered with Kapner and Linday-Abaire adding their take. These books take you on magical twisted rides but all have a lesson in human nature. With Dorothy in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz the focus was on the importance of both family and counting ones blessings. Oz the Great and Powerful is about family and love. They both have other lessons that are woven within. I enjoyed the addition of theatrical affects used in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz being added into The Great in Powerful Oz (black & white beginning, etc.) helps the audience connect the films. Loved seeing Theadora begin skipping down the yellow brick road. Great for older kids (8+) but there were several kids smaller crying in the audience. A GREAT movie, and the books are WONDERFUL!