Sympathy for the devil seems to be the motto for this incarnation of L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz. This time around the Wicked Witch of the West is the protagonist and her previously untold backstory is revealed. Originally based on the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked was turned into a stage musical by Winnie Holzman with songs by the award-winning Stephen Schwartz. The musical met with runaway success, which leads us to the inevitable film adaptation with a budget of $150 million.
Holzman, creator of the critically acclaimed My So-Called Life, co-writes the screenplay with Dana Fox (Cruella, The Lost City). A lot of big names were rumored to direct the film such as JJ Abrams and Rob Marshall, but Universal Pictures settled on Jon M. Chu, who previously helmed Crazy Rich Asians and Now You See Me 2. However, it’s his experience with musicals and dance from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights and the Step Up sequels allow him to handle the extravagance of Wicked.
Wicked begins in the aftermath of Dorothy splashing water on the Wicked Witch whose real name is Elphaba Thropp (Cynthia Erivo). The citizens of Munchkinland revel in celebration and even burn a massive effigy of the Witch as they sing “No One Mourns the Wicked.” They are joined by Glinda the Good Witch (Ariana Grande), who reveals that she and the Wicked Witch had been friends at Shiz University, Oz’s version of Hogwarts.
From there, we learn Elphaba was born with green skin, much to the horror of her father, the former Governor of Munchkinland (Andy Nyman). Her childhood was spent ostracized and ridiculed while father showered all his love on her younger paraplegic sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode). While escorting her sister across Shiz campus, Elphaba triggers an accidental display of magic, which draws the attention of Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), the Dean of Sorcery. The Madame immediately takes Elphaba under her wing and assigns her to share a room with Glinda whose arrogance and passive aggressive attitude puts them at odds. Of course, their frenemy status is exacerbated by a love triangle involving the handsome prince Fiyero Tigelaar (Jonathan Bailey).
Meanwhile, a sinister plot has been brewing against the talking animals of Oz with their intelligence and ability to speak being forcibly removed. When Elphaba gets an audience with the Wizard himself (Jeff Goldblum), she is shocked to discover that he is behind using the animals as scapegoats. Even worse, the Wizard plans on using Elphaba’s magical abilities to strengthen his regime.
Though Wicked sports a runtime of over two hours and forty minutes, producers decided to split the film into two parts. This first installment ends on a bit of a cliffhanger as it builds to the show stopping number “Defying Gravity.” Even with half the story, Wicked gives you more than your money’s worth.
Using a combination of digital and practical effects, Wicked creates a sumptuous vision of Oz that pays homage to Victor Fleming’s classic 1939 picture. The gleaming, ornate architecture of Emerald City and the story book hominess of Munchkinland are all a feast for the eyes. The costume design headed up by Paul Tazewell is equally bold from the flowing pink ball gowns of Glinda to the dour black dresses of Elphaba.
An exhaustive search for the right cast has gathered together an A-list ensemble with Jeff Goldblum as the perfect Wizard, a charismatic conman not unlike his previous turn as the Grandmaster in Marvel’s Thor: Ragnarok. Jonathan Bailey, a veteran of theater and television, is terrific as the handsome himbo who possesses more substance than you’d think. With Wicked and his upcoming role in Jurassic World: Rebirth, Bailey is definitely poised to become a bigger name. Bailey takes center stage during “Dancing Through Life,” a rousing number set in a library with revolving bookshelves. Erivo brings a depth and soulfulness to the role of Elphaba. Following her Tony Award-winning turn in The Color Purple, Erivo has more than proven to have the pipes to belt out signature tunes like “The Wizard and I” and “Defying Gravity.” Self-professed Wicked superfan Ariana Grande brings a mixture of Regina George from Mean Girls and Elle Woods from Legally Blonde.
Video/Audio: 9
The video is presented in 1080p with an aspect ratio of 2.39:1. The transfer is exquisite with bright, eye-popping colors and tiny details like the glitter of Glinda’s dress leaping off the screen.
The audio is presented in Dolby Atmos, which lends itself well to this opulent musical. The sound provides a boisterous experience for every number.
Extras: 5
The Blu-ray features an audio commentary track with director Jon M. Chu Fooffering a lot of technical information about various aspects of the production. There’s also an additional track with lead actors Erivo and Grande. This one is a much more breezier option like watching the movie with a couple of long time friends.
Making Wicked (45:45) is a detailed behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of the film. We get footage of the actors being offered their roles, which leads us into costuming, music, and filming.
Rounding out the disc are a collection of 10 deleted scenes and a sing-along option that displays lyrics during the film.
Obviously, it feels like Universal is holding back and I wouldn’t be surprised if we get a special edition with all the bells and whistles after Wicked: For Good is released.
Film Value: 7
Fans of musical theater won’t need to be convinced to pick up Wicked as the presentation is practically pristine. For anyone skeptical of musicals, Wicked’s fantastical setting makes it easier to swallow the idea of people randomly bursting into song and dance. It also helps to have an A-list cast and catchy, well-written tunes wrapped around relatable themes of prejudice.
