The film adaptation of the celebrated musical Wicked has arrived on Blu-ray, offering a home viewing experience of the fantastical tale. The narrative revisits the land of Oz, focusing on the relationship between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande), exploring how their friendship is challenged by power dynamics, societal prejudices, and their intertwined destinies. The film centers on Elphaba, the green-skinned character who navigates a journey from social pariah to a figure of formidable power. Glinda, traditionally portrayed as the “good witch,” is presented with added complexity, offering a fresh perspective on the familiar story.
A significant strength of the film is its reliance on practical effects and physical set construction, a decision that resonates with the charm of the 1939 classic. Prior to viewing, familiarity with the musical was limited; however, many of the musical numbers were surprisingly recognizable. The transitions between dialogue and song are executed seamlessly, avoiding the awkwardness sometimes present in musical adaptations. Jeff Goldblum‘s portrayal of the Wizard is also a highlight – a casting choice that proves exceptionally fitting.
One notable concern is the film’s pronounced emphasis on Elphaba’s skin color. In a world populated by fantastical beings such as bears acting as midwives and goats serving as teachers, focusing so intently on her green skin seems somewhat misplaced. This thematic element becomes repetitive, and a greater emphasis on her burgeoning powers and the fear they inspire might have been more effective. The film’s message of being an outsider, while relevant, lacks subtlety in its delivery.
The film’s length, now comparable to a full stage performance, is also noteworthy, especially considering a sequel is planned. This suggests a deliberate expansion of the original play’s plot.
Currently, Wicked is unavailable in a Swedish UHD edition, limiting the review to the Blu-ray release. While international versions are available, they are priced around 500 SEK. The picture quality remains commendable, exhibiting sharpness within the format’s capabilities, and the colors appear vibrant with deep blacks. The inclusion of a Dolby Atmos track is a major advantage, providing a high-resolution audio experience. The soundscape is immersive and meticulously crafted, establishing a high standard for audio quality from the opening scenes.
The Blu-ray disc includes a variety of supplemental materials, such as deleted scenes and documentaries, alongside a sing-along version for interactive home entertainment.
In conclusion, Wicked demonstrates impressive production values and comes in a well-presented edition. However, the film does not fully realize its thematic potential. The absence of a UHD release is a further detraction, impacting the overall evaluation.
SF Studios provided review copies for this analysis. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence. Our reviews are conducted with the interests of our readers and consumers as the primary focus.
