THE ILLUSIONIST DVD Review by David Blackwell
DETAILS: 108 minutes, audio commentary, theatrical trailer, featurettes STUDIO:
Yari Film Group/ 20th Century Fox Home Video RELEASE DATE: 1-9-2007
2006 set the stage for two illusionist/ magician
films. One was the fabulous THE PRESTIGE and the other I will talk about here is the intricate character drama known as THE
ILLUSIONIST. Like THE PRESTIGE, THE ILLUSIONIST has an illusion that is being pulled off in front of people's eyes. I could
guess what was being done and why, but it doesn't take away from the period setting, the acting, or the story. THE ILLUSIONIST
is one of the best films I have seen in 2006.
Edward Norton is Eisenheim, an illusionist in Veinna. He crosses paths
with a childhood sweetheart, Sophie (Jessica Biel), and both sonn rediscover their love for each other. Now they must find
a way to escape Crown Prince Leopold (Ruthus Sewell) who is intent on ruining Eisenheim. In the middle of all of this is Chief
Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti) who Leopold wants to arrest Eisenheim, but Uhl kinda likes Eisenheim and keep him out of trouble
if possible. Are you intrigued yet?
VIDEO: 1.85:1 (Anamorphic Widescreen)
AUDIO: English 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Subtitles:
English, Spanish
SPECIAL FEATURES:The extras aren't very much. The best ones are the inclusion of the original theatrical
trailer and the informative audio commentary by director Neil Burger. The two brief featurettes (THE MAKING OF THE ILLUSIONIST
and JESSICA BIEL ON THE ILLUSIONIST) are basic interview promo fluff. You also have trailers for HAVEN, WINTER PASSING, and
FIND ME GUILTY.
FINAL ANALYSIS: THE ILLUSIONIST is a must-rent movie and you should see it in addition to THE PRESTIGE.
this
review is (c)12-31-2006 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without permission (except for excerpts and a link to the
review). Look for additional content at http://enterlinemedia.livejournal.com and send all comments to lord_pragmagtic@hotmail.com
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