Wicked: For Good (Wicked: Part II) 4K Ultra HD Theatrical Version + Sing-Along

Based n the Musical Stage Play with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz an book by Winnie Holzmand, "Wicked: For Good (Wicked: Part II" is sensational conclusion of the untold story of the witches of Oz. Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) are now estranged, each living with the consequences of their choices. Elphaba, now demonized as The Wicked Witch of the West, lives in exile, continuing her fight to expose The Wizard. Meanwhile, Glinda has become a glamorous symbol of Goodness, basking in the perks of fame and popularity. When a girl from Kansas crashes into their lives, Elphaba and Glinda must reunite and truly see each other—if they are to change themselves, and all of Oz. Bring home the adventure with an exclusive sing-along and prepare to be changed…for good. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary with Director Jon M. Chu; four deleted scenes (HD 05:51); the featurettes "Making Wicked: For Good" (HD 51:28), "The True Wizaed" (HD 05:56), "More Than Just A Place" (HD 06:26), "The Girl In The Bubble" (HD 06"06) and "Kiamo Ko" (HD 06:08) and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

The 2.39:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD Dolby Vision/HDR10 picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed digitally in anamorphic Ultra Panavision 70 using the Arri Alexa 65 camera system and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format. A 3D conversion was performed by Film In India, but no 3D Blu-ray was provided for review. This is the continuation of the Wicked epic with virtually the same filmmaking crew. On particular Cinematographer Alice Brooks again has crafted amazing imagery. Visual effects likewise are spectacular. The set designs are incredible. The color palette exhibits beautifully saturated hues that are warm and rich. Various hues often pop and create dynamic visual impact. The production design is spectacular as are the costumes, all reproduced with an amazing color palette that exhibits warm and rich saturated hues. Colors are vibrant with excellent depth. Colors throughout the hue spectrum appear perfectly natural and realistic. The color palette further exhibits a wonderful wide color gamut. Flesh tones are nature with the contrast between Galinda's white skin and Elphaba's green skin. HDR contrast is superb. Blacks are perfectly natural with deep extensions. Shadows are well delineated. White levels appear natural with instances of brilliant illumination. Resolution is fantastic with the finest detail revealed in facial features such as skin pores, complexions, hair and beards; clothing fabrics and jewelry; earth landscapes and structural architecture; and objects of all description. The sets are spectacular as are the characters, both human and animal, that flow within them. As with "Wicked," this is a fabulous filmic production that ranks right up there with the finest picture quality achieved thus far on the 4K Ultra HD format. (Gary Reber)

As with "Wicked," the Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack is consistently active with all sound elements engaged. This is very dynamic sounding with wonderful natural and articulate deep bass sound effects delivered through the .1 LFE channel. Atmospherics are perfectly descriptive. Sound effects are both bold and nuanced and perfectly activated, and provide powerful sonics supported with intense bass enhancements. The storm sequence is intense with powerful bass transients and room shaking impact. Foley sound effects are intricate and perfectly in sync with on-screen movement. The strongest elements are the music, singing and dance, and dialogue. The dance choreography by Christopher Scott is wonderful. The orchestral/chorus music is virtually constant and either provides support for the singing and dancing, or as its own independent element. In either case the music occupies a wide and deep soundstage that aggressively extends to the surrounds, the height layer and envelops the sound field. Surround energy is strong thanks to the excellent sound design. The soundstage delivers superb imaging and depth, extending to the surrounds. Dialogue is intelligible throughout with generally good spatial integration.

The Immersive Sound element is comprised of the extension of the orchestral/chorus music sans the singing, flying monkeys sounds, occasional atmospherics, an occasional sound effect such as thunder and lightening, cyclone, magic book disturbance and turbulent winds. This is a very effective height layer complement to the ear level dynamics that enhances the spherical dimensions of the sound field. Other filmmakers should learn by this.

As with "Wicked," this is a wonderful holosonic® spherical surround soundtrack that will light up every home theatre system with dynamics, superb fidelity and immersive dimensionality. Reference quality throughout. (Gary Reber)