Amazon provides 'Wicked' Prime perk, tie-ins for customers
A "Wicked" month is coming up for Amazon shoppers and Prime members thanks to the e-tailer’s new partnership with Universal Pictures.
Starting Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 9 a.m. EDT, members of the Amazon Prime paid subscription program can purchase advanced screening tickets via digital ticket platform Fandango at OzOnAmazon.com to see “Wicked” in select theaters across the U.S. on Nov. 18 at 7 p.m., four days ahead of the film’s broad theatrical release.
Other partnerships Amazon has entered to expand the benefits of Prime membership include integrations with the BP Earnify fuel savings program and with food delivery platform Grubhub.
Amazon’s "Wicked" partnership with Universal also features a number of offerings that all customers can participate in. Each "Wicked Wednesday" from Oct. 30 to Nov. 27, a collection of content and officially licensed merchandise will be available at the dedicated Amazon Wicked page.
Customers can also search #wicked on Amazon.com or in the Amazon shopping app to uncover themed products, content, and experiences; and the e-tailer is tying the movie in with several of its personal digital devices.
For example, "Wicked" themes for the Alexa voice assistant allows users to follow Elphaba (The Wicked Witch of the West) or Glinda (Glinda the Good) through dual-themed experiences on features such as weather, timers, alarms and jokes.
There will also be a panoramic behind-the-scenes landing page of "Wicked" on Amazon Fire TV devices and the film soundtrack will be available to listen on Amazon Music starting on Friday, Nov. 22.
In addition, on Wednesday, Oct. 30 from 3 to 7 p.m. PDT, the Seattle Spheres playfield located on the Amazon headquarters will offer an immersive experience inspired by the film.
The experience includes themed activities and photo opportunities, officially licensed merchandise available for purchase online, art installations by resident local artists, and the Spheres (three conservatories) lighting up in pink and green in tribute to the film’s lead characters.
Former stars of the TV series "Glee" Amber Riley and Kevin McHale will broadcast from the event on the Amazon Live livestreaming platform.
Department store giant Target is also serving as a premier retail destination for "Wicked." As a retail partner of Universal Products & Experiences, the retailer will feature a range of "Wicked"-themed merchandise and experiences from exclusive products to in-store activations.
[READ MORE: Target holiday plans include under-$25 shops, 'Wicked' tie-in, exclusives]
