Sphere unveils revolutionary audio technology for ‘The Wizard of Oz’ experience
Las Vegas venue’s cutting-edge sound system and haptic seats promise to transform the 1939 classic into an immersive spectacle
The Sphere in Las Vegas is preparing to transform one of cinema’s most beloved classics into an unprecedented immersive experience. With the August 28, 2025 opening of “The Wizard of Oz at Sphere” approaching, the venue has revealed impressive details about the revolutionary audio technology that will make audiences feel like they’re stepping into the magical world of Oz.
Reimagining a classic through technology
The iconic 1939 film will be presented using Sphere’s state-of-the-art audio system, featuring 167,000 programmable speakers that can direct sound to any specific location within the venue. This technological marvel allows for an audio experience that goes far beyond traditional theater presentations.
“There’s Dorothy and ‘Over the Rainbow’ as you heard them before, and there will be Dorothy and ‘Over the Rainbow’ as you hear them now, with the film’s classic music taking on new clarity and immersion through Sphere Immersive Sound,” explained Carolyn Blackwood, Head of Sphere Studios.
The goal is ambitious: to create a new emotional connection to “The Wizard of Oz” that preserves the film’s original magic while adding layers of immersion only possible through Sphere’s unique technology.
Preserving the original while enhancing the experience
One of the most impressive aspects of the production is how Sphere Studios has managed to enhance the 1939 film’s audio while maintaining the integrity of the original performances. The film’s mono soundtrack has been meticulously separated into individual components—vocals, dialogue, and sound effects—through a collaboration between Sphere Studios and Warner Bros.
Working with the original mono audio presented unique challenges, but Post Production Creative Services developed advanced audio technologies specifically for this project. The result is greater depth and clarity than many thought possible from the 85-year-old recording, all while preserving the authentic vocal performances that made the film legendary.
“We approached the recording and mixing process for ‘The Wizard of Oz at Sphere’ with a deep reverence for the original music, resulting in a breathtaking blend of legacy and innovation,” said Julianne Jordan, the Grammy Award-winning music supervisor overseeing the project.
Beyond traditional surround sound
Sphere’s audio capabilities extend far beyond conventional theater sound systems. The 167,000 programmable speakers can create precise audio environments that change throughout the experience, allowing sound to move dynamically around the audience in ways that support the storytelling.
“Sphere Immersive Sound offers opportunities for sound mixing that go well beyond a traditional theater, and this score will now be heard and felt with a level of clarity and immersion that was previously impossible,” Jordan explained.
This means that when Dorothy’s house spins through the tornado, audiences won’t just see the chaos—they’ll be surrounded by precisely positioned audio that makes them feel like they’re inside the storm.
Feeling the music: Infrasound and haptic technology
Perhaps the most innovative aspect of the Sphere experience is the integration of infrasound and haptic seat technology. This system creates physical vibrations and tones that correspond to moments in the film, allowing audiences to literally feel what they’re hearing.
“This is the first time sound technology has been used in this way in any venue,” said Paul Freeman, Vice President and Principal Audio Artist at Sphere Studios. “We developed a physical way of delivering sound that allows us to not only vibrate the seats, but also place tone in them that puts you in the film—audiences will literally feel what they are hearing.”
This technology promises to add a completely new dimension to classic moments from the film. When the Wicked Witch cackles or the tornado approaches, audiences will experience these sounds not just through their ears, but through carefully calibrated physical sensations.
Technical innovation meets artistic vision
The development process required creating entirely new approaches to audio production. Freeman and his team had to pioneer methods for delivering physical sound sensations while ensuring they enhanced rather than distracted from the storytelling.
The infrasound technology operates below the range of human hearing but can be felt as vibrations, creating an almost subliminal layer to the experience. Combined with the haptic seats, this creates what Sphere describes as a “physical way of delivering sound” that’s never been attempted before in entertainment venues.
A new era for classic entertainment
The Sphere’s approach to “The Wizard of Oz” represents a significant moment in entertainment technology. Rather than simply projecting the film onto a large screen, the venue is using its unique capabilities to create an entirely new way of experiencing familiar content.
The project demonstrates how cutting-edge technology can honor classic art while creating something genuinely new. By preserving the original performances while adding layers of immersion, Sphere is attempting to bridge the gap between film preservation and innovative entertainment.
What audiences can expect
When “The Wizard of Oz at Sphere” opens on August 28, 2025, visitors will experience multiple daily showtimes of what promises to be unlike any other presentation of the beloved story. The combination of Sphere’s massive LED display, precision audio system, and physical sensation technology aims to make audiences feel like active participants in Dorothy’s journey.
The experience promises to transform familiar moments—from the sepia-toned Kansas sequences to the vibrant Technicolor of Oz—into something entirely new while respecting the artistry that made the original film a lasting masterpiece.
Setting new standards
The technical achievements being developed for “The Wizard of Oz at Sphere” will likely influence future entertainment experiences, both at Sphere and beyond. The venue’s ability to combine precise audio control, physical sensations, and immersive visuals creates new possibilities for how classic content can be presented to modern audiences.
For Las Vegas, this represents another step in the city’s evolution as a destination for cutting-edge entertainment. Sphere continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in live entertainment, offering experiences that can’t be replicated anywhere else in the world.
As the opening date approaches, “The Wizard of Oz at Sphere” promises to demonstrate how technological innovation can breathe new life into timeless stories, creating emotional connections that honor the past while embracing the future of entertainment.
Category: Technology
Subcategory: Entertainment
Date: 06/27/2025
