The use of artificial intelligence to revitalize classic films is generating considerable anticipation and debate, particularly surrounding Warner Bros. Discovery’s innovative reimagining of “The Wizard of Oz,” slated for premiere at the Las Vegas Sphere on August 28th.
This ambitious project, a collaboration between Warner Bros. Discovery, Google Cloud, and Magnopus, seeks to create an immersive experience for audiences while leveraging generative AI technology. However, experts predict fan reactions will be divided.
“The fan reaction will likely split into two distinct camps,” stated Michael Walker, CEO of AI-First at Trilogy. “Film purists will object — and they have valid concerns about artistic integrity. The original work represents specific creative choices by directors, cinematographers, and set designers who worked within the constraints of their era. Expanding and reimagining with AI creates something fundamentally different from their vision.”
Conversely, Walker acknowledges the potential to connect classic films with contemporary audiences accustomed to immersive experiences. “The technology could breathe new life into works that might otherwise fade from cultural relevance.”
Transforming the original 1939 film, shot in four-by-three format on 35mm celluloid, proved challenging given the Las Vegas Sphere’s expansive 160,000-square-foot LED screen. Google teams utilized specialized AI tools—Veo, Imagen, and Gemini—to overcome this hurdle.
According to a Google blog, these tools were employed in several stages:
- Super Resolution: Transforming the original film frames into ultra-high definition imagery.
- AI Outpainting: Expanding scenes to fill the Sphere’s vast screen and address gaps created by camera cuts and framing limitations.
- Performance Generation: Integrating composites of actors’ performances into the expanded environments, maintaining natural gestures and fine details that traditional CGI often misses.
Jim Dolan, executive chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment, emphasized the inherent risk involved in such innovation. “When you have innovation like this, you don’t always know where it’s going to go. You have to be able to take a leap of faith. What you’re going to see in ‘The Wizard of Oz at Sphere’ is clearly a leap of faith.”
Boon Chew, founder of CentaurLab.AI, predicts a wide range of reactions. “Some will be excited, others resistant… Innovation isn’t a democracy — it’s a process of exploration.” He added, “What truly matters is the outcome. If a reimagined classic resonates, its value will speak for itself.”
Chew emphasized that dismissing a work simply due to discomfort with change misses the point. “A classic doesn’t stop being a classic because it’s expressed in a new way. Its ability to endure, evolve, and inspire across generations is at its heart.” He cautioned against knee-jerk opposition while underscoring the importance of legal and ethical considerations like copyright and attribution.
Walker suggests that films with distinctive visual styles—such as “2001: A Space Odyssey” or “Lawrence of Arabia”—are well-suited for AI reimagining. Silent features, black-and-white movies, and even modern classics also hold potential.
“AI voice cloning can give voice to silent stars, while deep learning can restore or reconstruct missing footage,” Chew explained. For black-and-white films, “AI can colorize scenes, remaster audio, and enhance clarity—offering a fresh experience while preserving the soul of the original.”
Franchises already familiar with reworks, like “Star Wars” or “Blade Runner,” are also prime candidates. “AI can elevate visual effects, seamlessly insert characters, or clone iconic voices like Darth Vader’s,” Chew noted, suggesting that while older fans may remain loyal to the originals, new generations might prefer these enhanced renditions.
Ultimately, Chew believes the success of an AI reimagining hinges on transparency and respect for the original. “Is this presented as a new interpretation rather than a replacement? Does it respect the spirit of the original while creating something new?”
