Wizard of Oz immersive experience takes flight at Las Vegas Sphere
Las Vegas’ Sphere unveiled a bold new residency on Thursday, turning the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz into a full-throttle, multisensory cinematic event housed on the world’s largest high‑resolution screen. The production, opening Aug. 28, spans an astonishing 160,000 square feet of display space and is paired with a 167,000‑speaker sound system and 10,000 haptic seats that translate the action into physical sensation.
Described by Sphere Entertainment chief James Dolan as “an experience,” the Oz show leverages the venue’s signature scale and technology to immerse audiences in Dorothy’s journey. Tickets start at $104 and up, with the production billed as a transformative reimagining that stays true to the film’s spirit while pushing the boundaries of live entertainment.
Key tech and design highlights
– Aiming to place viewers inside the tornado and beyond, the production uses actual wind and fog generated by 12‑foot fans (each delivering up to 750 horsepower) to create tangible weather effects.
– The auditorium’s 10,000 haptic seats synchronize with on-screen action, including ground tremors that participants feel in real time.
– The centerpiece is a massive screen, complemented by an enhanced soundscape featuring environmental dialogue and a re-recorded, orchestra-backed score—the original MGM studio was used for the remastering of the music.
– Visuals are augmented by AI “outpainting” to expand scenes beyond the original frame, a creative solution developed with input from a Google DeepMind collaborator.
Production journey and philosophy
Producer Jane Rosenthal stressed that the project began with a mix of ambition and caution, acknowledging that recreating a nearly century-old film with cutting-edge tech posed substantial risk. Oscar-winning visual-effects supervisor Ben Grossmann recalled moments of doubt, including a prototype viewing of the original film in a format the team hadn’t anticipated, which nearly derailed the effort. The team pressed on, iterating with new techniques to honor the creators’ intent while embracing innovation.
Court of public opinion and ongoing refinement
Even before its premiere, some critics primed audiences for a controversial reception after previews suggested heavy AI-assisted alterations. The Sphere team pushed back, asserting that what audiences see is authentic to the core film, with skies photographed in high resolution from real locations and existing designs preserved. They maintain that the runtime has been adjusted to emphasize essential storytelling rather than extraneous details, and they affirm that the experience includes all the elements fans expect from the movie.
What’s next for the Sphere and Oz
– The Oz residency arrives amid a slate of Sphere shows, including ongoing performances by the Backstreet Boys, with the Zac Brown Band scheduled for December.
– Sphere is expanding its footprint, with a replica of the Las Vegas venue already under development in Abu Dhabi and plans for additional Sphere installations in the United States.
– James Dolan indicated that future Sphere projects could be announced before year’s end, with a goal of broadening the network while continuing to explore new experiences.
– The team also hinted at non-film experiences, such as “From the Edge,” an extreme sports film project slated for next year, built around immersive, experiential storytelling.
Reaction, realism, and optimism
Despite skepticism from some corners, the Oz show claims to deliver a faithful retelling through a modern, immersive lens. Sphere executives emphasize that the project is designed to honor the original film’s intent while using technology to expand the audience’s emotional connection — from dazzling skies to a reimagined orchestral score that brings new emotional resonance to a familiar tale.
Bottom line
The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere represents a bold convergence of cinema history and cutting-edge live entertainment. If successful, it could reinforce Las Vegas as a hub for large-scale immersive experiences and pave the way for a broader Sphere network that blends classic films with next‑level production techniques.
Summary of what readers should know
– The Oz residency opens Aug. 28 at the Las Vegas Sphere.
– The show uses the world’s largest high-resolution screen, 167,000 speakers, and 10,000 haptic seats.
– Effects include real wind and ground-shaking sensations, powered by large fans and advanced tech.
– AI outpainting helps expand scenes beyond the original frame; the original music was re-recorded with an orchestra.
– Tickets start at $104; the project has faced and addressed early criticism while staying focused on the core storytelling.
– Sphere plans further expansions, including a replica in Abu Dhabi and additional projects in development.