Las Vegas Sphere to screen ‘The Wizard of Oz’ film

Introduction to the Wizard of Oz Experience

The Las Vegas Sphere will soon screen 1939’s "The Wizard of Oz" in a new immersive film experience. This project places viewers inside the world of Oz using the Sphere’s 160,000-square-foot wraparound screen. The film will play in 16K resolution with full spatial audio using 167,000 speakers and haptic seating.

Technology Behind the Experience

In a partnership with Google Cloud, engineers used AI "outpainting" to expand the original film frames to fit the immersive space. According to James Dolan, Sphere Entertainment CEO, "Our standard on this was not to modify the film at all, but to try and bring you into [it] as if you were in the studio when it was shot." Glenn Derry, MSG Ventures executive vice president and visual effects artist, is in charge of the 4D effects, such as motion, wind, water, and scent, to make audiences feel like they are in Oz.

Immersive Features

Derry’s team used technology to bring in fog and wind effects to mimic tornadoes that are seen in the movie. The experience will open to the public on Aug. 28. The Las Vegas Sphere, which opened in September 2023, has a capacity of roughly 20,000. About 10,000 of the seats in the arena have haptic technology.

The Las Vegas Sphere

The venue has garnered attention since its opening for impressive live concerts and unique visuals. It’s previously screened films, including "Postcard From Earth." The Wizard of Oz experience is set to be another groundbreaking event at the Sphere.

Conclusion

The Wizard of Oz experience at the Las Vegas Sphere promises to be an unforgettable event. With its cutting-edge technology and immersive features, it will transport audiences to the magical world of Oz. The combination of AI-enhanced visuals, spatial audio, and haptic seating will create a truly unique experience.

FAQs

Q: When will the Wizard of Oz experience open to the public?
A: The experience will open to the public on Aug. 28.
Q: What technology is used to enhance the film?
A: The film is enhanced using AI "outpainting" to expand the original film frames to fit the immersive space.
Q: What are the 4D effects used in the experience?
A: The 4D effects include motion, wind, water, and scent to make audiences feel like they are in Oz.
Q: What is the capacity of the Las Vegas Sphere?
A: The Las Vegas Sphere has a capacity of roughly 20,000.
Q: What other events has the Las Vegas Sphere hosted?
A: The Las Vegas Sphere has hosted impressive live concerts and unique visuals, as well as previously screening films like "Postcard From Earth."