Wicked – 4K UHD Blu-ray Review
Universal Studios | 2025
PG | 2hrs 40mins | Musical | Fantasy| Romance
Native 4K | 2160P | HDR10 | Dolby Vision | Dolby Atmos | Dolby TrueHD 7.1
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Staring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater
Directed by: Jon M. Chu
Ratings & Reviews
Please see here for my comments on reviewing movies.
My ratings are simple being marked out of a maximum of 5+. My reviews are biased towards the technical production aspects of the film with brief comments about the story line. Extras, sorry, that’s just not my ‘bag’.
So what did the 4K HDR10 video look like? Reference, and the Dolby TrueHD 7.1 soundtrack? Reference also.
Entertainment: 5-
Video: 5
Audio: 5
Technical Review – Native 4K HDR10
Wicked – Part 1 was shot digitally by cinematographer Alice Brooks using the ARRIRAW codec at 6.5K, with
The image is vivid and sharp throughout, having excellent resolution, and presents as a reference HDR10 source. With the film shot in a high resolution format this 4K release has very good overall image clarity with a wide display of crisp, razor sharp detail with refined texturing throughout. Objects, clothing, threads, facial close-ups and sets all provide very good detail and definition. From the clean fine detailing that’s visible in Glinda’s multilayer gossamer gown, the freckles on young Elphaba’s face, the rough-spun chunky garments, movements of the fur and feathers on the numerous animal characters to the various set designs and finishes. Facial pores, wrinkles, eyelashes, hair strands, fur and features are all accurately rendered with few undue exaggerations. CGI and special effects integration are generally good with the real action shots and never looking soft and CGI animal characters like Peter Dinklage’s Dr. Dillamond and the flying monkeys looking quite impressive. However, transitions from physical sets to CGI are generally not seamless.
Contrast balance is excellent throughout, from the brilliant uncompressed whites of the daylight exterior shots and various dazzling specular highlights to the deep and noise free inky blacks including; various room sequences and OZ’s castle that showed excellent low level and shadow detail. Clouds, various light sources, the sheen of metals, costumes, train and transportation all sparkle with a true-to-live realism. All creating a solid dynamic contrast range, enhancing visibility of objects in both exterior and interior shots and providing a good depth of image that verges on 3D at times.
The color palette presents with a solid array of vibrant colors, with vivid and well saturated primaries and secondary’s, all having good color depth and density, hues are bold and vibrant and exhibit lovely nuance. From the rainbow of poppies and the Yellow Brick Road, Elphaba herself, the numerus dresses and room items of Galinda, to the blues and purples of the flying monkeys wings and the various luscious shades of green. Skin tones and facial complexions throughout looking perfectly natural, even Elphaba’s.
This video is excellent on all fronts, providing a reference HDR10 image.
Audio – Dolby TrueHD 7.1
Wicked – Part 1 bursts into home theaters with an excellent Dolby Atmos mix that defaults to Dolby TrueHD 7.1 in my system. Levels were slightly lower but not distractingly so. The soundtrack was quite engaging whether during an emotional drama or an action scene, having solid bass, clarity and good dynamics. The rear and surround channels being used to fill out the sound field and to convey the atmospheres of various rooms and indoor/outdoor environments and to support various directional cues.
The overall sound presentation is quite dynamic, with sufficient sub involvement and surround action. The soundstage is wide and surrounds are active with directional information and ambience, delivering an active environment that drops the listener into both the quieter and active environments alike. From the quiet of OZ’s castle to the final battle sequence, effects placement feel quite natural, having good support from both the rear and side surrounds. From those quieter, dialogue-heavy sequences with surround activity inside OZ’s castle to the flying monkeys and final battle and fight sequences, all are expanded to fill the surrounds helping to keep you engaged in the mix.
Sub action is good during the action sequences and various musical numbers supporting; the roar of the burning effigy, slamming doors and the big green train. Imaging continuously feels broad and expansive following the action as it moves on and off-screen. Dialogue is always clear and well detailed with solid front-center imaging and prioritization, providing excellent clarity and detail even during the more active scenes.
Flushing out the soundscape and supporting the movie throughout its entire length, the films score, composed by John Powell and Stephen Schwartz offers a good supportive mix. Levels hit a good balance between the dialogue and effects providing a very light spill into the surrounds and good overall soundstage integration.
The audio track makes reference providing a good accompaniment to the video.
Story Overview
The story of Dorothy, the Ruby Slippers, the Tin Man, the Lion and the death of the Wicked Witch of the West is well known by many. However, what this movie does it provide the background to how it all came about. The movie is about the friendship that develops between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Galinda (Ariana Grande) as they navigate their way through Shiz University in the Land of Oz. Starting of as rivals this pair eventually develop a deep friendship and set of to meet the Wonderful Wizard of OZ (Jeff Goldblum). However, things do not go as planned and Elphaba is forced to flee. The start of a series of events that ultimately shape their destinies and transform them into the Wicked Witch of the West and Galinda the Good.
My 2 cents
I do like music and singing in movies but I found this almost three hour movie a little taxing and I found my attention drifting on occasions. Yes the sets looked very nice, the audio was good, there are a few catchy songs and the acting was generally okay. However, it was just too long with too much padding, and there is another maybe three more hours to go in part II! I am sure fans will thoroughly enjoy this Part I and the forthcoming Part II but for me I am glad that I just borrowed this 4K version from my local library.
Recommended for all fans.
