Wicked: For Good resumes the story directly after the events of the first film, aiming to bring the long-awaited conclusion to Elphaba and Glinda's intertwined journeys. Inspired by Gregory Maguire's novel and the iconic stage musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, the film should feel like a triumphant final act. Instead, the film struggles to justify its length or narrative choices.
Now branded as the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba lives in exile, pursued relentlessly by the Wizard and Madame Morrible. From the shadows, she commits herself to defending the rights of Oz's oppressed animals. Glinda, on the other hand, has embraced her role within the Wizard's inner circle and is preparing for marriage to Fiyero, newly promoted within the Gale Force. Despite his loyalty to the regime, Fiyero's heart remains with Elphaba, and he quietly searches for her. Elsewhere, Elphaba's sister Nessarose has seized control of Munchkinland, though her rise to power has stripped away much of her compassion. Woven throughout the film is Dorothy's familiar journey, which intersects with these events in ways meant to recontextualize The Wizard of Oz.
Wicked: For Good lacks the punch of the first installment and falls emotionally flat. The music, long the backbone of Wicked, is another weak point. New songs fail to leave a lasting impression, blending into a soundtrack that rarely matches the emotional weight of the original score. Several numbers feel perfunctory, existing more to fill runtime than to deepen character or advance the story.
That said, the craftsmanship on display is often remarkable. The production design is consistently stunning, with sprawling sets that give Oz a tangible sense of scale. The film is visually stunning, often overshadowing everything else. Also, the cast does what it can to elevate the material. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande remain deeply committed to their roles, fully inhabiting Elphaba and Glinda with conviction and emotional clarity. Their performances continue to be the franchise's strongest element. Jonathan Bailey brings warmth and sincerity to Fiyero, while Jeff Goldblum's Wizard remains an engaging presence.
Video Quality (4K Ultra HD, 2.39:1)
The 4K presentation is impressive, delivering crisp detail and vivid colors throughout. The image remains free of noticeable artifacts, and close-up shots showcase excellent texture. Contrast skews slightly flat, reinforcing the film's fairy-tale aesthetic, though some viewers may find it lacking visual punch. Blue-screen-heavy backgrounds occasionally create a noticeable separation between actors and their surroundings, but the transfer itself remains stable and polished.
Audio Quality (Dolby Atmos)
The Atmos mix is immersive and well-balanced. Dialogue is clean and clearly anchored, while surround and height channels are used to create a convincing sense of space. Low-end effects hit with force during action sequences, particularly the tornado scene, which delivers substantial impact. While the sound design is strong, the underwhelming songs prevent the audio track from reaching the musical highs of the original Wicked.
Bonus Features
The disc is loaded with supplemental material, including an extensive documentary, audio commentaries, featurettes, deleted scenes, and a sing-along version.
Despite impressive visuals, strong performances, and a technically excellent home release, Wicked: For Good lacks the emotional weight and musical power that once defined the franchise. The storytelling is unfocused, the songs are largely forgettable, and the heart of the story never fully materializes.
Grade: C
