Before you can watch the fantasy highlight Wicked in the cinema, you have to make an important decision. We present the pros and cons of the three language versions.
On December 12, 2024, Wicked, the first part of the two-part film adaptation of the musical of the same name, will finally be released in German cinemas – and in three different language versions. So 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 for you personally before going to the cinema.
This handy guide will help you decide which version is right for you by explaining the main differences and advantages and disadvantages of the three language versions of Wicked.
Wicked OV vs. German: 2 fundamental differences
Wicked can be seen in German cinemas both in OV, i.e. in the original English version, and in two different German dubbed versions. Before we go into the specific advantages and disadvantages, we first want to explain the two most important differences between Wicked in German and OV.
The beginning of the movie is different: In all non-English-speaking countries, the beginning of Wicked is different in one respect. All dubbed versions begin with a series of text panels that describe the world of Oz and the starting point of the film. These explanations are not included in the original version.
Names and places are different: Numerous characters and places have different names in the German version than in the original. For example, Shiz University becomes Glizz, the Oz Dust Ballroom is called the Ozkothek, and characters like Madame Morrible and Boq are called Madame Akaber and Moq. Text appearing in the image (on signs or on books) was also translated for the dubbed version.
Wicked in German with English songs: The compromise
Anyone who has seen a few musical films in German is familiar with the concept of this “dubbed” version. For the “German with English songs” variant, dialogue passages were completely dubbed, while the singing was left in the original English and subtitled in German.
Advantages:
German dubbing without sacrificing the singing skills of the cast
You get to hear the mostly live-sung songs unadulterated
Disadvantages:
The German song subtitles can distract from the detailed action
The many changes between (German) speech and (English) singing can be confusing
Some people and places have different names in dialog parts and songs
Conclusion: For those who would be overwhelmed by an all-English version and don’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 the German-speaking market. In this version, the songs were also sung entirely in German. This is otherwise only the case with animated or Disney films. Of course, there are exceptions, such as The Phantom of the Opera, Cats or the Netflix film Matilda.
However, the songs are not sung entirely by the characters’ dubbing actors, but partly by professional singers such as Sabrina Weckerlin (Elphaba), Sophia Riedl (Glinda) and Philipp Büttner (Fiyero). Want to hear what the Wicked songs sound like in German? Check out the clip below:
Advantages:
You don’t have to read subtitles
For fans of the German 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
Those who know the German lyrics inside out may be surprised by some of the changes made to the lyrics in the interests of lip-sync (for example, the German version of “Popular” is no longer called “Heißgeliebt”, but “Populär”)
Conclusion: This is the right version for those who prefer to watch movies in German and have trouble with subtitles. 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 those who are curious but do not yet consider “Free and Weightless” to be one of their favorite songs.
