Illusionist (2006)

Italian only Blu-ray, Region All pressing. The acclaimed illusionist Eisenheim (Edward Norton) has not only captured the imaginations of all of Vienna, but also the interest of the ambitious Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell). But when Leopold's new fiancée (Jessica Biel) rekindles a childhood fascination with Eisenheim, the Prince's interest evolves into obsession. Suddenly the city's Chief Inspector (Paul Giamatti) finds himself investigating a shocking crime. But even as the Inspector engages him in a dramatic challenge of wills, Eisenheim prepares for his most impressive illusion yet. FEATURES Anamorphic (16:9 1080p Hi-Def) Widescreen (1.78:1) Version English Dolby Digital 5.1 & Italian Dolby Digital EX 5.1 Optional Italian subtitles Audio Commentary by Writer/Director Neil Burger (in English with Forced Italian subtitles) Interviews Trailer Behind the Scenes. Product Description

Outstanding Film!

If you like a good mystery, you will like this film! It is also technically excellent - cinematography, customs, sets, etc. This is the Italian Blu-ray disc - to view the film in English, just go to the settings menu and chose "English" to shut off the subtitles. November 28, 2008

Magic Tricks Work for Norton

"The Illusionist" is an absorbing, well-acted film that is part love story, part mystery, and all engrossing. Edward Norton is the magician who seems to possess supernatural powers. As a kid from the wrong side of the tracks he falls for a patrician girl, Duchess Sophia and thus begins the story.
New York Times film critic A.O. Scott (10/24/08) reviewing the cop movie "Pride and Glory" said it "brings out the full measure of Mr. Norton's vanity, by far his least appealing attribute." In this film Norton plays a charismatic illusionist so one does expect a little more egotism and vanity than one would get, in say a cop.
Paul Giamatti is superb as the police inspector under the thumb of Crown Prince Leopold, the magician's rival for the love of Sophia. The setting is 1900 Vienna with the Austro-Hungarian Empire in full swing. The illusionist develops a cult following among the people which irks the Crown Prince. Norton's cold, detached attitude and the sense of dread and menace he kindles make the movie a pleasure to watch. The mystery near the end turns it into a fascinating detective story. The photography is outstanding and stunningly imaginative.
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