Wicked 4K UHD Review
Wicked good.
Based on the Broadway show and Gregory Maguire’s book of the same name (which are both based on “The Wizard Of Oz” naturally), the Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox scripted “Wicked” (AKA “Wicked: Part 1”) delves into the backstory of the Wicked Witch Of The West (Elphaba). While the story does jump around to different time periods, the bulk of the story takes place at Shiz University where the green skinned outcast Elphaba finds herself being enrolled at the University alongside her sister Nessarose due to her magical powers. While at the University, she bumps heads with the pretty and popular Galinda before the two eventually become close friends. Alas, the good times between these newfound friends are short-lived as a dark revelation forces Elphaba to make a big decision.
Given that this is an expansive story, there are numerous other key storylines involving talking animals (and their rights), a spirited transfer student named Fiyero (whom Elphaba and Galinda bond with), The Wizard, and a spellbook.
Director Jon M. Chu had the unenviable task of taking on a beloved and legendary stage musical and turning it into a film. This wasn’t his first time dipping his toes into the world of musicals though having helmed the deeply underrated “In The Heights” film adaptation. From the opening moments to the closing credits, Chu really does an admirable job making the musical come to life on the big screen. Sure, it’s a near impossible job to top the Broadway show, but Chu has managed to put his own stamp on “Wicked” and has made it just as revered as the original. Heck, the movie was even nominated for Best Picture!
What’s really striking about this big screen outing is the entire visual presentation. Yes, there’s extravagant CGI, but the physical production values are what is truly breathtaking. The huge detailed sets, the lavish costumes, and the grand choreography of the musical numbers (like fan favorites “Popular” and “Defying Gravity) are everything you could want from a big Hollywood musical (the kind you rarely see in this day and age).
As for the story itself, you definitely feel the 2 hour and 40 minute runtime. The runtime is exceedingly long for the first part (the second part “Wicked: For Good” is due out Nov. 21, 2025) and the pacing can definitely come as clunky. It’s understandable though as the movie incorporates new scenes and new characters from that of the stage musical. It’s easy to overlook the flaws though. At its core, this is a clever spin on the Wicked Witch’s story that we all know. It’s also a very timely and poignant tale about racism.
Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth (who both have cameos by the way) will always be known as Elphaba and Galinda, but Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are now forever linked to the roles too. The two have undeniable chemistry together, but more than that, they show just how much they treasure and respect the material. It’s a labor of love and it shows every second on screen. Other cast highlights here include Jeff Goldblum (a perfect Wizard) and Jonathan Bailey as the suave Fiyero.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p. How does it look? This is the type of movie that is tailor made for 4K. There’s a big scope to this project and it’s filled with vibrant colors that absolutely pop in 4K.
Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? The Atmos track is every bit as dynamic as you hoped it would be. The soundtrack has never sounded better.
Extras:
* Digital copy
* Blu-ray copy
* Sing-Along version (for those who want to belt out “Defying Gravity” in the privacy of their own home).
* 10 deleted and extended scenes
* 2 commentary tracks. One by Jon M. Chu and one by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
* “Making Wicked”- An in-depth 45 minute extra containing film clips, interviews, discussions about this film adaptation, casting, costumes, the production values, the sets, and much more.
* “Welcome To Shiz” is all about the fictional University.
* “A Wicked Legacy” revolves around the stage musical and the cameos from the stage musical.
* “The Wonderful Wizard”- A featurette on The Wizard character and the animatronics. Interviews with Jeff Goldblum and others are included.
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