FemaleFirst.co.uk: DVD: The Illusionist [DVD] [2006]

The Illusionist [DVD] [2006]
enlarge	Director: Neil Burger Actors: Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel, Rufus Sewell Studio: Momentum Picture Home Ent Category: DVD List Price: ~~£19.99~~ Buy New: £1.94 as of 21/11/2009 10:02 GMT details You Save: £18.05 (90%) New (24) Used (28) Collectible (3) from £1.68 Seller: halfpricedvds Rating: 79 reviews Sales Rank: 2607 Format: PAL Language: English (Original Language) Rating: Parental Guidance Region: 2 Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Number Of Discs: 1 Running Time: 104 Minutes Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2 Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 EAN: 5060116722000 ASIN: B000MV82H0 Theatrical Release Date: 2006 Release Date: July 9, 2007 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days


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Editorial Reviews: Amazon.co.uk Review i The Illusionist/i offers welcome proof that "arthouse" quality needn't be limited to the arthouses. Set in turn-of-the-century Vienna, this stately, elegant period film benefited from a crossover release in mainstream cinemas, and showed considerable box-office staying power--granted, teenage mallrats and lusty males may have been drawn to the allure of iSeventh Heaven/i alumna Jessica Biel, who rises to the occasion with a fine performance. But there's equal appeal in the casting of Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti, who bring their formidable talents to bear on the intriguing tale of a celebrated magician named Eisenheim (Norton) whose stage performance offends the Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), a vindictive lout who aims to marry Duchess Sophie (Biel), Eisenheim's childhood friend and now, 15 years later, his would-be lover. This romantic rivalry and Eisenheim's increasingly enigmatic craft of illusion are investigated by Chief Inspector Uhl (Giamatti), who's under Leopold's command and is therefore not to be trusted as Eisenheim and Sophie draw closer to their inevitable reunion. Cleverly adapted by director Neil Burger from Steven Millhauser's short story i"Eisenheim the Illusionist,"/i and boasting exquisite production values and a fine score by Philip Glass, iThe Illusionist/i is the kind of class act that fully deserved its unusually wide and appreciative audience. i--Jeff Shannon/i

Customer Reviews: Showing reviews 1-5 of 79 1 2 3 4 5 6 ...16 Next » The Illusionist March 18, 2008 KM (England) 23 out of 23 found this review helpful 'The Illusionist' is based in early 1900's Vienna and begins when a carpenter's son falls in love with a girl who is in a higher class to him. The two are then seperated and he then turns to the mysterious world of magic. Many years later, the boy, now a famous magician named Eisenheim, performs in theatres to the masses. When the Crown Prince hears of his talents, he wishes to see it for himself and during one of his tricks, Eisenheim is reunited with is love, but she is already engaged to the Crown Prince. He must then use his magical abilities to get her back once and for all. br / br /This film has it all - suspense, romance, mystery, action and best of all, magic! With some fantastic performances from the lead cast - Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, Paul Giamatti and Rufus Sewell, and some amazing set pieces and special effects that had me totally engrossed in the movie from start to finish. Although this wasn't advertised as much as The Prestige (one of my favourite movies) I feel that this should have been equally praised by the critics as it is easily as brilliant as it and then some. The story kept me guessing the whole way through and had a really unexpected twist at the end. br / br /This is without a doubt one of the best films that I've seen recently and one that I'll definitely be recommending to others. br / A Beautiful 'Illusionary' Tale September 9, 2007 Winters Kiss (Scotland, UK) 27 out of 28 found this review helpful 'Vienna, 1900:Eisenheim (Edward Norton) is a brilliant stage magician, the greatest illusionist Vienna has ever seen. When his childhood friendship with Duchess Sophie Von Teschen (Jessica Biel), now betrothed to the power-hungry Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), is rekindled he finds himself a target for the Prince's anger. As the clandestine romance continues, Leopold orders the shrewd Chief Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti), the head of the secret police, to close down the theatre and make Eisenheim vanish. But as the net tightens around him and tragedy strikes, Eisenheim prepares to execute his greatest illusion yet' br / br /I Love it! The basic story is of Love...new love, love lost and love found. This aspect was depicted beautifully by Edward Norton and Jessica Biel. However this is not your typical romantic film. I thought the use of 'magic', Eisenheim's young interest and quest for magic tricks/Illusions was great; culminating in his years of searching, practising and refining his magicians skills, until he completes the plea Sophie asked of him when they were young. br /Breathtaking scenery, lovely plot, believable acting and a dose of illusionary magic...what more could you want!?! Moody and romantic August 3, 2007 Teresa Lloyd (England) 6 out of 7 found this review helpful I saw this film as soon as came out on DVD after falling for Edward Norton in "the painted veil". The thought of seeing Edward Norton in a romantic role was enough to guarantee my interest. br / br /The film is about a famous illusionist who loves a woman he cannot have as she is betrothed to a powerful Duke. The film follows them rediscovering their childhood love and how they try to be together. The illusions themselves were based on real life illusions I believe, but these are not the focus of the film, their relationship is. br / br /The supporting cast is good and the story is a unique one, with various twists and turns along the way. I didn't particularly like the way it was shot, all moody and dark, but it did give the effect of watching an old movie, all sepia tones etc. br / br /Overall it was a great film which I would recommend to anyone. Excellent August 21, 2007 Rob Smith (North Wales) 5 out of 6 found this review helpful A mixed bag of reviews. br /My wife and I enjoyed the film very much, I thought it was going to be a boring costume type drama, but I was very wrong, My wife said it is the best film she has seen in a long time. br /It was probably a little laboured half way through but stay with it. br /If I was to have one moan, the film appears to be filmed in candle light and some scenes were lost in shadows, I`m sure this is made to give the film a feel of the times. br /A well acted and enjoyable film, watch it, and be amazed by The Illusionist Magical! January 18, 2008 Mrs. N. J. Manchester (Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom) 2 out of 2 found this review helpful This is one of the best films I have seen in a long time. The storyline is well-thoughtout and clever. It's packed with suspense and remains so until the final, closing moments of the film. Both Norton and Biel put in fantastic perfomances. br /The Illusionist is neither too long nor too short, and it's one of those rare films I would like to watch again and again... Showing reviews 1-5 of 79 1 2 3 4 5 6 ...16 Next »

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