Throngs of 120,000 Enthusiasts Head to Las Vegas' Sphere for 'The Wizard of Oz' Screening
James Dolan, CEO of Sphere Entertainment, has high expectations for the upcoming release of the company's reimagined version of "The Wizard of Oz." The film, set to hit the screens on August 28, 2025, is expected to sell 200,000 tickets, each priced at $100, marking a significant milestone for the Las Vegas Sphere.
Produced by Sphere Entertainment, this cinematic classic is set to attract more visitors to the venue, potentially boosting attendance from the current 7% to above 10%. The Sphere's version of "The Wizard of Oz" promises an immersive experience, employing AI to re-render the 1939 film, eliminating most close-ups and expanding scenes to fill a 160K square foot digital screen.
The movie's audio will be delivered through 167K state-of-the-art speakers, with the actors' voices sonically improved and paired with re-recorded orchestral performances. To enhance the experience further, fragrances and wind effects have been incorporated, and haptic technology is available for about 10K seats in the 200 and 300 levels.
The movie's production and licensing cost Sphere Entertainment $80 million. In terms of seating capacity, the Las Vegas Sphere has a maximum standing capacity of 20,000 people per event. To fill the venue 11 times for "The Wizard of Oz," a total of 220,000 tickets would be required.
The Sphere has already sold 120,000 tickets since June 10, suggesting a strong demand for the re-envisioned "The Wizard of Oz." The company expects to have sold 200,000 tickets by the opening day, August 28.
One of the most anticipated scenes is the tornado sequence, where 12-foot-tall fans create fog, leaves, hay, and debris that envelop the audience, offering a truly immersive experience.
Despite reporting second-quarter revenue below analyst expectations, Sphere Entertainment's adjusted operating income more than doubled compared to last year's second quarter, indicating a promising financial outlook for the company.
With its unique approach to storytelling and immersive technology, Sphere Entertainment's reimagined "The Wizard of Oz" is poised to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience for audiences in Las Vegas.
[1] The Las Vegas Sphere's maximum standing capacity per event is 20,000 people. [3] To fill the Las Vegas Sphere 11 times for "The Wizard of Oz," a total of 220,000 tickets would be required. (Calculation: 20,000 x 11 = 220,000)
[1] Sphere Entertainment's upcoming release of the re-envisioned "The Wizard of Oz" is expected to sell 200,000 tickets, each priced at $100, which would fill the Las Vegas Sphere 10 times if all seats are occupied.
[2] The Las Vegas Sphere's version of "The Wizard of Oz" offers an immersive experience, featuring AI re-renderings, expanded screen scenes, enhanced audio, and sensory effects like wind and fragrances, making it a must-see event in casino-and-gambling capital of Las Vegas.
[3] The production and licensing cost Sphere Entertainment $80 million, which is a considerable investment, but the potential ticket sales of 200,000 could result in significant revenue.
[4] Despite concerns about lower second-quarter revenue, Sphere Entertainment's adjusted operating income more than doubled from the previous year, hinting at a positive financial outlook for the entertainment industry in Las Vegas.
