The Sphere in Las Vegas is set to present a unique and immersive experience of the classic film “The Wizard of Oz.” This new adaptation opens on August 28 and will run multiple times daily. Tickets start at $104 and can be purchased at thesphere.com. The venue promises an experience unlike any traditional movie viewing, with audience members feeling as if they are part of the film, walking alongside characters like Dorothy and experiencing the tornado firsthand.
The Sphere’s exterior will feature an ambitious visual display, mimicking the iconic scene where Dorothy’s farmhouse lands on the Wicked Witch of the East. This effect is part of a promotional activation for the show, coinciding with the ticket on-sale date, which marks Judy Garland’s birthday.
Inside the Sphere, the experience includes haptic seats that vibrate, wind effects, and scents to enhance the feeling of being in Oz. The production is a collaborative effort utilizing advanced AI technologies, allowing for expanded scenes that adhere to the original script, which were not possible in the original film format.
The cost of this immersive experience is estimated at about $80 million, with the film condensed to a 75-minute version to fit the daily schedule. This project is part of a broader initiative by Sphere to push creative boundaries and explore new content production possibilities. The timing of the launch aligns with Labor Day Weekend, offering a fresh experience for visitors. The Sphere plans to apply similar immersive treatments to other films in the future, leveraging AI to innovate in the entertainment industry.