Happy New Year! Here’s Three Hours of Wicked Bonus Content

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As a lifelong Wizard of Oz enthusiast who has attended multiple Broadway performances and owning every DVD and CD related to the beloved story, I am beyond thrilled about the upcoming home release of “Wicked.” The prospect of having bonus materials, sing-alongs, and deleted scenes is nothing short of magical.

The contagion of Wizomania knows no boundaries, not even your personal sanctuary. On New Year‘s Eve, the movie Wicked will be unleashed into the digital realm, ready for rental or purchase on your preferred streaming platforms. This home release comes after the Broadway musical adaptation set a new box-office record, and it includes an extra three hours of bonus content for fans who felt the film, being just “Part One” of a two-part experience, could have been expanded. These additional features not only cater to those desiring more, but also provide a short break for stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande from their demanding and surreal press tour. Among these extras are:

  • A home version of the singalong cut
  • A commentary track with director John M. Chu
  • A commentary track with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande
  • Making Wicked: a “behind-the-scenes journey […] inside the characters, choreography, and creativity that make up the movie’s unforgettable world.”
  • Welcome to Shiz: a deep-dive into the production design and costuming that went into building Shiz University.
  • A Wicked Legacy: “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.” This extra also shines a spotlight on the cameos in the “One Short Day” sequence.
  • The Wonderful Wizard: “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.”

In addition to this home-release, you’ll find extra content such as cut and expanded scenes. Universal has already given them titles and detailed descriptions.

  • 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.

Among the deleted scenes from “Wicked,” the one that stands out most intriguing is Ariana Grande and Bowen Yang’s twirling performance. While an extended Elphaba and Fiyero moment in the forest hints at a possible kiss, it’s the teased montage of Jonathan Bailey and Ethan Slater shedding their shirts that seems to be reserved for fans who purchase the 4K UHD, Blu-ray, or DVD version of the movie when it releases on February 4, 2025.

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2024-12-26 21:54