Vegas Sphere Transports People Around The World In Multi-Sensory Experience
By Melanie VanDerveer on October 7, 2023 at 2:00 PM EDT
Updated on October 7, 2023 at 2:41 PM EDT
The Las Vegas Sphere offers an experience like no other.
Everything about being in the sphere for U2's residency or screening of the recently debuted film, "Postcard From Earth" is different than anything you've ever experienced before. With futuristic additions such as Aura, the five humanoid robots in the Atrium, and immersive technology, the Sphere adds a new level of entertainment to Vegas.
"Postcard From Earth" Debuted At The Sphere Friday Night
On Friday night, the Sphere debuted Academy Award nominated director Darren Aronofsky's film, "Postcard From Earth," which transports viewers all around the world in a multi-sensory, theatrical experience. The film falls under the Sphere's umbrella of theatrical shows and will run for roughly a year.
The film is meant to take people on a world tour from the comfort of the Sphere.
"I see Sphere as a great opportunity to pluck people from the blind and thrum of the Vegas Strip in all its human constructed madness and immerse them as fully as possible in the wonder, awe and beauty of the natural world," Aronofsky said, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal.
"The way the film is shot, every continent of the world is represented on the screen. We will transport people, who maybe have been staring at the inside of casinos, to some of the most beautiful places on the planet. Not to say casinos can't be beautiful, but they definitely are not part of the natural world."
The approximately two-hour program begins when you walk into the Sphere's Atrium, which tells a story of how "culture, technology, science, art and the natural world have been intertwined throughout human history."
"Every aspect of Sphere was designed to transport audiences to new places, both real and imagined, and The Sphere Experience is where that vision comes together in its most integrated form," said James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment.
"From the moment guests enter the venue, Sphere's next-generation technologies will create an unforgettable journey, which includes a sci-fi exploration of our planet via Darren Aronofsky's 'Postcard From Earth.'"
The film utilizes the interior LED display plane that is all around the audience to create a full immersive visual experience like no other, using the highest resolution LED screen on Earth. The immersive experience doesn't stop at just sight. A variety of technologies are used to enable the audio to be directed to specific locations at a consistent volume, as well as directing the sound to the listener so that it sounds close even though the source is far away.
"Postcard From Earth" is the first production to feature the Sphere's multi-sensory 4D technologies, including immersive seats with an infrasound haptic system so guests can feel deep vibrations, and environmental effects such a cool breeze or familiar scent to help give the feeling of actually being there.
The Experience Begins In The Atrium With Aura
Before guests find their seats in what's called the Main Venue Bowl, they are greeted by five humanoid robots, named Aura, that serve as interactive guides in the Atrium. Each one focuses on one fundamental aspect of human ability, connection, creativity, innovation, longevity and productivity.
Aura was developed using next-generation technology and artificial intelligence and will guide guests through an interactive demonstration of Sphere Immersive Sound, the most advanced concert-grade audio system in the world.
Also featured in the Atrium is a 50-foot-high holographic installation that draws on the themes of "Postcard From Earth," LED displays, a 360-degree capture that virtually puts guests on top of Sphere, and artwork created by machine learning.
The Sphere is the world's largest spherical structure at 516 feet wide and 366 feet tall. It can hold a seated capacity of 17,600 and a standing capacity of 20,000. It's located just one block from the world-famous Las Vegas Strip and connects directly to the Venetian Expo. U2 currently has a residency at the Sphere now through mid-December.
