Cosm Dallas Gives Us A Sweet Escape With Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

Step right up, dreamers of all ages. The gates to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory have swung open once again, but this time, they’re not just on a screen – they’re surrounding us. 

Cosm Dallas, nestled in the heart of The Colony’s Grandscape, has taken the beloved 1971 classic, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, and transformed it into a shared reality experience that’s as dazzling as a golden ticket. Running now through Jan. 30, the limited run is a must-see for families, nostalgia-seekers and anyone who’s ever wondered what it’s like to step inside a world of pure imagination.

From the moment you step into Cosm Dallas, you’re greeted with a whimsical prelude to the main event. On one side, a platform with a giant goose invites you to test your moral fiber: Are you a good egg or a bad egg? (Spoiler alert: everyone we saw was a good egg, but we didn’t stick around to see if bad eggs actually get the Veruca Salt treatment.) On the same side, a playful bubble-themed photo op sets the tone for the magic ahead — it’s all part of the charm, a pre-show that feels like a Wonka-approved appetizer before the main course.

And speaking of appetizers, the concessions are as Wonka-fied as you’d hope. Popcorn gets a colorful twist with green and purple kettle corn, and you can top it with candy like Nerds, M&Ms or gummy bears. (Pro tip: Gummy bears are the safest bet if you don’t want your popcorn to feel like a dental booby trap or widow-maker.) The menu also features themed delights, such as the “Wonka Burger” with blueberry bacon jam, and the “Gloop Brat,” a German sausage that Augustus himself would approve of. For dessert, there are peanut butter bonbons and mocktails like “Veruca’s Very Berry Tantrum.” It’s a feast as imaginative as the factory itself.

Once you’ve grabbed your treats, it’s time to find your seat in the three-story theater. The third floor, often referred to as the nosebleeds in other venues, is actually the sweet spot for this experience. Cosm’s 12K LED dome screen wraps around you, creating a visual spectacle that’s as immersive as it is enchanting.

Alexis Scalice, VP of Business Development and Entertainment at Cosm, says the screenings allow for the harmony of a longtime favorite to be re-imagined for modern audiences.

“This experience not only brings a beloved classic to a new generation of fans but also rekindles nostalgia for those who grew up with the film,” she tells the Observer: “At Cosm, we’re committed to creating communal fandom experiences in shared reality, moments where audiences can come together and celebrate the stories they love.”

And celebrate you will. From the moment the iconic gates of the factory appear, you’re not just watching the movie; you’re fully engulfed by it. The floors light up, and the graphics extend beyond the screen, making you feel like you’re standing on the factory lawn as the gates creak open. The trees seem to grow around you, and the anticipation is palpable. It’s a visual symphony that crescendos as the factory’s interior comes to life, with colorful mushrooms lighting up in sync with the music. “Pure Imagination” has never felt so, well, pure.

Cosm has carefully enhanced key moments in the film to make them unforgettable. When Charlie finds his golden ticket, the screen bursts with fireworks that spill into the theater, making you feel like you’ve won the prize yourself. The Oompa Loompa sequences are a standout, with the little orange fellows seemingly peering down at the audience from the sides of the screen. And then there’s the infamous tunnel scene — a kaleidoscope of lights and colors that makes you feel like you’re on the boat with Wonka and the gang. It’s trippy, it’s thrilling and it’s everything you’d hope for from a shared reality experience.

Even quieter moments, like scenes at Charlie’s humble home, are elevated with subtle yet magical touches. The village comes alive with twinkling lights and a starry sky, and lyrics from the film’s songs appear in the stars. It’s a testament to Cosm’s ability to balance spectacle with storytelling, ensuring that the enhancements never overshadow the film’s heart.

Of course, no experience is perfect. Some of the graphics during the character introductions feel a bit over-the-top. But these moments are fleeting, and the overall experience is so enchanting that you’ll hardly notice. Kids, in particular, will be mesmerized by the pop and pizzazz, while adults will appreciate the nostalgia and craftsmanship.

With Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Cosm has proven that shared reality isn’t just a gimmick, it’s the future of moviegoing. It’s a way to bring people together, to create communal experiences that can’t be replicated on a couch. And with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone set to arrive next year in this format, the possibilities are as endless as Wonka’s imagination.

So, whether you’re a lifelong fan of the film or introducing it to a new generation, this is an experience you won’t want to miss. As Wonka himself might say, “So shines a good deed in a weary world.” And in a world that could use a little more magic, Cosm Dallas delivers in spades.

Snag your golden ticket now on Cosm Dallas’ website. Prices range from $22 to $46, depending on the time, day, and seating location in the theater.