Google has successfully used artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz for the Las Vegas Sphere's massive 160,000-square-foot screen. This innovative project marks a significant milestone in the application of AI technology in the entertainment industry.

The collaboration between Google's Cloud and DeepMind research divisions involved the use of fine-tuned Gemini models, Veo 2, and Imagen 3 to intelligently enhance the film's resolution, extend backgrounds, and digitally recreate existing characters. This process allowed the team to create a new version of The Wizard of Oz with sufficient resolution for the Sphere's 16,000 pixel by 16,000 pixel screen.

One of the most impressive aspects of this project is the way AI was used to increase immersion. Scenes that originally cut back and forth between characters due to framing limitations now feature all the characters on screen at the same time for extended periods. For example, in one early scene, Dorothy is seen talking to Aunt Em and Miss Gulch, and Uncle Henry is now visible in the background, along with a wider shot of the house.

To improve the performance of the AI models, Google's team used more than just old additional footage. They searched through Warner Bros.' archives to find additional materials like shooting scripts, photographs, production illustrations, and set plans. These materials were uploaded to Veo and Gemini, allowing the models to train on specific details of the original characters, their environments, and even elements of the production, like camera focal lengths for specific scenes.

According to Ravi Rajamani, managing director, global head of generative AI engineering at Google Cloud, AI has touched over 90% of the movie. This level of AI involvement is unprecedented in the film industry, and it will be interesting to see how audiences respond to this new version of The Wizard of Oz.

However, the immersive experience won't stop at the visuals. James Dolan, executive chairman and chief executive of Sphere Entertainment, hinted that there will be other sensory elements, such as heat, wind, and scents, that audiences will experience when The Wizard of Oz debuts at the Sphere starting on August 28th, 2025.

This project demonstrates the potential of AI to enhance and transform classic films, making them more engaging and immersive for modern audiences. As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative applications in the entertainment industry.

The success of this project also highlights the importance of collaboration between technology companies and entertainment industry professionals. By working together, they can create new and exciting experiences that push the boundaries of what is possible in film and entertainment.

As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how AI is used to enhance and transform other classic films. With its potential to increase immersion and engagement, AI could play a key role in the future of film and entertainment.