The Sphere in Las Vegas is expanding its immersive presentation of the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz with a new range of 4D effects designed to bring audiences deeper into the world of Oz, writes The Hollywood Reporter.
The Sphere’s reimagining of the film has grossed more than $450 million since launching a year ago, according to the company.
Tickets are now available through early 2027.
The experience combines the venue’s massive screen with physical effects that interact with key moments in the film.
Existing elements include fire, falling apples and a tornado that forms inside the venue.
The upcoming enhancements will introduce animatronic winged monkeys that fly above the audience, additional pyrotechnic fireworks and a new effect called “Glinda Glitter”.
Scented apples will also fall from the sky, while new fragrances will be released throughout the venue during selected scenes.
“At Sphere, we’re constantly exploring new ways to push the boundaries of immersive storytelling and create new experiences for our audiences,” Jennifer Koester, the company’s president and COO, said.
She added that the new features would take some of the experience’s most memorable moments to another level and further immerse audiences in the world of Oz.
The 4D elements have become a defining feature of the Sphere’s adaptation, extending the action beyond the screen and into the physical space around the audience.
The venue is already preparing its next film-based immersive experience, with The Rocky Horror Picture Show set to debut at the Sphere in 2027.
Alongside film presentations, the Las Vegas venue has hosted major concerts by artists including U2 and the Backstreet Boys.
Sphere is also developing additional venues in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and Abu Dhabi in partnership with local collaborators.
