Imagine watching The Wizard of Oz—yep, that one, with Dorothy, the yellow brick road, and the flying monkeys—but not on your telly or even in a regular cinema. Imagine seeing it inside a giant glowing orb that’s taller than Big Ben and can light up like a spaceship. Well, from 21 June 2025, that’s exactly what’s happening in Las Vegas, at the now-famous Sphere.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the movie or you’ve only ever seen memes of the Wicked Witch, this could be one of the wildest ways to experience a classic film. Think of it like cinema… on steroids.
Image source: https://gizmodo.com/the-wizard-of-oz-is-coming-to-the-las-vegas-sphere-2000585637
The Sphere isn’t just a screen—it’s a monster of a theatre
So, quick catch-up: what is the Sphere, anyway?
This isn’t your everyday cinema. Opened in 2023, the Las Vegas Sphere looks like a glowing planet that crash-landed just off the Strip. It’s massive—over 110 metres tall—and the outside is covered in lights that can show anything from emojis to moon landings.
But it’s what’s inside that really matters. Inside, the Sphere has the biggest and highest-resolution LED screen in the world. And it wraps around you. You’re not just watching a movie—you’re in it. There are over 160,000 speakers hidden behind the screen, too, which means the sound hits from everywhere. It’s a bit like being stuck inside a really fancy surround-sound dream.
Until now, the Sphere’s main draw has been concerts—most famously, U2’s mind-melting residency. But things are shifting. They’ve decided to go full-on Hollywood, and The Wizard of Oz is leading the way.
Why The Wizard of Oz though?
Yeah, it’s not exactly the newest flick on the block. It came out in 1939, and most people haven’t watched it in full since their nan made them. But think about it for a sec—it’s perfect for this kind of experience.
You’ve got:
- A tornado that whirls Dorothy off to Oz? Sphere’s got wind effects and moving seats.
- Munchkinland full of vibrant colours? The Sphere’s LED screen can basically paint the whole room.
- That mad moment when the film switches from black-and-white to Technicolor? Imagine that happening all around you.
Even the Yellow Brick Road could feel like it’s under your feet.
The film will be shown as part of a brand-new “immersive experience” called The Wizard of Oz Sphere Experience. It’s not just the original movie, but a full sensory adventure that’ll mix new visual effects with the original soundtrack and story. Think of it like watching your favourite bedtime story while sitting inside a dream.
Kicking off summer 2025 with a brain, a heart, and some courage
Mark the date: 21 June 2025 is when the first shows begin. Perfect timing too—it’s slap bang at the start of the summer holidays. Not that this is just for kids. You don’t need to know the lyrics to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” to get something out of it.
This event is being pushed by Sphere Entertainment Co., who clearly want to show off what the Sphere can do when it’s not hosting massive bands. And fair enough—The Wizard of Oz is a smart pick. It’s got nostalgia for the parents, curiosity for the kids, and enough trippy visuals to entertain anyone in between.
And to be honest, if this goes well, we could see more classic films getting the Sphere treatment. Imagine Jurassic Park with rumbles under your seat. Or Star Wars where you feel like you’re inside the Death Star. The possibilities are pretty endless.
Here’s what we know so far
If you’re thinking about heading to Vegas and checking it out, here are a few quick bits:
- What: The Wizard of Oz Sphere Experience
- Where: The Sphere, Las Vegas
- When: Starts 21 June 2025
- Who’s behind it: Sphere Entertainment Co.
- Why it matters: First-ever full-length feature film at the Sphere—could open the door for more
What’s next for the Sphere?
This move hints at something bigger. The people running the Sphere aren’t just thinking concerts and music. They’re eyeing up the whole entertainment world. If you can turn an 85-year-old film into something that feels brand new, what else could you do?
Could schools take students on virtual field trips inside the Sphere? Could video games become immersive cinema-style events? Could you rewatch Titanic and feel the chill of the iceberg?
No one knows yet. But one thing’s clear: Las Vegas might’ve just reinvented the way we watch movies. Again.
