The Wizard of Oz at Sphere
https://www.thesphere.com/
I would like to hear reviews from forum members when it opens. Be forewarned, the ticket cost is steep.
Quote: BleedingChipsSlowlyReviews I have read talk of very impressive technology. Something like this might get me back to the city for a visit.
https://www.thesphere.com/
I would like to hear reviews from forum members when it opens. Be forewarned, the ticket cost is steep.
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$114 for the nose bleed seats on a mon afternoon.. yike!
Quote: billryanThe nut on the Sphere has to be insane. The only way it begins to make economic sense is through continuous residencies but there are only a dozen or so bands capable of selling enough tickets.
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It's a screening of the Wizard of Oz. The Judy Garland classic.
AI enhanced with 4D effects (mechanical monkeys on wires flying past you and actual wind fans blowing as the hurricane hits, etc.
The image isn't just blown up to surround you. It has AI generated footage that expands the visual pallette. For example in one scene Dorothy is talking in the barn. We can't see past her closeup. Now we can with the AI expanding the image to show Uncle Henry watching her from the barn doorway.
When the Wizard makes his appearance it's a huge spectacle with the head and green mist swirling around the audience.
I haven't seen it myself but I have read a few prescreen articles.
2000 people worked on the project at a cost of tens of millions of dollars so expect it to be there for awhile.
There are movies I don't mind watching more than once, and The Wizard of Oz is one of them, but not high on that list.
Then again, could just hang out in the casino's suite and watch the film in between eating drinking talking to friends.
Quote: MDawgThanks for clarifying. I was getting ready to ask my host for suite tickets, but now I'm not so sure.
There are movies I don't mind watching more than once, and The Wizard of Oz is one of them, but not high on that list.
Then again, could just hang out in the casino's suite and watch the film in between eating drinking talking to friends.
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I forgot to mention if you are a fan that the film has been cut down to 75 minutes so it's an edited version.
I'm not sure why they did that. But it's like half an hour shorter than the main version
Some movies are not improved with added length, such as the extended cut of Apocalypse Now. Watching the extended once was interesting, but would not watch it again. At this point there are a few different cuts of that movie hard to keep track.
Quote: darkozQuote: MDawgThanks for clarifying. I was getting ready to ask my host for suite tickets, but now I'm not so sure.
There are movies I don't mind watching more than once, and The Wizard of Oz is one of them, but not high on that list.
Then again, could just hang out in the casino's suite and watch the film in between eating drinking talking to friends.
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I forgot to mention if you are a fan that the film has been cut down to 75 minutes so it's an edited version.
I'm not sure why they did that. But it's like half an hour shorter than the main version
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It must be the Pink Floyd version.
Quote: AutomaticMonkeyQuote: darkozQuote: MDawgThanks for clarifying. I was getting ready to ask my host for suite tickets, but now I'm not so sure.
There are movies I don't mind watching more than once, and The Wizard of Oz is one of them, but not high on that list.
Then again, could just hang out in the casino's suite and watch the film in between eating drinking talking to friends.
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I forgot to mention if you are a fan that the film has been cut down to 75 minutes so it's an edited version.
I'm not sure why they did that. But it's like half an hour shorter than the main version
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It must be the Pink Floyd version.
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That might have been pretty cool. But no it's not.
My own suspicion is they shortened the film for budget reasons. 30 minutes less footage to prep and half an hour shorter means more shows per day.
It actually was a very political book when it came out. I think it was about the election of McKinley. There are a few classics that are political commentary. (e.g. Frankenstein). A brilliant style of writing though, as the literary value of the book will last long after the political relevancy is gone and recognizable only to historians.
I really dont think 4D effects enhances ANY movie. More of a distraction, really.
I was thinking about going while in town for G2E. I was home alone last week, and I decided to watch it, since it has been at least 20 years since I saw it. You know, kinda as a prep before seeing it in the sphere.
Ya know what? The movie really isnt that great. I mean, it was a tremendous achievement back in its day with Technicolor being a new thing and all. And it was a great musical back when musicals were big.
But overall? It put me to sleep. Im reconsidering paying $200 to see it in the sphere.
Maybe if it gets great reviews first .
Frankly, the movie Id want to see is Star Wars IV A New Hope. And with all the digital work Lucas has done to it over the years, Id bet that conversion would be a LOT cheaper!
Quote: WizardI am reading the original Wizard of Oz book right now. About half the content of the book makes it to the movie. I'm normally not big on remaking good movies, but there is enough material in the book to easily do a Wicked-like set of two movies. Speaking of which, I heard Wicked part 2 comes out soon.
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I read the first six books a few years ago. I think it was the first six books. The world is quite rich, though the writing, even for a kid's book, does leave something to be desired. It is not Carroll's Wonderland.
I prefer Return to Oz as far as the films go. It was mostly based on the third book, Ozma of Oz, but contains elements of the second, The Marvelous Land of Oz.
Quote: heatmapi personally ask myself, "What would the movie DarkOz look like on the sphere?".
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It would look wonderful!!!
Quote: WizardI am reading the original Wizard of Oz book right now. About half the content of the book makes it to the movie. I'm normally not big on remaking good movies, but there is enough material in the book to easily do a Wicked-like set of two movies. Speaking of which, I heard Wicked part 2 comes out soon.
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Little know fact that the 1939 film is a remake of a 1925 live action film, and there have been several animated and live action short films that predate the 1925 version.
If they remake it, can they get another alcoholic to play the Wizard this time as well?
Quote: GenoDRPhQuote: WizardI am reading the original Wizard of Oz book right now. About half the content of the book makes it to the movie. I'm normally not big on remaking good movies, but there is enough material in the book to easily do a Wicked-like set of two movies. Speaking of which, I heard Wicked part 2 comes out soon.
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Little know fact that the 1939 film is a remake of a 1925 live action film, and there have been several animated and live action short films that predate the 1925 version.
If they remake it, can they get another alcoholic to play the Wizard this time as well?
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My goodness, what a fuss you're making! Well naturally, when you go around picking on things weaker than you are. Why, you're nothing but a great big coward!
Consider your nose slapped ! 😄
I'd actually go if they did a similar job with Empire, Jedi or a New Hope, but I wouldn't wanna party with Porgs or Jar Jar unless it was Comped!
Quote: camaplQuote: GenoDRPhQuote: WizardI am reading the original Wizard of Oz book right now. About half the content of the book makes it to the movie. I'm normally not big on remaking good movies, but there is enough material in the book to easily do a Wicked-like set of two movies. Speaking of which, I heard Wicked part 2 comes out soon.
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Little know fact that the 1939 film is a remake of a 1925 live action film, and there have been several animated and live action short films that predate the 1925 version.
If they remake it, can they get another alcoholic to play the Wizard this time as well?
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My goodness, what a fuss you're making! Well naturally, when you go around picking on things weaker than you are. Why, you're nothing but a great big coward!
Consider your nose slapped ! 😄
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Why? Frank Morgan did a fantastic job, but he was an alcoholic. One of the best performances by an alcoholic in film history. Almost better than Oliver Reed's role of Proximo in Gladiator!
The Sphere lost over $450 million in 2024 and is in the red for about 1.2 billion.
It's a spectacular venue, light years ahead of its competition, but it is, so far, a bottomless money pit.
Quote: DJTeddyBearI heard it cost about $1 million PER MINUTE to convert it for the sphere. Surely thats part of the reason its shorter.
I really dont think 4D effects enhances ANY movie. More of a distraction, really...
Wait... this movie is being screened in 4D? On the surface of a sphere? That would explain the cost; it's actually the Hypersphere!
Now if they add a Fifth Dimension, they can show Hair.
Quote: DJTeddyBearI heard it cost about $1 million PER MINUTE to convert it for the sphere. Surely thats part of the reason its shorter.
I really dont think 4D effects enhances ANY movie. More of a distraction, really.
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Everyone has their tastes but I saw Abigail in 4D and it was amazing. I mean we were splattered in blood when the ballerina vampire killed some of her victims (it was just water of course) but it was so cool.
I took different family members to see it and we always had a good time. Difficult to watch it now on home video because it just brings back memories of effects I can't experience. So in that respect I guess it's problematic. Done so well it becomes a later drawback
Quote: 7NeverWinsThis is probably the guinea pig test before they start screening Disney films, then other Disney properties like Marvel, Star Wars, etc.
I'd actually go if they did a similar job with Empire, Jedi or a New Hope, but I wouldn't wanna party with Porgs or Jar Jar unless it was Comped!
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What, no love for The Battle for Endor?
https://thewizardofoz.vibee.com/
Might be some additional benefit if youre already doing business at the Venetian.
An inside look at the artists behind the wizard of Oz at the Sphere
https://youtu.be/1ZTEajxD6EU?si=4pwhozyzJfJi715h
Quote: darkozFor those who want to know more this was just released.
An inside look at the artists behind the wizard of Oz at the Sphere
https://youtu.be/1ZTEajxD6EU?si=4pwhozyzJfJi715h
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wowowowow neato friggin love ai its the bees knees
If you are thinking of attending the show, the review will temper your expectations. My take is it still sounds like grand entertainment and a technical triumph, but expect sacrifices in terms of artistic value. The review has insights about the use of AI that are worth a read.
Quote: BleedingChipsSlowlyWhen I shop for a product, I am more interested in the few negative reviews than the flood of (probably) paid-for and auto-generated positive reviews; the negative reviews, save those from people with an ax to grind, usually give me a clearer idea of what to expect.
When perusing the Wizard of Oz at Sphere reviews I was drawn to Peter Debruges review from Variety, Theres Magic in Reliving The Wizard of Oz at Sphere, but the AI Technology Saps Dorothy and Friends of Their Humanity.
If you are thinking of attending the show, the review will temper your expectations. My take is it still sounds like grand entertainment and a technical triumph, but expect sacrifices in terms of artistic value. The review has insights about the use of AI that are worth a read.
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How did ai sap their humanity?
Quote: 100xOddsQuote: BleedingChipsSlowlyWhen I shop for a product, I am more interested in the few negative reviews than the flood of (probably) paid-for and auto-generated positive reviews; the negative reviews, save those from people with an ax to grind, usually give me a clearer idea of what to expect.
When perusing the Wizard of Oz at Sphere reviews I was drawn to Peter Debruges review from Variety, Theres Magic in Reliving The Wizard of Oz at Sphere, but the AI Technology Saps Dorothy and Friends of Their Humanity.
If you are thinking of attending the show, the review will temper your expectations. My take is it still sounds like grand entertainment and a technical triumph, but expect sacrifices in terms of artistic value. The review has insights about the use of AI that are worth a read.
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How did ai sap their humanity?
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It didn't.
There is a huge Anti-AI campaign and that's one of their common talking points.
AI is a tool. It's like saying a camera sapped the humanity out of portraits. It's baseless and feeds into the fears of an intelligent supercomputer that will destroy humanity.
The footage is augmented with AI but is still the same images and performance as before.
Quote: 100xOdds
How did ai sap their humanity?
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Those are Peter Debruges words. If his article doesnt answer your question to your satisfaction, take it up with him.
Point well taken about AI being only a tool. However, I disagree that show is the same images and the same performance as the original movie. It is a derivative, not at all equal. Btw, I use AI every day and find it beneficial. I just dont blindly trust what some LLM belched out. Personally, Im holding my breath waiting for the AI hype bubble to burst.Quote: darkoz
It didn't.
There is a huge Anti-AI campaign and that's one of their common talking points.
AI is a tool. It's like saying a camera sapped the humanity out of portraits. It's baseless and feeds into the fears of an intelligent supercomputer that will destroy humanity.
The footage is augmented with AI but is still the same images and performance as before.
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Quote: BleedingChipsSlowlyPoint well taken about AI being only a tool. However, I disagree that show is the same images and the same performance as the original movie. It is a derivative, not at all equal. Btw, I use AI every day and find it beneficial. I just dont blindly trust what some LLM belched out. Personally, Im holding my breath waiting for the AI hype bubble to burst.Quote: darkoz
It didn't.
There is a huge Anti-AI campaign and that's one of their common talking points.
AI is a tool. It's like saying a camera sapped the humanity out of portraits. It's baseless and feeds into the fears of an intelligent supercomputer that will destroy humanity.
The footage is augmented with AI but is still the same images and performance as before.
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I also use AI every day and I agree not to trust whatever AI belches out
But the WOO at the Sphere was 2000 artists working to create the experience which took two years and $80 million. Hardly whatever AI belched out.
In this case anyone who is criticizing AI is really criticizing the work of human artists who supervised, devised and approved of every element on the screen.
Quote:When the Las Vegas Sphere announced it would refurbish the seminal Hollywood blockbuster "The Wizard of Oz" (using AI and digital effects) for its unique venue, many approached it with skepticism. But these concerns weren't shared by everyone, with the Sphere generating up to $2 million a day from the experience -- making more money than their more traditional concerts.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/wizard-of-oz-at-sphere-makes-up-to-2-million-per-day-where-does-the-vegas-venue-go-from-here/ar-AA1M8YAy?ocid=msedgntp&pc=HCTS&cvid=68bf929db0dd465197559eb9004a6b89&ei=27
One show review I read described it as a high tech thrill ride themed on the movie.
Quote: BleedingChipsSlowlyEven a cleaned link to the MSN article doesnt work. I was able to read the article only by searching the MSN site.
One show review I read described it as a high tech thrill ride themed on the movie.
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Well it would have to be charging $200 a ticket
Quote: darkozQuote: BleedingChipsSlowlyEven a cleaned link to the MSN article doesnt work. I was able to read the article only by searching the MSN site.
One show review I read described it as a high tech thrill ride themed on the movie.
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Well it would have to be charging $200 a ticket
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How many shows a day?
Quote: rxwineQuote: darkozQuote: BleedingChipsSlowlyEven a cleaned link to the MSN article doesnt work. I was able to read the article only by searching the MSN site.
One show review I read described it as a high tech thrill ride themed on the movie.
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Well it would have to be charging $200 a ticket
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How many shows a day?
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I read somewhere 2-3 per day. They need about an hour and a half between shows for cleanup due to high wind during the tornado and stuff that falls from the sky etc.
Nonetheless the estimate is with all performances sold out (the tickets are already going fast in advance) that the film could make a billion by March
That's a billion dollars for a 88 year old film.
Lets not forget the $1million *per*minute* to convert it for the sphere.Quote: darkozThat's a billion dollars for a 88 year old film.
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Sigh I finally caved.
Today I bought tix for 10/5 at 11am. $109.00 all in.
Quote: darkozQuote: rxwineHow many shows a day?
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I read somewhere 2-3 per day. They need about an hour and a half between shows for cleanup due to high wind during the tornado and stuff that falls from the sky etc.
Nonetheless the estimate is with all performances sold out (the tickets are already going fast in advance) that the film could make a billion by March
That's a billion dollars for a 88 year old film.
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Surprised regular theaters havent incorporated 4D effects.
This might improve their chances of surviving
ie: Air blowing at you from underneath your seat for Twister.
or short puffs of air to represent a T-rex breathing on you in the current Jurassic park sequel
Quote: 100xOddsQuote: darkozQuote: rxwineHow many shows a day?
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I read somewhere 2-3 per day. They need about an hour and a half between shows for cleanup due to high wind during the tornado and stuff that falls from the sky etc.
Nonetheless the estimate is with all performances sold out (the tickets are already going fast in advance) that the film could make a billion by March
That's a billion dollars for a 88 year old film.
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Surprised regular theaters havent incorporated 4D effects.
This might improve their chances of surviving
ie: Air blowing at you from underneath your seat for Twister.
or short puffs of air to represent a T-rex breathing on you in the current Jurassic park sequel
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It's expensive but they have.
4DX is one format. I saw Abigail, that vampire ballerina film in 4DX and it was great. You actually got blood sprayed on you (water of course) but it was lots of fun
Actually, probably lawsuit prone to viability.
Quote: darkozQuote: rxwineQuote: darkozQuote: BleedingChipsSlowlyEven a cleaned link to the MSN article doesnt work. I was able to read the article only by searching the MSN site.
One show review I read described it as a high tech thrill ride themed on the movie.
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Well it would have to be charging $200 a ticket
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How many shows a day?
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I read somewhere 2-3 per day. They need about an hour and a half between shows for cleanup due to high wind during the tornado and stuff that falls from the sky etc.
Nonetheless the estimate is with all performances sold out (the tickets are already going fast in advance) that the film could make a billion by March
That's a billion dollars for a 88 year old film.
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The article shows some shows selling below 60%. It's also playing in a smaller 5,000-seat setup, not the 20,000-seat arena setup.
