Toto, I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore. You’re right, Dorothy, but instead of being over the rainbow, you have landed in the vibrant and dazzling world of Sin City. Recent updates reveal that The Wizard of Oz is set to make a spectacular appearance at the Sphere in Las Vegas. The venue is creating quite a buzz by transforming its exterior into a stunning replica of Dorothy’s iconic house, complete with the infamous feet of the Wicked Witch of the East and her sparkling ruby slippers beneath. This impressive visual display is a must-see for anyone visiting downtown Las Vegas, even if some critics are questioning the methods being employed to enhance the experience inside the Sphere.

If you thought presenting The Wizard of Oz in IMAX 3D was a bold move back in 2013, brace yourself for the innovative use of AI technology in showcasing the film at the Sphere. The main goal is to offer an immersive experience that transports viewers to the enchanting land of Oz. Sphere president, Jennifer Koester, shares her vision: “Imagine what it would be like to be in a tornado in the Sphere where you’ve got wind coming at you, you’ve got scents coming at you, you’ve got leaves coming at you, your hair is flying all over…You’re not going to watch a movie; you are going to live a movie. You’re going to feel it, to see it, to touch it, to smell it.” While this description sparks excitement, it remains unclear if they will use real materials, such as asbestos, to enhance the atmosphere during the poppy field sequence.

The anticipated 4D-like experiences are sure to captivate many attendees, yet we must critically examine the alterations made to the original film. It’s important to remember that The Wizard of Oz was initially filmed in a 4:3 aspect ratio, while the Sphere boasts a colossal 160,000 square feet LED screen. This raises the question of how the producers plan to fill such an expansive screen. The answer lies in AI technology. Koester explains, “We’ve gone and trained models alongside Google with archival footage about Wizard of Oz, footage from the Academy, the original film materials that represent the true life characters. And we’ve trained the models so that we can use AI to now give Dorothy legs in that image, because we know they were there, but we want them on the screen to fill the media plane.” This innovative approach raises both excitement and concern.

To generate buzz for this groundbreaking event, producer Jane Rosenthal commented, “So much of what’s in The Wizard of Oz that could naturally fit into an immersive environment like the Sphere. What you can do now, when you hear Judy Garland sing ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow,’ it’s a whole different emotional experience.” However, it’s worth noting that some individuals are unaware that the song is officially titled “Over the Rainbow” and not “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” raising questions about the knowledge and expertise of those involved in this ambitious project.

While the creative team behind The Wizard of Oz appears to have conducted thorough research in securing original footage and materials, there remains an unsettling aspect to the use of AI in this context. Isn’t the breathtaking transformation of Dorothy from sepia tones to the vibrant Technicolor imagery enough to mesmerize audiences without the need for digital enhancements?

What are your thoughts on the use of AI in this manner? Do you believe it’s ethically sound, or does the allure of the Sphere present an unmatched experience that justifies such innovations?