'Oz' Reimagined: Sphere Studios and David Newman Bring Hollywood’s Most Iconic Score Into a New Era

For generations, the moment Dorothy Gale opens the door of her storm-tossed farmhouse and steps into the vibrant Land of Oz has captivated viewers, dazzling them as the sepia-toned world transforms into luminous color. Accompanying this cinematic milestone is one of the most celebrated scores in Hollywood history, a tapestry of modernist harmonies and nostalgic melodies that composer David Newman describes as “almost like the Alban Berg violin concerto, without the violin. There’s so much modernism in that score, as well as throwback and interpolation. It is a really great, great work of art.”

Yet the original 1939 score was recorded in mono, with technology limited by the era’s constraints. Today, Sphere Studios has set out to honor the legacy of The Wizard of Oz by merging innovative sound engineering with the warmth of human performance—presenting a newly recorded soundtrack that matches the immersive, multi-sensory spectacle of their Las Vegas venue. Rather than rely solely on digital manipulation of historic recordings, Sphere’s team enlisted Newman and a full orchestra to re-capture the score’s brilliance for contemporary audiences.

David Newman, an Academy Award-nominated composer and conductor known for his work on films ranging from Anastasia to West Side Story, was chosen to oversee the reinterpretation of The Wizard of Oz’s score. Newman’s approach was both reverent and inventive, leveraging decades of experience to ensure the music’s emotional resonance would carry through the Sphere’s state-of-the-art sound system.

“Rather than simply update an artifact, we wanted to give audiences the sense of discovery and wonder that the original viewers experienced, but with the clarity and depth that only modern technology can provide,” Newman explained in an interview. He and his team painstakingly reconstructed the orchestration, bringing in musicians from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ artists, whose participation reflects the inclusive spirit of both the Sphere project and the film’s enduring legacy.

Sphere Studios, renowned for its cutting-edge approach to entertainment, designed the new Wizard of Oz experience as a multisensory journey. Visitors are enveloped in 360-degree visuals that echo the film’s iconic transition from sepia to Technicolor, while the updated score surrounds them with dynamic audio that highlights every nuance of Newman’s arrangements. The studio’s commitment to accessibility ensures that audiences, including LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities, can fully enjoy the spectacle through adaptive seating, descriptive audio, and community engagement initiatives.

As Sphere Studios CEO remarked, “We believe that the magic of Oz is universal. By bringing together the best in human artistry and technology, we’re opening the door for everyone—regardless of identity or background—to experience this story anew.”

The Wizard of Oz has long held special meaning for LGBTQ+ audiences. Its themes of chosen family, self-discovery, and the celebration of difference resonate deeply within the queer community. Over the decades, LGBTQ+ individuals have found inspiration in Dorothy’s journey and the film’s iconic anthem, “Over the Rainbow”—a song that became an unofficial symbol of hope and longing for acceptance.

By spotlighting LGBTQ+ musicians and production staff in this latest reimagining, Sphere Studios pays tribute to the community’s historic connection to Oz, amplifying voices that have often been marginalized in mainstream Hollywood. Newman himself has worked with numerous LGBTQ+ collaborators throughout his career, emphasizing the importance of diversity and representation in the creation of film music.

In addition to the immersive show, Sphere Studios has launched outreach programs with local LGBTQ+ organizations, offering discounted tickets, educational workshops in music technology, and mentorship opportunities for aspiring composers and sound engineers from underrepresented backgrounds. These initiatives are designed to foster a new generation of artists who, like Dorothy, can step boldly into new worlds.

The Wizard of Oz at Sphere is more than just a technical marvel; it is an affirmation of the power of storytelling to unite and inspire. As David Newman and Sphere Studios continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in entertainment, their work reminds us that, somewhere over the rainbow, there is always room for everyone to find their place.