A new era of immersive entertainment has dawned in Las Vegas with the premiere of “The Wizard of Oz” at Sphere, an ambitious undertaking that redefines the boundaries of cinematic experiences. Debuting on August 28, 2025, this production leverages cutting-edge technology to transport audiences directly into the magical world of Oz, setting a new benchmark for entertainment in the city.
A Collaborative Vision
The realization of “The Wizard of Oz” at Sphere is the result of a significant collaboration between industry giants. Sphere Entertainment Co., under the leadership of Executive Chairman and CEO Jim Dolan, partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery, Google, and Magnopus to bring this vision to life. According to Sphere Entertainment Co., this project aligns with their mission to push the boundaries of experiential media.
The creative team includes Academy Award and Emmy-nominated producer Jane Rosenthal, Oscar-winning visual effects specialist Ben Grossmann, and Academy Award-winning editor Jennifer Lame. Creative Director Zack Winokur also played a crucial role in shaping the immersive experience. Furthermore, Google DeepMind and Google Cloud provided the advanced AI technology essential for the film’s transformation.
“Ultra High Definition Sensory Adventure”
“The Wizard of Oz” at Sphere transcends a traditional film screening, evolving into what is described as an “Ultra High Definition sensory adventure.” The original 1939 film has undergone a meticulous transformation, deconstructed, reformatted, and reconstructed with the assistance of Google-powered AI to fully utilize Sphere’s colossal 160,000-square-foot, 16K resolution wraparound interior LED screen.
Immersive Technology and Sensory Effects
The immersive experience extends beyond visuals, incorporating multi-sensory 4D elements. These include haptic seats that provide movement sensations, environmental effects such as high-velocity wind arrays and atmospheric fog, towering fire bursts, and custom scents. The classic songs have been remastered and re-recorded with a full orchestra, delivered through Sphere Immersive Sound’s 167,000 speakers.
Notable Highlights
Key highlights of the show include drone-powered flying monkeys and an indoor tornado that envelops the audience. Outside the venue, a striking installation features the 50-foot-long legs of the Wicked Witch of the East, complete with 22-foot-tall ruby slippers, complemented by a display on the Exosphere. The Sphere version runs for 77 minutes, a condensed adaptation of the original 102-minute film.
Timeline and Location
The highly anticipated “The Wizard of Oz” at Sphere officially opened on August 28, 2025. Tickets, available through March 2026, went on sale on June 10, 2025, following the initial announcement of the production in April 2025.
This groundbreaking production is exclusively presented at Sphere, located at 255 Sands Avenue in Las Vegas, Nevada, east of the Las Vegas Strip. The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, connected to Sphere, offers special hotel and ticket packages and features a themed Waterfall Atrium activation in celebration of the show.
The Vision Behind the Spectacle
The motivation behind “The Wizard of Oz” at Sphere was to fully harness Sphere’s capabilities as an experiential medium and to advance the vision of immersive entertainment. Producers recognized that the original 1939 film, shot in a 4:3 aspect ratio, was not suitable for direct projection onto Sphere’s immense 16K screens.
According to Jim Dolan, the goal was to push the boundaries of what’s possible, much like the original film did with its groundbreaking visual effects. The use of AI and cutting-edge technology allowed the creative team to enhance and extrapolate details, making audiences feel as though they have stepped inside the film and are actively traveling down the yellow brick road.
Impact and Industry Debate
“The Wizard of Oz” at Sphere is undeniably redefining entertainment in Las Vegas, setting a new benchmark for immersive experiences. However, its innovative use of AI has also ignited a significant debate within the film industry regarding the adaptation of classic films for new formats.
AI and the Adaptation of Classic Films
Critics have raised concerns that AI enhancements, while visually impressive, can alter key performances, citing a “waxy look” on Judy Garland’s portrayal of Dorothy and unnaturally repetitive AI-generated background figures in crowd scenes. Despite these discussions, the production showcases the transformative potential of generative AI media models, positioning Sphere as a pioneer in new forms of entertainment beyond traditional concerts.
The exterior installation of the Wicked Witch’s legs has quickly become a popular new selfie spot, further integrating the show into the vibrant Las Vegas experience. Tickets start at $104, reflecting its status as a premium entertainment offering.
A New Era of “Oz”
“The Wizard of Oz” at Sphere represents a bold step forward in the evolution of entertainment, blending classic storytelling with cutting-edge technology to create an unparalleled immersive experience. While debates surrounding AI’s role in adapting classic films continue, the production undeniably showcases the transformative potential of Sphere as a pioneer in experiential media, solidifying its place as a must-see attraction in Las Vegas. The collaboration of industry leaders like Sphere Entertainment Co., Warner Bros. Discovery, and Google has resulted in a spectacle that not only honors the legacy of “The Wizard of Oz” but also propels entertainment into a new dimension.
