Plot: What’s it about?
On October 30, 2003 Wicked hit Broadway. Based on the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, we can safely say that the rest is history. This sort of exploring a different perspective while still in the same universe of (insert film title here) might seem very commonplace now, but at the time it was somewhat…revolutionary. I never saw the production on (or off) Broadway and don’t really plan to. But, having roots in Kansas I can say that I’ve heard every Dorothy and Toto joke known to man. Go ahead, try me! Admittedly, the concept has always fascinated me – to look at The Wizard of Oz from the viewpoint of someone other than Dorothy, but I’d always found the concept a bit off putting. I know that doesn’t make sense. One can’t be intrigued by something and hate it at the same time. But this is my life. Nevertheless, the two decade “wait” is now over and we’ve finally got a feature-length version of the acclaimed Broadway play. Was it worth it?
We’ll go on the assumption that the viewer knows nothing about the story. As such, we track the evolving relationship between Galinda (Ariana Grande) and the green outcast Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo). Originally rivals at Shiz University (yes, that’s actually the name of it), where both study magic. As time progresses they become friends as Elphaba unwittingly discovers a conspiracy at the school. We then meet Madama Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) as well as The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum). The latter summons Elphaba to his castle in which, well, she becomes the Wicked Witch of the West (sound familiar)?
There’s a little more to it than that, but in essence this is a 160 minute prequel to The Wizard of Oz. And if it’s not, then I totally missed something. I won’t come out and say that this was “the best movie ever!” Because, well, it wasn’t. Did I enjoy a different point of view on one of my all-time favorite films – of course. Was it nice to see some “origin stories” with two of the lesser-known characters? You bet. But what I didn’t really like was something I could never put my finger on, and as of this writing I still can’t. Something about it just…bugged me. And when you’re investing nearly three hours of a day to watch and review something that eats at your. Or me. Certainly John Cho’s direction was great, I was reminded of a previous Best Picture winner – Chicago. Either this movie is your thing or it isn’t. I’d like to say “you bet the judge” but given the time involved, that’s a tough call. Good luck.
Video: How’s it look?
I think for Wicked to look anything but picture perfect would be somewhat of a travesty (or at the very least – disappointing). But the good folks at Universal have given us what we’d all expect – a glorious 2.39:1 HEVC 4K images that simply dazzles from opening scene to closing. I have to think that if The Wizard of Oz was made today, this is what it’d look like (and why wouldn’t it?). Colors leap off the screen, detail is so intricate there’s nothing left to the imagination, contrast is strong and the richly-saturated palette is, of course, pleasing. Honestly I could go on and on, but when something looks this good I find I’m at a loss for words. You be the judge, but I think everyone will be duly impressed.
Audio: How’s it sound?
As if the film didn’t look good enough, it’s equally and amply complimented by a very robust Dolby Atmos track. Being a musical (among other things), we’re treated to several songs. Vocals are pure and rich. Though I’ve never been a fan of Ariana Grande, I have to admit – she can belt out a tune. Surrounds, rear surrounds, essentially every speaker in your arsenal will be utilized often and with good results. There are very few films that truly immerse the viewer, but this is one of them. This is a top notch soundtrack.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Audio Commentaries – OK, look, I barely made it through the 160 minute running time so there was no way in hell I was going to sit through another 320 minutes of audio commentaries. Sorry, but I just couldn’t do it. For fans of the film we’ve got two tracks: the first with Director John Chu and the second with stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. That’s a lot of talking if you’re so inclined.
- Sing Along – Alternate Feature-Length Version – Rejoicify, it’s your turn to sing your way through Oz! Sing-along to all of your favorite Wicked songs as you join Elphaba and Glinda on their magical journey.
- Deleted and Extended Scenes
- Pfannee & ShenShen Meet Glinda
- Shiz Gazette Introduces Fiyero
- Toss Toss
- Elphaba & Fiyero in the Forest
- E lphaba’s Promise
- Train Platform Farewell
- Boq & Elphaba Talk
- Train Ride to Emerald City
- In the Emerald City
- Palace Monkeys Chase
- Making Wicked – Return to Oz for a fantastic behind-the-scenes journey with this expansive look inside the characters, choreography, and creativity that make up the movie’s unforgettable world.
- Welcome to Shiz – Unlimited imagination, couture fashion, and spectacular production design come together at Shiz University, providing a place for performers and viewers to be fully immersed in the fantasy. Designed from details in L. Frank Baum’s books, the uniforms, clever contraptions, and circular sets create a sprawling campus where magic feels like an everyday occurrence.
- A Wicked Legacy –Take delight in the cast and filmmakers sharing personal memories of their first encounters with the original Broadway production, and how those lasting connections created emotional experiences while making the movie. Also highlighted are the iconic cameos that pay tribute to the cultural phenomenon that became one of the most popular musicals of all time.
- The Wonderful Wizard – Follow the yellow brick road to Emerald City for an in-depth look at the infamous Wizard of Oz. Inside the palace’s throne room, the Wizard himself, Jeff Goldblum, pulls back the curtain to peer at his character’s magic and mechanics with senior special effects technician Christopher Clarke, who details how the Wizard’s massive robotic head comes to life.
The Bottom Line
Likely there’s a generation that’s now grown up with Wicked as their “go to” for the land of Oz. I don’t know if that’s good or bad and the movie does serve its purpose. Grossing nearly $800 million at the worldwide box office, it’s got fans for sure. Universal’s disc is spot on reference-quality from beginning to end. There are enough supplements to warrant a purchase as well. If this movie is your thing, this checks all the boxes.
