Off to See The Wizard: Inside The Las Vegas Sphere’s Wizard of Oz Spectacular
I made the trek to Vegas to experience my favorite childhood movie, The Wizard of Oz! The 1939 movie that enthralled and frightened me as a child has become an American classic. The film made its television debut in 1956 when not many homes had color television or even a TV at all. From 1959-1991, CBS began airing it as a special event every year, which is when as a child I couldn’t wait to watch Dorothy and Toto and her friends. The Wicked Witch was a scary character, but I watched in fear anyway.
The Wizard of Oz experience at the Sphere is like no other movie experience! I have been to IMAX theaters which are especially great for music films, but they can’t even compare. There are several pre- or post-movie destinations to check out when you are attending the main event. In the beautiful Venetian hotel, there is a Wizard of Oz themed café. Offering themed sweets, cocktails and coffee, visitors can take a rest either before or after the 4D experience at the Sphere. In the Waterfall Atrium, there are poppies everywhere along with life size characters of Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow and Lion for movie goers to take selfies. A fun-filled gathering place for fans to meet and chat Oz. There is a walkway through the Venetian into the Sphere.
As you make your way into the main lobby of the Sphere, you will see pieces of OZ folklore like the Wizard’s hot air balloon or Professor Marvel’s wagon along with the Wizard’s curtained control room. There are lots of costumed diehard OZ fans of all the characters, and I would say Dorothy is the most popular. There are several merchandise areas, they are very busy, try to get there early if you just have to have a piece of OZ. I sat in the 400 sections which was basically the top of the Sphere. It has a great view of everything, but if you are looking to catch one of the coveted nerf apples that drop from the ceiling, you’ll need to be lower down.
The audience was enthusiastic and ready for the movie to start. There is clapping, yelling, & sound effects from the crowd all through the movie. The tornado starts to blow, and the feeling is like you are actually in it, from leaves blowing all around to your hair blowing. The seat is moving and shaking! It stops and Dorothy opens the door to the dazzling, vibrant color of the magical Munchkin Land. It snows in the Sphere, drops apples and rattles your seat every time that scary witch comes on. There are some scenes removed from the movie but fear not. There is nothing that damages the story of this iconic movie classic. Seeing the film on this gigantic screen brings many things to your attention that you might have missed watching on a television or even regular movie theater screen. Simply amazing.
After the movie, there is a fun, interactive audience show with an actor playing the Wizard’s gatekeeper. I won’t give it all away, just don’t forget to stay afterward in the main entrance area. Then step outside to get a photo with the giant ruby slippers of the Wicked Witch of the East. As a fan of the Wizard of Oz, I loved it and felt like it was totally worth seeing! It was a wonderful trip down the Yellow Brick Road! I believe this will be the future of movies; the Sphere is a wonder. If you are headed to Vegas, it is a do not miss experience. Check it out at www.thesphere.com
Vicky Sullivan Photos for The Suncoast Post