We’ll explain to you how to properly watch the biggest fantasy spectacle of 2024

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Well explain to you how to properly watch the biggest

On December 12, 2024, Wicked, the first part of the two-part film adaptation of the musical of the same name, will finally start in German cinemas – and that in three different language versions. If you want to marvel at the bombastic fantasy spectacle on the big screen, you should first think about which version promises the best viewing experience before going to the cinema.

In this practical guide you will find the most important differences as well as advantages and disadvantages of the three language versions of Wicked to make your decision easier. which version is right for you.

Wicked OV vs. German: 2 fundamental differences

Wicked is in German cinemas in both OV format in the original English language, as well as in two different German dubbed versions to see. Before we go into the specific advantages and disadvantages, we first want to explain to you the two most important differences between Wicked in German and OV.

  • The beginning of the film is different: In all non-English speaking countries, the beginning of Wicked differs in one way. All dubbed versions begin with a series of text panels that describe the world of Oz and the film’s starting point. These explanations do not exist in the original version.
  • Names and places have different names: Numerous characters and places have different names in the German version than in the original. The University of Shiz becomes Glizz, the Oz Dust Ballroom is called Ozkothek and characters like Madame Morrible and Boq go by the names Madame Akaber and Moq. Texts that appear in the picture (on signs or on books) were also translated for the dubbed version.

    • Wicked in German with English songs: The Compromise

    Anyone who has already watched a few musical films in German knows the concept of this “synchronous” version. For the “German with English songs” variant, dialogue passages were completely synchronized, while the Vocal interludes left in the original English language and subtitled in German became.

    Advantages:

  • German dub without sacrificing the cast’s singing skills
  • You get to hear the songs, most of which are sung live, in their original form

    • Disadvantages:

  • The German song subtitles can distract from the detailed action
  • The many changes between (German) language and (English) singing can be irritating
  • Some people and places have different names in dialogue parts and songs

    • Conclusion: For anyone who would be overwhelmed by a completely English version and doesn’t want to miss out on the strong performances of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo as Glinda and Elphaba as well as Jonathan Bailey as Winkie-Prince Fiyero, this version is a good compromise.

    Wicked completely in German: The version for musical fans

    This version is actually a rarity among musical films localized for Germany. In this version: The songs were also sung entirely in German. This is usually only the case with animated or Disney films. Of course there are exceptions, like The Phantom of the Opera, Cats or the Netflix film Matilda.

    However, the songs are not entirely sung by the characters’ voice actors, but partly by professional singers such as Sabrina Weckerlin (Elphaba), Sophia Riedl (Glinda) and Philipp Büttner (Fiyero). What the Wicked songs sound like in German? You can see this for yourself in the clip below:

    Wicked – Clip “What do I feel inside” (German) HD

    Advantages:

  • You don’t have to read subtitles
  • For fans of the German song lyrics by Michael Kunze
  • Additional (vocal) cameos for fans of the German musical version

    • Disadvantages:

  • Loss of the live experience
  • You don’t get to hear Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo
  • Audibly different speaking and singing voices in the case of Elphaba and Fiyero
  • Anyone who knows the German song lyrics inside and out will sometimes stumble over texts that have been changed in favor of lip synchronization (one example: the German version of “Popular” is no longer called “Heißgeliebt” but “Popular”)

    • Conclusion: If you prefer watching films in German and have trouble with subtitles, this is the right place for you. This version is also recommended as an additional version for all musical fans who are very familiar with the German translation from 2007 – and for all curious people who don’t yet count “Free and Weightless” among their catchy tunes.

    Wicked in OV: The version for purists

    You may have already guessed it: The best version of Wicked is of course the English originalwhich presents you with the impressive acting and singing skills of the actors around Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in its purest form.

    Unfortunately, you will hardly find a cinema screening that offers the original version with subtitles. So until the home theater release (with extensive subtitle options) this version is for now only recommended if you are familiar with the English language.

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