A virtual tornado struck the Sphere in Las Vegas on Tuesday morning, kicking off a unique experience that brings classic film “The Wizard of Oz” to life. The stunt is part of a larger immersive production by Sphere Studios, Warner Bros. Discovery, Google, and Magnopus, with Academy Award and Emmy-nominee Jane Rosenthal among the producers.
According to Jennifer Koester, Sphere president and COO, the virtual tornado was designed to match the scale and size of the venue’s “Exosphere” area, which will feature an interactive experience based on the beloved film. The production team has leveraged original archival footage and images to create a 16K resolution screen that will transport visitors down the Yellow Brick road.
“We’re not just stretching out this classic film; we’re augmenting it with AI,” Koester explained. “We’ve trained models using Google’s expertise to restore missing elements, like Dorothy’s legs, and provide an immersive experience.”
Rosenthal noted that the original film was a technical marvel in its time, pushing the boundaries of filmmaking. The new production aims to capture this wonder and glory, with visitors feeling as though they are in Oz alongside the characters.
The Wizard of Oz is set to premiere at the Sphere on August 28, marking a significant bet on experiential entertainment for the venue. This immersive experience will not be just a passive viewing event but an interactive journey that engages visitors through wind, scents, and other sensory elements.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/inside-wizard-of-oz-sphere-1236261268