Supporters see it as a potential watershed moment for Hollywood’s use of AI tools [File]
| Photo credit: Reuters
Swirling winds, drone-powered monkeys and artificial intelligence brought new life to “The Wizard of Oz” on Thursday, at the premiere of the Hollywood classic’s Hollywood version in Las Vegas.
A yellow brick carpet, mimicking the yellow brick road in the film, led to the entrance to the Sphere—a high-tech, dome-shaped entertainment venue that shows an update of the 1939 film musical.
Among those in attendance at the premiere was Lorna Luff, whose mother, Judy Garland, played Dorothy in the film.
“We’re finally going to see the Wizard!” Sphere Entertainment CEO James Dolan told the crowd. “What you’re seeing tonight is our most powerful example yet of seasoned storytelling in this new media.”
Some movie buffs have balked at the idea of bringing in a classic film. Hollywood executives are also wary of using artificial intelligence to replace human labor.
Dolan said audiences will be moved by the new “Wizard of Oz” experience.
“For the first time, you’ll feel like you’re part of the story,” he said.
The film took over two years and 2,000 people, including the Sphere creative team, Google Deepmind researchers, and Warner Bros. Discovery executives, to rework. The film has been updated and AI has been used to watch it on the Sphere’s giant, wraparound screen.
AI restored tiny celluloid frames to today’s high resolution and filled in details like the freckles on Dorothy’s face. Supporters see it as a potential watershed moment for Hollywood’s use of AI tools.
The sphere added off-screen elements such as fans whipping up the wind and blowing leaf-shaped confetti as a tornado blew Dorothy’s farmhouse into the sky. Sixteen-foot (4.88-meter) helium-filled monkeys flew overhead as the Wicked Witch plotted Dorothy’s death.
Published – September 01, 2025 09:46 AM IST
