'Evil' Set to Debut on Digital Streaming Services This Week, Including Extras
"Wicked"—starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in the popular movie musical adaptation—is set to hit digital streaming this week, accompanied by an array of extra features.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, this long-awaited film adaptation of the 2003 Broadway hit "Wicked" premiered in cinemas nationwide on November 22.
The official synopsis of the film asserts, "Elphaba (Erivo), a misunderstood and marginalized young woman due to her green skin, and Glinda (Grande), a well-loved socialite, develop a friendship at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. Their friendship reaches a turning point after an encounter with the Wondrous Wizard of Oz."
Universal Studios Home Entertainment announced in a press statement that "Wicked" will be streamed digitally via premium video on demand (PVOD) on December 31. The film will be available for purchase on Prime Video for $29.99, although digital rentals usually cost $5 less, so users can expect to rent the movie for $24.99 for a 48-hour period.
"Wicked" will also be accessible on a variety of digital platforms, including Apple TV, VUDU, Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Microsoft Movies & TV.
As of this writing, "Wicked" has dominated the domestic box office, generating $411.6 million, and has earned $187.6 million internationally, totaling a worldwide box office of $599.2 million. This impressive revenue comes against a $145 million production budget without accounting for prints and advertising expenses.
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes were impressed by "Wicked," giving the film a 88% "fresh" rating based on 364 reviews.
Starring alongside Erivo and Grande, the film features Michelle Yeoh as Madam Morrible, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Marissa Bode as Nessarose, and Peter Dinklage as the voice of Dr. Dillamond.
What Bonus Features Are Included with the Digital Release of 'Wicked'?
According to Universal Studios Home Entertainment, the digital release of "Wicked" contains bonus content, but it is only offered to those who purchase the film on PVOD through any of the platforms listed above.
The bonus content includes a sing-along version of the film, as well as deleted and extended scenes, such as:
-Pfannee & ShenShen Meet Glinda: Glinda, Pfannee, and ShenShen reunite at Shiz University, recalling their past with a twirling performance.
-Shiz Gazette Introduces Fiyero: Anticipation grows at Shiz as news spreads about Prince Fiyero's arrival.
-Toss Toss: Glinda teaches Elphaba the art of Toss Toss, with mixed results.
-Elphaba & Fiyero in the Forest: The relationship between Elphaba and Fiyero evolves as they care for a lost lion cub.
-Elphaba’s Promise: Elphaba makes a promise to Glinda to strengthen their friendship.
-Train Platform Farewell: Glinda, Madame Morrible, and Governor Thropp bid farewell to Elphaba as she embarks for Emerald City.
-Boq & Elphaba Talk: Elphaba challenges Boq to confront his feelings for Nessa Rose, while she struggles with her feelings for Fiyero.
-Train Ride to Emerald City: Glinda and Elphaba experience the luxury of a train ride to Emerald City, which brings them closer to meeting the Wizard.
-In the Emerald City: Glinda and Elphaba venture further into the bustling streets of Emerald City on their way to meeting the Wizard.
-Palace Monkeys Chase: Elphaba and Glinda race against time to evade the menacing winged monkeys.
In addition to these scenes, the digital release also includes various featurettes, such as:
-Making Wicked: This behind-the-scenes look offers an inside perspective on the film's characters, choreography, and creative process.
-Welcome to Shiz: This featurette explores Shiz University, which was designed with details from L. Frank Baum's books, showcasing the uniforms, ingenious contraptions, and sprawling magical campus.
-A Wicked Legacy: Members of the cast and crew share personal stories about their first encounters with the original Broadway production, highlighting the lasting emotional connections that were made during the film's production.
-The Wonderful Wizard: In this piece, Jeff Goldblum sheds light on the enigmatic character of the Wizard, revealing his magic and mechanics with the help of senior special effects technician Christopher Clarke.
The digital release of "Wicked" also features commentary tracks from Jon M. Chu, as well as separate commentary tracks with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
Rated PG, "Wicked"—which continues to play in theaters—will be available on PVOD on December 31.
The film adaptation of "Wicked," starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, is set to stream digitally this week, offering bonus content for those who purchase it on platforms like Prime Video. These bonus features include deleted scenes such as "Pfannee & ShenShen Meet Glinda," and featurettes like "Welcome to Shiz" and "A Wicked Legacy." Jeff Goldblum, who plays the Wizard, also provides insights about his character in the special featurette titled "The Wonderful Wizard." The digital release of "Wicked" is rated PG and will be available for streaming on December 31.
