Y.M. Cinema Magazine has described The Wizard of Oz at Sphere as “a groundbreaking project that melds cinematic nostalgia with cutting-edge technology”. The publication, famous for its extensive coverage of cinematography and post-production, has offered an in-depth analysis of the production’s underlying technology.
According to reports, the high-budget production is currently in the works for Las Vegas’ iconic dome-shaped venue.
The magazine also claims the production will honor the artistry and storytelling of The Wizard of Oz while reintroducing it to a new generation. It will be a glowing example of how classic media can be transformed into futuristic experiences.
Technology at the Forefront in Bold Remake
Producers want to leverage Sphere’s immersive technologies, featuring ultra-high-resolution visuals, spatial audio, and haptic feedback, to deliver a truly unforgettable experience.
The Y.M. Cinema article also details the Sphere features that are not expected to play a part in the production.
Darren Aronofsky’s ‘Postcard From Earth’ demonstrated the breathtaking capabilities of the Sphere’s 18K x 18K Big Sky camera system. The Wizard of Oz, however, has chosen to take a different path. The updated version will focus on digital restoration and enhancement of existing footage.
Shortened Play Targets Vegas Tourists
The Wizard of Oz’s runtime is said to be reduced to 80 minutes. Given that Las Vegas is the gambling capital of the world and has countless other attractions, this is a smart decision. Exploring casinos, watching magic shows at the Fountains of Bellagio, roaming the iconic Las Vegas strip – there are so many things to do in Sin City.
So, people are more likely to be interested in a shorter version of the film. Spending over 100 minutes in a cinema to rewatch a classic—no matter how iconic—may not appeal to the average Vegas tourist. Also, it allows the productions to hold more screenings daily and boost revenue.
Wizard of Oz Breaks the Bank
The production spared no expense to revive the magic of the 1939-classic. A whopping $80 million budget makes it one of the most expensive restoration projects ever. It means the Sphere has committed a million dollars to put every minute of the Wizard of Oz remastered on screen.
Originally, the film cost just $2.7 million. Adjusted for inflation, that amounts to $25 million today—still less than a third of the budget Sphere has allocated to create its immersive Wizard of Oz experience.
The Sphere had to sign a deal with Warner Brothers to secure the rights to the movie and greenlight this project.
Ticket Prices Still Unknown
The Sphere is currently screening Postcard from Earth up to three times per day. The lowest ticket price for this 55-minute film is $114.
How much the Sphere will charge for visitors to view the 85-year-old Wizard of Oz on what will basically be a supersized IMAX screen is yet unknown. Modern technology will be present in this immersive experience, with the evil witch flying across the LED-covered ceiling among other big action scenes.
The Sphere is supposed to provide a truly distinctive and larger-than-life interpretation of the classic film, given its use of enhanced visuals and acoustics; nevertheless, the exact fee for such a revolutionary experience has not been revealed.
One of the sources claims that Warner Brothers Discovery is expected to get about 5% of the gross profit from the production. Sphere has not answered inquiries for comments, though, and Discovery has not answered calls about the topic either.
A Change in Approach
This focus on movie-based events coincides with James Dolan, the CEO of Sphere Entertainment, still looking for well-known musical artists to perform at the location.
The strategic focus on blockbuster movies reflects a larger aim to create the facility as a destination for varied, innovative entertainment as the Sphere looks to mix cinematic and live music experiences.
Although the partnership with Warner Brothers Discovery represents a big step for the Sphere, it is evident that Dolan’s focus is not just on movies; the venue’s long-term plans clearly revolve around the search for major musical events.
Set for a residency at the Sphere, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers The Eagles have shown at the venue starting from September through early January.
This much-anticipated event is likely to generate a lot of interest and help strengthen the venue’s reputation as a top spot for legendary musical performers. According to one analyst’s estimate, the astonishingly expensive $2.3 billion Sphere has already brought in about $100 million since its September debut.
Finances in the Balance for Sphere
The financial situation of the venue has not been without difficulties notwithstanding this outstanding income. From $44.64 to $38.12, Sphere’s stock shares have seen a considerable dip, 15% over the past five trading days.
Although the venue still attracts well-known events and draws sizable audiences, some investors have expressed some worries about this declining share value.
As Sphere negotiates the expenses of its operations and continues its efforts to establish itself as a top destination for entertainment, the company’s financial situation remains under close scrutiny.
