Sphere Entertainment Co. and The Venetian Resort Las Vegas announce a new installation in the resort’s Waterfall Atrium to celebrate The Wizard of Oz at Sphere, which premieres on August 28.
The installation, free and open to the public through the end of the year, features life-size versions of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion on their journey down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City. Glinda the Good Witch is also part of the display, and fans can take a photo inside her iconic pink bubble. The Waterfall Atrium is adorned with 5,000 vibrant silk poppies, a nod to the scene in the film where the characters cross a poppy field on their way to see the Wizard. Just behind the installation is a café with themed décor, presenting a selection of official The Wizard of Oz at Sphere merchandise.
We are delighted to partner with The Venetian Resort to offer everyone in Las Vegas this unique opportunity to engage with 'The Wizard of Oz at Sphere'. The film’s iconic characters and imagery are recognized worldwide, and we look forward to visitors connecting with the Land of Oz through this installation and building anticipation for 'The Wizard of Oz at Sphere', said Bill Walshe, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Venue Operations and Development at Sphere.
“The 'Wizard of Oz' is a timeless film that resonates across generations”, said Patrick Nichols, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. “We are proud to partner with Sphere to bring this installation to life in an immersive way, offering fans the chance to step inside Glinda’s iconic pink bubble, as well as exclusive hotel packages for 'The Wizard of Oz at Sphere', designed to enhance the experience for guests looking to create new memories inspired by a classic”.
The Wizard of Oz at Sphere is a fully immersive experience that makes audiences feel as if they have stepped inside the film. The original film, shot for a 4:3 cinema screen in the 1930s, fills Sphere’s 160,000 sq. ft. interior surface, wrapping over and around the audience to create an enveloping visual environment.
To take advantage of the 167,000 programmable speakers of the Sphere Immersive Sound system, capable of directing sound anywhere in the venue, the film’s original mono score was re-recorded to offer new clarity while preserving the cast’s vocal performances. Multi-sensory 4D elements are combined and maximized to make the audience feel they are living the experience alongside the characters, including high-velocity wind blasts, atmospheric fog, towering fire bursts, and infrasound haptic seats.
