News Summary
The Sphere in Las Vegas has launched a groundbreaking multi-sensory experience based on ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ This reimagined film journey features cutting-edge technology, including 16K resolution and haptic seats that vibrate with the action. Guests step into an immersive Kansas-themed world before transitioning to the vibrant Emerald City. With over 245,000 tickets already sold, critics have mixed feelings about the digital enhancements, yet the production has garnered interest from celebrities and audiences alike, paving the way for future immersive cinematic experiences.
Las Vegas
The Sphere in Las Vegas has introduced a revolutionary take on the beloved classic film “The Wizard of Oz,” creating a multi-sensory immersive experience designed to envelop audiences in the enchanting world of the film. Following its world premiere on August 28, this reimagined version takes viewers on a journey deep into the tale, alongside its iconic characters, and employs advanced technologies to enhance the storytelling.
Attendees of the experience will first step into a sepia-toned, Kansas-themed space that sets the scene before the film begins. The state-of-the-art venue showcases the film on a gigantic screen stretching over 160,000 square feet with stunning 16K resolution. This fully reworked rendition of “The Wizard of Oz” has a runtime of 75 minutes, which is nearly half an hour shorter than the original 102-minute MGM film. Some scenes have been cut or abbreviated, creating a more summarized version of the classic tale.
To deepen the immersive effect, the experience includes haptic seats that vibrate in sync with the on-screen action, alongside environmental additions such as fog, snow machines, and physical elements including flying monkeys and falling foam apples. The tornado scene is a highlight, featuring intense wind blasts and swirling debris, designed to plunge audiences into the heart of the action.
Over 2,000 individuals from various sectors of entertainment and technology collaborated on this ambitious project, which integrates more than 1,800 unique AI elements. Despite the creativity involved, some critics have pointed out that the digital enhancements have led to emotionless facial expressions and a synthetic appearance for the original characters, evoking mixed reactions regarding the visual transformations.
As guests exit the screening, they enter an Atrium that magically shifts from the sepia tones of Kansas to the vibrant green of the Emerald City. The experience concludes with a live performance featuring a character from “The Wizard of Oz,” accompanied by interactive photo kiosks that allow fans to capture their own memorable moments in this fantastical setting.
Located at 225 Sands Avenue, Las Vegas, the Sphere enforces a strict policy that only allows service animals, prompting visitors to leave their pets at home. The premiere attracted a celebrity audience, including Judy Garland’s daughter Lorna Luft, Kris Jenner, and guitarist Brian May, reflecting the film’s enduring popularity.
Since its unveiling, the revamped experience has been marketed more akin to a theme park ride than a traditional movie screening, contributing to the enthusiastic response from the public. Over 245,000 tickets have already been sold, with showings scheduled through March of the following year. The production team, which features Oscar-winning visual effects artist Ben Grossmann and producer Jane Rosenthal, was instrumental in revamping the original soundtrack, which has been rerecorded with a live orchestra, invigorating classic tunes like “Over the Rainbow.”
The Sphere is expected to host additional immersive movie experiences in the future, potentially paving the way for a new era of cinematic entertainment.
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Additional Resources
- San Francisco Chronicle: Wizard of Oz Sphere in Las Vegas
- USA Today: Best Moments from Wizard of Oz Sphere
- Fox 5 Vegas: 5 Things to Know about Wizard of Oz Sphere
- Reuters: AI-enhanced immersive Wizard of Oz debuts
- Hollywood Reporter: James Dolan and David Zaslav on Wizard of Oz Sphere
- Wikipedia: Wizard of Oz
- Google Search: Wizard of Oz immersion experience
- Google Scholar: Wizard of Oz Sphere
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wizard of Oz
- Google News: Wizard of Oz Las Vegas
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
