The highly anticipated film adaptation of the acclaimed musical Wicked is now available on Blu-ray, offering audiences the opportunity to experience this fantastical world at home. The film revisits the land of Oz, chronicling the formative relationship between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) – two young women whose bond is challenged by power dynamics, societal prejudice, and matters of destiny. The narrative centers on Elphaba, the green-skinned character often misunderstood, tracing her transformation from an outcast to a figure of significant power. Glinda, traditionally portrayed as the “good witch,” is presented with added depth, providing a new perspective on this classic narrative.
A notable strength of the film lies in its extensive utilization of practical effects and physical set construction. This approach preserves a degree of charm reminiscent of the original 1939 film. Having not seen the stage production previously, I was pleasantly surprised by the familiarity of many of the musical numbers encountered in other contexts. The transitions between spoken dialogue and song are executed effectively, avoiding the sense of artificiality sometimes present in musical adaptations. Furthermore, the casting of Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard is particularly commendable, demonstrating insightful selection.
One potential area for improvement is the film’s emphasis on Elphaba’s skin color. In a world populated by fantastical beings such as midwife bears and teacher goats, the focus on her green skin feels somewhat excessive. This theme becomes repetitive, and a greater emphasis on her developing powers and their impact on those around her might have been more impactful. The theme of being an outsider, while relevant, is presented without subtlety.
Another aspect that feels somewhat unconventional is the film’s length, rivaling that of the entire stage show, while a sequel is already planned. This suggests a significant expansion of the plot compared to the original theatrical production.
Currently, Wicked is not available in a Swedish UHD edition, limiting the viewing experience to Blu-ray. While foreign UHD versions are available, they are priced around 500 SEK. Despite this limitation, the picture quality remains surprisingly sharp and well-defined, with rich colors and satisfying black levels. The inclusion of a Dolby Atmos track on the disc is a significant advantage, allowing for an immersive, high-resolution audio experience. The sound design is impressive and meticulously crafted, immediately establishing the potential for an exceptional audio presentation.
The Blu-ray disc also includes a variety of supplemental materials, such as deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes documentaries. Additionally, a sing-along version of the film is provided for interactive home entertainment.
In conclusion, Wicked demonstrates impressive production values and is presented in a commendable edition. However, the film’s narrative impact does not fully realize its thematic potential. The absence of a UHD release is a drawback, impacting the overall rating considering the film’s visual nature.
SF Studios provided the review copy for this evaluation. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence; our reviews are conducted objectively with a focus on the interests of our readers and consumers.
