According to a new AP-NORC poll, about 75% of U.S. adults watched a newly released movie via streaming at least once in the past year, while only 16% went to a theater monthly.
And with ticket prices averaging $13.17, many Americans are choosing popcorn at home over box office lines.
The convenience, cost savings, and binge-ready flexibility of platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Peacock have reshaped the moviegoing experience.
But hold that remote.
The red carpet isn’t dead. But it’s definitely been rerouted to your living room.
Las Vegas – again – is flipping the script.
Enter Sphere: A Cinematic Revolution
The MSG Sphere in Las Vegas recently hosted a dazzling presentation of The Wizard of Oz.
It wasn’t just a movie.
It was a full-blown immersive event filled with amazing engagement.
With its 360-degree LED screens, spatial audio, and architectural wizardry, the Sphere transforms classic cinema into a sensory spectacle.
You feel the tornado blowing your hair.
You get hit with snowflakes in the poppy fields.
Your seat rumbles when the Wicket Witch flies in.
And apples fall and fly from the trees.
And so much more!
Including special cocktails and mocktails.
It’s truly a mind-blowing event that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Audiences weren’t just watching Dorothy — they were inside Oz.
This isn’t your neighborhood multiplex.
It’s a $2.3 billion bet on experiential entertainment.
The Sphere’s success suggests a new category: destination cinema.
Think of it as the IMAX of the future.
Movies become events, not just entertainment.
Could we see more Spheres pop up in cities like Miami, Dubai, or Tokyo?
Likely. But they won’t replace streaming. Instead, they’ll complement it.
Still, studios are already experimenting with staggered releases — first in theaters, then on streaming.
Some films like Anora held a 70-day theatrical window, while others like Wicked hit on-demand just 40 days after release.
Here’s how to explore The Sphere.
And here’s where to book Sphere tickets.
So get ready to be “Off to See the Wizard… the Wonderful Wizard of Oz”!
And don’t forget your ruby slippers – wearing them is a MUST for your selfies outside.
Tips and Things to Know
Bag size. The suggested size from Sphere is 6” by 6”. A small crossbody like this is allowed. Large backpacks are not allowed. Be prepared to go through a security screening and bag check.
No outside food or drink. Sphere does not allow any outside food or drinks. They sell amazing cocktails and mocktails for Wizard. Along with a variety of snacks.
Getting there. These easiest ways are to walk from the Venetian through the pedestrian bridge or take an Uber which can drop you off right in front of the entrance.
Best sections to sit are sections 300 or 400, with the center and best being 306. Avoid the lower sections. We sat in the 400 section and it was perfect! We were able to catch leaves and other items.
Cell phones are allowed for taking photos inside. No professional camera equipment is allowed.
It’s rumored that Wizard will end at the end of March 2026. So, hop to it and get to Vegas and experience the ultimate in entertainment at Sphere.
We hope this helps you make your Sphere dreams come true like ours did. Enjoy it and let us know your experience.
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John Daly and Susan Anzalone are the Co-Creators and Co-Hosts of Undercover Jetsetter, a show on travel, food, and booze. They show you how to jet set the world and at home. They also co-authored the book, The TV Studio In Your Hand: How to Shoot, Edit & Deliver the Easy Way on Your iPhone. Join them for tips and hacks on the road, at home, or in the kitchen, and all over the world. And yes, as you will see, all on the iPhone. Susan is an expert in food and wine since her childhood days in Australia and then the United States, being the daughter of two lifelong employees of Pan Am Airlines. John is also a world traveler starting when he studied in Italy through his alma mater Providence College. John is also a Nevada Hall of Fame Broadcaster during his years as a Las Vegas news anchor at KTNV. He gained international fame as the host of the first all-video news magazine show, Real TV while also securing his bartending and mixology credentials from the Harvard Bartending School. You can follow them here on the free Wingding app on the Food and Travel Channels, on YouTube, Facebook, X, and Instagram.