Our Full Review of Wizard of Oz at the Sphere
On our previous trips to Las Vegas, we passed on the opportunity to see the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere. We had seen the movie countless times before. Were we really going to pay $100+ to see it on a bigger screen?
But, on our most recent trip, we had a change of heart. This experience was getting rave reviews. We had seen a lot of shows in Vegas already (12 to be exact) but we still hadn’t made it to the Sphere. We put our skepticism aside and bought the tickets.
And I’m so glad we did. We couldn’t have been more wrong assuming this was just an old movie on a bigger screen. This was an immersive experience like nothing I have ever seen before or since.
Here’s what you should know before seeing the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere for yourself.
WHAT IS THE SPHERE?
The Sphere is a massive venue in Las Vegas known for its enormous 16k resolution wraparound LED screen and immersive special effects.
The Sphere is a relatively new addition to the Entertainment Capital of the World. The project was announced in 2018 with an estimated cost to build of $1.2 billion. It went just slightly over budget, with a final cost to build of $2.3 billion. It officially opened in 2023 and has been hosting shows and concerts ever since.
WHERE IS THE SPHERE?
The Sphere is located just off the Las Vegas Strip, behind the Venetian Resort. You can access the Sphere from the Venetian via a pedestrian bridge, but if you’re staying elsewhere on the Strip, you may want to take a taxi or rideshare to get there.
THE WIZARD OF OZ AT THE SPHERE
The Wizard of Oz at Sphere takes the classic 1939 movie and adapts it for the Sphere’s enormous wraparound screen. They add special effects like wind, scents, vibrations, and objects falling from the ceiling to make the audience feel like they traveled to Oz.
OUR EXPERIENCE
I audibly gasped when the movie started. Half the audience did. The wraparound LED screen filled my entire field of vision. Everything, from the farm in Kansas to the witch’s castle to the city of Oz, and even Dorothy herself, looked 3D. The giant green gates at Oz seemed to stretch into the sky as far as the eye could see. I felt just as intimidated as the lion staring up at them! I actually found it odd when I would peel my eyes away from the screen to look over to see Alex’s reaction because in those moments it was like the spell was broken and I suddenly remembered: I’m in a theater with seats. I’m not in Oz!
But it wasn’t just the screen that made Oz feel so real. Every so often my chair would shake: an ominous warning that the wicked witch was on her way. Life-sized flying monkeys swooped through the theater in front of the screen as they chased Dorothy through the forest. Snow rained down from the roof. Apples fell from the sky. Fire erupted from the floor when the Wizard of Oz tried to scare Dorothy and her friends away. And, of course, the craziest part was the tornado scene.
Leaves flew around the theater. My chair shook. The wind blew so violently I had to grab my sweater! When the house fell from the sky, I instinctively covered my own head because I was so convinced I was in harm’s way. It was totally surreal.
I’ve seen the Wizard of Oz countless times, but this was something I had never seen before. This was immersive cinema. This was the future.
PHOTO POLICY
The Sphere’s official policy is that photos and videos are not allowed during the show. I decided to honor the rules, even though no announcement was made at the start of the show and many members of the audience were filming throughout the movie. I felt that photos wouldn’t accurately capture what it was like to be there in person anyway.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
Motion Sickness Warning: For a quick moment here and there, I would feel a little disoriented as the camera angle would change. It felt like I was moving. It didn’t make me dizzy (and, as someone with dysautonomia, I feel dizzy a lot) but I could see how it could make you feel that way. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking motion sickness medication, like Dramamine, before the show (although of course this is not a formal medication recommendation as I’m not a doctor).
Fear of Heights Warning: The Sphere is a giant venue. For those with a major fear of heights, I’d recommend avoiding the upper sections (the 400 sections in particular).
It’s also worth noting that the seats were small and there wasn’t a lot of footroom.
IS IT WORTH IT?
Undoubtedly. This is one of the most unique and memorable things to do in Las Vegas.
Throughout the show, I felt like Oz came to life in front of my eyes. I couldn’t help but wonder what Judy Garland’s reaction would have been if she was still alive to see herself on a screen this big.
When I bought tickets, I was a little worried I’d be bored because I’ve seen the movie countless times before. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case at all. Even though we knew the plot, the special effects kept us guessing what would happen next and the sheer scale of the visuals left us in awe the entire time.
I saw this show with Alex and his mom and let’s just say all three of us were blown away, both literally (during the tornado scene) but mostly figuratively. What an amazing experience.
FAQS
Where should I sit?
I recommend sitting in the center of the theater, in sections 305 or 307, as this gives you a great view but is more affordable than section 306. We sat in Section 305 and thought our seats were perfect.
For those with a fear of heights, I recommend avoiding the upper sections (400+). I also recommend avoiding the lower sections (the 200s) as the viewing angle would be more steep from down there.
How far in advance should I book tickets?
I recommend booking your tickets as far in advance as possible, as I’ve noticed prices get much higher as the date approaches. We booked our tickets 2 months in advance and got them for $174 per person in Section 305. Looking at showtimes this week, the prices in the same section are currently $324. I would book at least a couple weeks in advance, especially if you want good seats in the center sections.
How long is the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere?
The runtime is just 75 minutes. They trimmed almost half an hour from the original movie, which ran for 102 minutes.
How early should I arrive?
The doors open 45 minutes before the show starts. Once you arrive, you can shop at the giftshops, grab food, or use the restroom before the show. There is no late seating.
Is there food at the venue?
Yes, there is food for sale, but I recommend grabbing a full meal elsewhere either before or after the show.
Do you wear 3D glasses?
No, there are no 3D glasses needed.
Is the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere suitable for children?
Yes, it’s a very family-friendly show.
