Based on the beloved stage play, with music and lyrics based on the iconic Grammy and Oscar® winner Stephen Schwartz, WICKED is expertly directed by the talented filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights). The star-studded cast includes Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once, Crazy Rich Asians), Olivier Award winner and Emmy nominee Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers), Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s SpongeBob SquarePants, Fosse/Verdon), Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes), and Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park, Independence Day).
EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES WHEN YOU PURCHASE AT PARTICIPATING RETAILERS:
- 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 Reunited at Shiz University, Glinda, Pfannee, and ShenShen recall their past by performing a twirling routine together.
- Shiz Gazette Introduces Fiyero
- Excitement spreads across Shiz as word gets out that Prince Fiyero is on his way.
- Toss Toss
- Glinda teaches Elphaba the art of Toss Toss, with mixed results.
- Elphaba & Fiyero in the Forest
- The relationship between Elphaba and Fiyero takes a turn as they come to care for a lost lion cub. Elphaba’s Promise Elphaba makes a pledge to Glinda that they both hope will strengthen their friendship.
- Train Platform Farewell
- Glinda, Madame Morrible, and Governor Thropp gather to send Elphaba off to Emerald City.
- Boq & Elphaba Talk
- Elphaba challenges Boq to face the truth about his feelings for Nessa Rose, but she has difficulty doing the same when it comes to Fiyero.
- Train Ride to Emerald City
- Glinda and Elphaba expand their world by taking a luxurious train ride to Emerald City.
- In the Emerald City
- The bustling streets of Emerald City take Glinda and Elphaba one step closer to finally meeting the Wizard.
- Palace Monkeys Chase
- Elphaba and Glinda race through a maddening maze of winged monkeys determined to take them down.
- 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.
- FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH DIRECTOR JON M. CHU
- FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH STARS CYNTHIA ERIVO AND ARIANA GRANDE
Billy's Review
From my first viewing, I struggled to stay engaged; in fact, I even dozed off during significant portions. This alone speaks volumes about the film's impact. The direction feels scattered and inconsistent, leaving me disoriented rather than immersed in the story. The cinematography lacks inspiration, failing to capture the vividness one might expect from a film of this scale. Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, is unfortunately quite emotionless throughout the film. Although she possesses an impressive vocal range, her acting lacks depth and conviction, making it challenging to connect with her character. At 160 minutes, the film drags, feeling longer than its already considerable runtime. A well-executed edit to trim at least 40 minutes could have significantly improved the pacing. Turning to the performances, I was pleasantly surprised by Ariana Grande as Glinda. She brought an effervescent energy to the role that was enjoyable to watch. However, despite her vibrant performance, the chemistry between her and Erivo fell flat. This disconnect seems rooted in the miscasting of Erivo, overshadowing Grande's strengths. On a more positive note, Michelle Yeoh shines as Madame Morrible, the Dean of Sorcery at Shiz University. Her performance is both commanding and nuanced. Jeff Goldblum brings his signature quirky flair to the role of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, contributing a unique comedic element that adds some levity to the otherwise heavy narrative.
Visually, the film has its merits. The set design is nothing short of stunning, creating a richly imaginative landscape that is a treat for the eyes. The CGI effects, particularly those involving the animal characters, were impressive and well-executed. However, the costumes presented a mixed bag; while some of the gowns were truly beautiful, the Shiz University uniforms were decidedly lackluster and unattractive.
Musically, the film oscillates between standout moments and frustratingly annoying segments. There were songs I found to be delightful, while others were so lackluster that I resorted to skipping through them. Although the cast's vocal performances were commendable, some of the lyrics struck me as silly or gratuitous, which detracted from my overall viewing experience.
Overall, WICKED didn’t resonate with me as a viewer; at times, it felt more like a chore to sit through rather than an engaging film experience. Thankfully, I had the flexibility of watching it digitally at home, which allowed me to take breaks and return to it on my own terms. As for the forthcoming sequel, WICKED: FOR GOOD, scheduled for release in November 2025, I find myself uncertain about whether I even want to invest my time in it. —★★½✰✰
Musically, the film oscillates between standout moments and frustratingly annoying segments. There were songs I found to be delightful, while others were so lackluster that I resorted to skipping through them. Although the cast's vocal performances were commendable, some of the lyrics struck me as silly or gratuitous, which detracted from my overall viewing experience.
Overall, WICKED didn’t resonate with me as a viewer; at times, it felt more like a chore to sit through rather than an engaging film experience. Thankfully, I had the flexibility of watching it digitally at home, which allowed me to take breaks and return to it on my own terms. As for the forthcoming sequel, WICKED: FOR GOOD, scheduled for release in November 2025, I find myself uncertain about whether I even want to invest my time in it. —★★½✰✰
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