Some notable examples of classic black and white films that incorporate a single color scene include The Wizard of Oz (1939) and Schindler's List (1993). In The Wizard of Oz, the majority of the film is presented in black and white, but when Dorothy opens the door of her house after landing in the magical land of Oz, the scene dramatically transitions to vibrant Technicolor. This use of color symbolizes Dorothy's entrance into a world of wonder and fantasy, a stark contrast to the drab, monochromatic Kansas she left behind. Similarly, in Schindler's List, director Steven Spielberg chose to film the majority of the movie in stark black and white, a decision that heightens the somber and harrowing nature of the Holocaust story. However, the film features a single, poignant moment in color - the scene where a young girl in a red coat is seen amidst the chaos of the Kraków ghetto. This burst of color serves as a heartbreaking visual representation of the individuality and humanity of the victims, a stark contrast to the overwhelming gray landscape of the genocide.
Another example is The Wizard of Oz (1939), which transitions from black and white to color when Dorothy opens the door of her house after landing in the magical land of Oz. This dramatic shift in color palette symbolizes Dorothy's entrance into a world of wonder and fantasy, a stark contrast to the drab, monochromatic Kansas she left behind. The use of color in this specific scene heightens the sense of awe and enchantment, effectively drawing the viewer into the film's fantastical narrative.