Overview: Wicked, one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, now arrives on your screen as a generation-defining cinematic event. The untold story of the witches of Oz, Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman who has yet to discover her true power, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman who has yet to discover her true heart.

The two meet at Shiz University and forge an unlikely friendship—before their lives take different paths following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Their extraordinary adventures will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

Wicked is an immersive, cultural celebration that will have you dancing and singing along at home over and over again!

4K UHD Blu-ray Verdict: Warner Bros. Entertainment is expanding their 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray catalog offerings this month with the release of the highly-anticipated Wicked, Part 1 (4K Ultra HD + Digital) in the expansive 4K Ultra HD video format this February 4th, 2025.

For my money, this Wicked, Part 1 (4K Ultra HD + Digital) sharpness takes a fairly large step forward from others in their 4K Ultra HD catalog and even comes with HDR (High Dynamic Range) for the complete 4K Ultra HD experience, of course.

So, what we have is Wicked, Part 1 presented to us as a one-disc with a sheet for a Digital HD Copy. Other stand out points you should know are: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: Native 4K (2160p), HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10 and Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1.

Featuring Dolby Vision and HDR10 for brighter, deeper, and way more lifelike colors, as with most all 4K UHDs, everything that we watch features these qualities - but somehow, this film gloriously shines within them all.

Noticeably crisp with the overall clarity receiving an obvious boost here on this release, what is more is that it is enjoyably noticeable. For as well as some new nuances to the somewhat drab palette courtesy of Dolby Vision, we also get to witness sudden bright pops of color, which makes the eyes draw in, for sure.

Top scenes for me were when Glinda cries For Elphaba in No One Mourns The Wicked, and is actually the first scene in Wicked that hints at Elphaba and Glinda’s iconic friendship; whilst also featuring the opening song of the musical, the aforementioned No One Mourns the Wicked, sung by Glinda and the Munchkin ensemble.

Though Elphaba is not included physically in this number, her presence is felt strongly. As the Munchkins celebrate the demise of the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba’s infamous nickname, Glinda sings alongside them.

However, it is clear that something haunts Glinda as she struggles to hide what is bothering her. Later, it becomes clear that this is because of her complicated friendship with Elphaba. She is mourning their relationship while feeling guilt over participating in the celebration of her death.

In fact, in the song, Glinda recounts the difficult childhood her friend had as an outcast, reminding the Munchkin ensemble to have some grace for her and that it couldn’t have been easy.

Another is when Glinda and Elphaba agree to disagree in Defying Gravity and thus the two women decide to respect their different desires.

Few moments in Wicked are as powerful as Elphaba’s song Defying Gravity. The power ballad includes a brief duet between the two young witches, before it becomes Elphaba’s breathtaking solo about her newfound independence and vowing to stop the Wizard with her powers.

Although Glinda and Elphaba go separate ways by the end of the song, they remain in support of each other, understanding that they both have different ways of problem-solving and standing up for what is right.

I hope you’re happy, both Glinda and Elphaba say throughout the scene, sincerely wishing the best for their friend. It is clear to audience members that this friendship has not been broken yet because of Elphaba’s decision to escape and Glinda’s to conform.

Rather, they can understand and respect the wishes of the other individual in this complicated situation. Though she chooses to stay behind, Glinda knows the importance of Elphaba’s decision.

As for the audio, well we get the choice of: English: Dolby Atmos and English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit).

Overall, this is a very strong 4K HDR Blu-ray presentation, and, for the most part, the audio track remains fairly similar to its DTS-HD counterpart; with much of the action occupying the surrounds with outstanding directionality and placement where effects flawlessly pan between the sides and rears.

As for the story to hand, well, having seen the original show in London back in 2015, it was a blast seeing this on the big screen and here now again, this time as a crystal clear 4K UHD presentation. I couldn’t imagine seeing Ariana Grande in a lead role and getting entranced by her performance, but both she and Cynthia Erivo knocked their roles out of the park phenomenally. The overall cast are great as well and one can tell the likes of Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum had a blast in their respective roles.

For all of the content changes and additions the filmmakers went with, the film is quite well paced for what’s essentially an adaptation of the first act from Stephen Schwartz & Winnie Holzman’s iconic stage musical. Sure it might have been just as fine being one concise movie on its own, but seeing the themes of prejudicial anarchy, intolerance towards those who are different, unconventional friendship and solidarity triumphing over resentment remain intact and actually keep the film on its toes quite seamlessly.

There are so many nods to both the musical and the overall world of Oz that it’s hard not to appreciate the immense dedication put on display. If nothing else, there’s at least one gorgeous musical number to sing along and dance to after the credits have rolled.

Director Jon M. Chu has come a long way in his career, from the mediocre atrocities of Step Up and Jem & the Holograms to the critically lauded Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights (2021). Seeing him helm the big screen adaptation of a uniquely ambitious take on the witches from Wizard of Oz is nothing short of miraculous. Here’s to the next part coming out next year, may it send us soaring and never bring us down.

Special Features:
Includes 4K UHD, Blu-ray and a digital copy of Wicked
Features Dolby Vision and HDR10 for Brighter, Deeper, More Lifelike Color
Deleted and Extended Scenes
Making Wicked
Welcome to Shiz
A Wicked Legacy
The Wonderful Wizard
Feature Commentary with director Jon M. Chu
Feature Commentary with stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande

On February 4th, 2025, Wicked, Part 1 will be available to own on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD. Wicked, Part 1 will also continue to be available to own in high definition and standard definition from participating digital retailers.

Based on the stage play with music and lyrics by the legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, WICKED is expertly directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights).

The film also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once, Crazy Rich Asians), Oliver 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).