To 3D/4DX Or Not To 3D/4DX: Buy The Right Wicked Ticket

As a seasoned moviegoer who has experienced more than a few 3D and 4DX screenings, I must say that Wicked has certainly taken the premium format experience to new heights… or should I say, new dimensions!

Something has changed within me, something is not the same. I can finally say that, as I’ve seen the first part of director Jon M. Chu’s stunning adaptation of Wicked, which left me with great anticipation for what happens next. Thanks to a very special early preview, I can now not only ask the usual question of To 3D or Not To 3D, but I can also answer if the film is worth the extra ticket money and time to track it down in its 4DX combo!

Overall Fit Score – 5/5

As someone who’s immersed in the gaming world, I can say that experiencing “Wicked” feels like stepping into two different realms of entertainment, both rooted in Gregory Maguire’s beloved novel. It makes perfect sense that a musical stage adaptation would pave the way for this unique cinematic journey. From my perspective in the 3D theater, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s powerhouse performance was so captivating, it seemed to yearn for an even more immersive experience – one that could be amplified by the depth and realism of three-dimensional effects.

Ever since Twister’s phenomenal 4DX performance left moviegoers spellbound, I can’t help but wonder what it would feel like to be a dancing and singing student at the enchanting Shiz University. With both the traditional 3D and immersive 4DX versions of Wicked now in production, it seems that the magic of Oz could soon become a reality for us all!

Overall Planning & Effort – 3.5/5

The refined second assessment of our scoring field focuses on the Planning and Effort invested in creating a premium format experience from both perspectives. This is where the true quality of the experience becomes apparent, whether it’s immersive in 3D or 4DX. In an ideal world, there would be ample time to fine-tune and adjust this aspect of the visual presentation to ensure an optimal experience for all parties involved, particularly when the movie in question has blockbuster potential like this one.

Combined, the quality of Planning and Execution in the film ‘Wicked’ is acceptable. If I had to choose, I would say the 3D version was more successfully executed, by quite a margin. (Kudos are due to SDFX Studios for making this conversion feasible.) While it isn’t terribly disappointing, it’s somewhat disheartening that we only managed a 3.5 rating for P&E when the film itself is a five-star production.

3D Before The Window – 3/5

In a 3D presentation, we’re eagerly anticipating the exhilarating elements that seemingly leap from the window and into the viewers’ proximity; think of coins flying through the air, broomsticks soaring, or even a magical invitation from The Wizard. These surprising moments truly enhance the captivating nature of Wicked, as I personally jumped at the coin trick.

Unfortunately, the impact isn’t as strong as Wicked warrants due to its infrequent appearance. However, when it does manifest, it delivers quite effectively, which is commendable. The issue lies primarily in its scarcity rather than its execution, resulting in a slight deduction in our assessment.

3D Beyond The Window – 5/5

Here’s an intriguing fact: The director of “Wicked”, Jon M. Chu, was also behind “Step Up 3D”. This movie is notable because it introduced the dance franchise to the third dimension at a time when 3D technology was seeing a comeback following the success of “Avatar”. As we navigate this specific yellow-brick road, it’s worth noting that the musical and dance elements in “Wicked” don’t get lost in the 3D format.

I had concerns about the second part of that project, since maintaining a clear division between people and their surroundings using good spatial planning can be challenging even in less dynamic films. However, they managed to show this separation quite distinctly, which effectively highlights the bustling atmosphere of Wicked‘s more crowded scenes. I assure you, “One Short Day” will not only feel great but also look visually stunning.

3D Brightness Score – 2/5

Wow, those flying monkeys will certainly face consequences. In the third-dimensional aspect of our evaluation, the area often needing improvement is Brightness. This is where the conventional advice that mileage may differ based on the maintenance level of your local theater’s equipment becomes relevant. However, even considering this, my 3D/4DX viewing of Wicked was noticeably dim in the nighttime sequences.

In this vividly colored film, daytime shots remain clear even with an increased level of darkness when wearing glasses. Yet, it’s the night-time sequences that struggle, particularly during Cynthia Erivo’s emotionally intense rendition of “I’m Not That Girl.” Her performance is often obscured by the dimness as she melancholically conceals herself in the shadows, making it hard to see her at times, which is quite frustrating.

Glasses Off Score: 5/5

Removing your eyeglasses offers a peek at the excitement hidden behind the scenes, if you will. In essence, it lets you experience the fuzzy parts that contribute to the overall picture, which becomes clear again when you put on your 3D glasses. Generally, the more blurry the image, the more labor involved in converting the movie into 3D; and “Wicked” is a fitting illustration of all the top techniques used in this area.

As a gamer, I can tell you that the subtle use of 2D anchor points and contrasting blur between background and foreground elements really brings images to life, making them feel three-dimensional. Without those special glasses, some scenes might appear double or confusing, but I’m not sure what they call that phenomenon in the gaming world – perhaps there’s a scholar who can enlighten us on that!

4DX Water Effects: 2/5

It’s clear that the main character in “Wicked”, as the title suggests, is someone who can’t get wet without perishing. The reason behind this peculiar condition remains unexplained in this two-part adaptation. It’s intriguing to speculate whether this could be related to the 4DX showing I attended, which didn’t seem particularly moist despite scenes like Michelle Yeoh’s portrayal of Madame Morrible manipulating weather and the dramatic “Defying Gravity” performance.

In the two-hour and forty-minute duration of the film, I noticed that water effects were employed in just two scenes, which seemed rather sparse compared to my expectation. These instances were relatively straightforward, like gentle sprinkles. One instance was symbolizing shattered glass, while another occurred when Madame Morrible intended to shield Elphaba from an approaching downpour. I found myself yearning for a more frequent and consistent application, reminiscent of the immersive 4DX experience in a movie like Twisters.

4DX Scent Effects: 1/5

I’m beginning to suspect that 4DX studios mainly utilize a few scent options such as “Insect Repellent” or “Earthy Woods.” Despite the clever use of 4DX in Alien: Romulus, the film didn’t seem to introduce anything new for our olfactory senses. The limited application of scents in Wicked is the only aspect that surpasses the underwhelming implementation of water effects, which unfortunately detracts from the appeal of this premium format combination.

4DX Light/Air/Smoke Effects – 4/5

Here, we’re back to a mindset filled with optimism as the movie “Wicked” truly delivers on the stunning visuals hinted in the trailers, making them even more impactful. Revisiting the idea of performing well-loved numbers, there’s no doubt that the film provides smoke effects to perfectly complement scenes like the entrance of The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum), which is always shrouded in his signature smoky illusion.

In this portion, strobe effects are noticeable alongside scenes with lighting and a projector activation in Dr. Dillamond’s classroom (portrayed by Peter Dinklage). However, it’s the air that takes center stage here, particularly in numerous grandiose appearances such as “The Wizard and I,” and notably, the powerful closing number of “Wicked.” This might just be the highlight showcasing the 4DX experience that you can anticipate from the overall presentation.

4DX Motion Effects: 5/5

In an expected turn of events, it’s the motion effects that have earned the sole perfect score in the 4DX section of our rating system. If you found the feeling of being impaled by a Xenomorph during Alien: Romulus to be intensely terrifying, imagine developing wings like the unfortunate flying monkey who transforms into one of Wicked’s pitiful animal victims.

In essence, the vibrating back pads are just the beginning of the experiences you’ll encounter in this movie. The dance sequences in Wicked truly deliver on the promise hinted at by Venom: The Last Dance‘s 4DX presentation. Venom and Mrs. Chen’s dance break were choreographed so intricately that every group dance scene in this film is equally captivating. Moreover, the motion segment of this production is heightened by the fact that you can physically feel Glinda (Ariana Grande) toss her hair or when someone jumps in fright at Elphaba – all thanks to the seat sensation!

In another words, “Defying Gravity,” the final number in the first part of the storyline of Wicked, employs motion and wind effects to intensify the emotions of an already powerful song. The movement aspect is particularly impactful in the 4DX version of the show, as it offers the greatest enhancement in this area.

Overall Audience Health – 4/5

It’s been a while since I last encountered 3D eye-bending presentations, such as the one in “Wicked”. While watching some of its more dynamic scenes, like the buildup to “Defying Gravity” and the perspective shifts during the flying monkey sequences, there may be a slight ocular confusion. However, these visual discomforts are minor compared to the overall smooth and exhilarating motion effects. Rest assured, you’ll have an amazing time immersing yourself in this high-quality viewing experience.

Final Verdict: 38.5/55

In a 3D and 4DX format, Wicked offers an entertaining experience, yet it’s the movie that seems to drive the effects, rather than vice versa. Unfortunately, the brightness and scent/water effects didn’t quite meet expectations, which is a bit disappointing considering this could have been a groundbreaking title in these premium formats. As it stands, while it’s enjoyable, it’s not essential that you see it in these enhanced formats.

With those final notes, we’re now set for the year-long pause until the 2025 film release of “Wicked: Part Two“. Meanwhile, keep an eye out for more exciting 3D and 4DX adventures in store. Stay tuned to find out what our journey through this immersive theme park experience has in store next! Until then, remember that everyone deserves a chance to soar, and no wizard, past or present, can ever bring you down!

2024-11-22 02:07