Defy gravity and revel in the cinematic canvas of Wicked at Cineworld. The world-conquering stage musical now gets the first in a two-part big-screen instalment, starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba.
The colourful and spirited movie traces the sisterly bond between these two witches, which is later complicated by the outcast Elphaba's desire to find her place in the world. Their collective destinies are intertwined around the classic film The Wizard of Oz, promising a nostalgic treat for film fans of all ages.
A straightforward experience of Wicked isn't enough. At Cineworld, we're delighted to host a selection of special viewing formats, IMAX, 4DX, ScreenX and Superscreen, that will send your emotions soaring. Scroll down to find out more.
IMAX
IMAX both upholds and enhances, in stunning clarity, director Jon M. Chu's cinematic vision of the Wicked stage musical.
"You have to see Wicked on the biggest screen possible with the loudest speakers possible and in a big group, so IMAX is the perfect venue for that," Chu explains. "We wanted to make a giant spectacle of epic cinematic proportions and IMAX allows you to have the giant canvas to experience that."
The IMAX remastering process, which favours a breathtaking, pin-sharp resolution, draws out both the glittering emerald qualities of Oz itself. This promises to render the smallest details of Glinda and Elphaba's journey in eye-catching fashion, from the pink/green contrast of the central characters to the inner workings of the Wizard's sanctum.
Larger than usual IMAX screens invite you to walk the yellow brick road with Elphaba as she journeys to Oz and faces her destiny. This being a musical, IMAX's integrated sound and speaker system sharpens the pitch-perfect vocal performances of its stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, which is the perfect way to honour the heritage of the original musical.
Hear more from Jon M. Chu in the following behind-the-scenes clip as he explains why Wicked needs to be experienced in IMAX.
4DX
4DX is exclusive to Cineworld cinemas in the UK and Ireland. It's a unique multi-sensory proposition that promises to add greater layers of physical tangibility and immersion to your Wicked experience.
From emotional crescendos to introspective diminuendos, the 4DX motion-sensory seats move in time with the on-screen action, undulating along with Grande and Erivo's spectacular vocal performances.
The moving seats work in harmony with wind, rain and scent effects, bringing the physical world of Oz into the auditorium and allowing you to live the dramatic journey of Glinda and Elphaba. Find out more about 4DX and how it works in the following clip.
ScreenX
ScreenX is another Cineworld-exclusive viewing format. It projects the world of Wicked onto the side walls of the cinema, conveying a 270-degree experience that is emotionally overwhelming in the best possible way.
The incredible world of Oz may exist over the rainbow in our imaginations, but ScreenX makes you feel as if it's real, placing you amid the magical, thronging ensemble.
Discover more about ScreenX by watching the following behind-the-scenes clip.
Superscreen
Ensure your Wicked experience feels like a masterpiece by watching the movie in Cineworld-exclusive Superscreen.
Breathtaking multidimensional sound powered by epic Dolby Atmos speakers put real emotional power behind the film's centrepiece musical numbers like 'Defying Gravity'. When the audio combines with huge screens and start-of-the-art projection to put you in the heart of Oz.
Book your tickets for Wicked. It opens on November 22nd.
Don't forget we’ve got two brand new, free Wicked-themed ICEE flavours (Glinda's Perfect Pink/Strawberry, and Elphaba's Emerald Green/Sour Apple) to enjoy when you see Wicked in 4DX or ScreenX between November 22nd and 28th.