Where Can You Watch the New AI-Enhanced ‘Wizard of Oz’?
While the Las Vegas Sphere has played host to concerts by classic bands including the Eagles and Dead & Company, it now has its sights set on classic movies, too. With the assistance of AI technology, The Wizard of Oz will play insider the Las Vegas Sphere on August 28, 2025. The 1939 film was originally shot on a 35mm film, but will be transformed via AI to fit the venue’s spherical, wrap-around 160,000-square-foot-screen.
Michael Walker, CEO of AI-First at Trilogy told Fox News Digital that he realizes this will be controversial and fans will likely form two opinions. He admitted that some will be against any type of editing of the classic movie and will have “valid concerns about artistic integrity.” However, other fans “who increasingly expect immersive experiences” may be excited and added, “The technology could breathe new life into works that might otherwise fade from cultural relevance.”
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Jim Dolan, executive chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment, shared, “When you have innovation like this, you don’t always know where it’s going to go. You have to be able to take a leap of faith. What you’re going to see in ‘The Wizard of Oz at Sphere’ is clearly a leap of faith.”
If the reimagined film is well-received, the company may try other classic movies with strong visuals including 2001: A Space Odyssey or Star Wars. In addition, AI companies are working on giving voices to silent stars in old black-and-white films, another change that could be very controversial amongst movie fans.
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Boon Chew, founder of CentaurLab.AI said, “AI can elevate visual effects, seamlessly insert characters, or clone iconic voices like Darth Vader’s. Older fans may stick with the originals, but new generations might prefer these high-tech renditions.”
What do you think? Would you like to see The Wizard of Oz on this gigantic screen, or prefer it just the way it was intended back in 1939?
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