Wicked’s Jon M. Chu, Choreographer Tease Easter Eggs Fans Can Find Watching at Home (EXCLUSIVE)

by

As a longtime admirer of musical theater and a devoted fan of the original “Wicked” Broadway production, I must say that this movie adaptation has truly outdone itself! The sheer level of detail, creativity, and emotional depth poured into every aspect of the film is nothing short of astounding.

Jon M. Chu‘s life experience as a director, combined with his unwavering dedication to the source material, has resulted in a cinematic masterpiece that transports audiences to the magical land of Oz like never before. The sets, costumes, and choreography are all breathtakingly beautiful, but it’s the characters that truly steal the show.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande deliver captivating performances as Elphaba and Glinda respectively, bringing their unique talents and charisma to these iconic roles. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Jeff Goldblum providing a delightful twist on the Wizard of Oz that had me laughing out loud more than once!

In all honesty, this movie has left me spellbound and I can’t wait to see what Jon M. Chu and his team have in store for us next time they step behind the camera. But until then, I’ll be humming “Defying Gravity” and dreaming of a return trip to the enchanting world of Oz!

Oh, and just one more thing – who knew that flying monkeys could be so… cute? I guess even witches have a soft spot for baby animals sometimes!

As a devoted musical theater enthusiast who has grown up with the tale of “Wicked”, I am beyond thrilled that the Sing-Along version is now playing in theaters! However, for those of us who can’t make it to the cinema, I’m overjoyed to learn that more Oznian magic will soon be delivered right into our homes. The anticipation and excitement of experiencing this enchanting story again, this time with song, is almost too much to bear! I can hardly wait for its arrival, as it promises to bring a touch of magic to my living room.

As a long-time fan of the original “Wizard of Oz” and a musical enthusiast, I am beyond excited to announce that the highly anticipated prequel “Wicked” is finally dropping digitally just in time for New Year’s Eve! Having grown up watching Judy Garland’s portrayal of Dorothy, I have always been fascinated by the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the South. With Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, this Golden Globe-nominated musical promises to be an enchanting spectacle that I can’t wait to watch on my cozy couch. This New Year’s Eve party is about to get a whole lot wickedly good!

When does Wicked drop on digital platforms?

You can grab a hold of “Wicked” for purchase or rental today, all thanks to Universal Pictures Home Entertainment making it available digitally!

Buying the movie from approved digital outlets like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Microsoft Movies & TV grants you access to a wealth of additional content. This includes deleted and extended scenes, the entertaining Sing-Along version of the film currently playing in cinemas, commentaries by director Jon M. Chu and stars Erivo and Grande, as well as an enchanting 40-minute exploration of Oz showcasing the magic behind Wicked, complete with a detailed look at all those amazing dance sequences.

Wicked choreographer Christopher Scott teases Digital release

Christopher Scott, the choreographer of ‘Wicked’, expressed his excitement about small dance sequences that weren’t included in the film when he spoke with NBC Insider. He said, ‘When we’re advancing the story on screen, there are moments we have to move quickly and focus on specific scenes or actions. As a result, some dance segments don’t make it into the final cut. However, this home entertainment release gives us the chance to show those additional dance sequences that fans haven’t seen before. It’s delightful to keep a bit extra for viewers to enjoy at home.’

As a gamer, if you’ve watched this movie (and trust me, it’s worth your time!), you’d have noticed the captivating dance scenes all over. What might surprise you is that these dances aren’t just for aesthetic appeal, but they play a crucial role in shaping the narrative. In essence, each movement carries a layer of meaning.

Scott explained, “Each action I take carries significance for me. I spend a lot of time planning my steps because if it doesn’t resonate with me, it won’t be expressed authentically,” he said. “For instance, in the show ‘Shiz,’ when kids dance while holding books and raise their shoulders, it’s not just a random move. They are trying to convey what tension feels like. So they lift their shoulders and say, ‘uh boom,’ then drop them, only to come around again. And when they slap the books, it shows their frustration. Everything we do has a purpose. That’s why I appreciate the behind-the-scenes videos that allow viewers to understand our intentions and motivations.

Wicked director Jon M. Chu talks motion, from The Wizard of Oz through Wicked

Director Chu tells us that meaning in the film’s movements extends even beyond the choreography. 

Chu explains that motion or progress has been inherent in the storyline of “The Wizard of Oz” since its inception as an American fairy tale. The values portrayed, such as courage, self-reliance, resilience, were all woven into the fabric of America by L. Frank Baum. To emphasize this, the mode of transportation throughout the movie represents the transformation of America, starting from crawling on the ground to horseback, boat travel, bicycles, trains, and finally flight. This symbolizes progress and the consequences that come with rapid advancement, a theme that is explored creatively in the film.

In a similar vein, Chu expresses his perspective: “I believe that movement itself is inherent in nature, and that growth is at the core of human and natural life. Growth isn’t always joyful and serene; sometimes it requires conflict, like a fire that sparks new growth.

In the world of Oz, we often find ourselves fixated on the idea that happiness is the ultimate goal, and someone will bestow our heart’s desire upon us. However, I feel we are at a juncture in history where we must progress, not remain stagnant. This advancement might involve listening to each other, even when the conversation gets uncomfortable. It may require anger, forgiveness, and extending grace to one another.

On this journey, the path might not be a Yellow Brick Road; it could be an untrodden path. Along the way, we may discover that we can fly. I believe these themes are deeply rooted in the symbolism of Oz, from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ to ‘Wicked’, but now we have the opportunity to truly embody them in this film.

When does Wicked drop on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD?

It was revealed that the release of Wicked is set for February 4, 2025, in 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD formats by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

Wicked‘s exclusive bonus features when you purchase at participating Digital retailers

about:blank

Feature Commentary with Director Jon M. Chu

Feature Commentary with Stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande

Sing Along:

  • Alternate Feature Length Version: Rejoicify, it’s your turn to sing your way through Oz! Sing-along to all of your favorite Wicked songs as you join Elphaba and Glinda on their magical journey.

Deleted and Extended Scenes:

  • Pfannee & ShenShen Meet Glinda – Reunited at Shiz University, Glinda, Pfannee, and ShenShen recall their past by performing a twirling routine together.
  • Shiz Gazette Introduces Fiyero – Excitement spreads across Shiz as word gets out that Prince Fiyero is on his way.
  • Toss Toss – Glinda teaches Elphaba the art of Toss Toss, with mixed results.
  • Elphaba & Fiyero in the Forest – The relationship between Elphaba and Fiyero takes a turn as they come to care for a lost lion cub.
  • Elphaba’s Promise – Elphaba makes a pledge to Glinda that they both hope will strengthen their friendship.
  • Train Platform Farewell – Glinda, Madame Morrible, and Governor Thropp gather to send Elphaba off to Emerald City.
  • Boq & Elphaba Talk – Elphaba challenges Boq to face the truth about his feelings for Nessa Rose, but she has difficulty doing the same when it comes to Fiyero.
  • Train Ride to Emerald City – Glinda and Elphaba expand their world by taking a luxurious train ride to Emerald City.
  • In the Emerald City – The bustling streets of Emerald City take Glinda and Elphaba one step closer to finally meeting the Wizard.
  • Palace Monkeys Chase – Elphaba and Glinda race through a maddening maze of winged monkeys determined to take them down.

Making Wicked:

  • Return to Oz for a fantastic behind-the-scenes journey with this expansive look inside the characters, choreography, and creativity that make up the movie’s unforgettable world.

Welcome to Shiz:

  • Unlimited imagination, couture fashion, and spectacular production design come together at Shiz University, providing a place for performers and viewers to be fully immersed in the fantasy.
  • Designed from details in L. Frank Baum’s books, the uniforms, clever contraptions, and circular sets create a sprawling campus where magic feels like an everyday occurrence.

A Wicked Legacy:

  • Take delight in the cast and filmmakers sharing personal memories of their first encounters with the original Broadway production, and how those lasting connections created emotional experiences while making the movie. Also highlighted are the iconic cameos that pay tribute to the cultural phenomenon that became one of the most popular musicals of all time.

The Wonderful Wizard:

  • Follow the yellow brick road to Emerald City for an in-depth look at the infamous Wizard of Oz. Inside the palace’s throne room, the Wizard himself, Jeff Goldblum, pulls back the curtain to peer at his character’s magic and mechanics with senior special effects technician Christopher Clarke, who details how the Wizard’s massive robotic head comes to life.

Read More

2025-01-02 18:47