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| Dvdivas
was founded by John Gabbard in 2000. It's purpose has been and
remains to be to provide you, the entertainment community with
the latest dvds and movie reviews. It will continue to be your
link to the most popular dvd movies. |
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“Magic”
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Reviewer:
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Wayne
A. Klein
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Studio: |
Dark Sky |
| Genre: |
Thriller |
Release:
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5/23/06 (original release date
4/25/06) |
| Special
Features: |
“Fats and Friends” featurette,
Interview with Anthony Hopkins, Interview with cinematographer
Victor J. Kemper, A.S.C., Archival Anthony Hopkins radio interview,
Ann Margret make up test, still gallery, theatrical trailer,
radio and TV spots |
| Review:
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Corky (Anthony Hopkins) a failed magician hits the
big time with his ventriloquist act featuring the foul mouthed
Fats. When fame comes knocking at his door Corky's world
begins to unravel when a major network wants to give him
a deal but insists that he undergo a medical examination.
His new found fame begins to overwhelm him so Corky returns
to his hometown and starts an affair with a crush from high
school (Ann-Margaret). It quickly becomes evident to his
manager (Burgess Meredith) that Corky is mentally unbalanced.
***
A riveting thriller "Magic" met with hostile critical
reaction when it was r eleased despite a strong script by
William Goldman ("Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid", "Marathon
Man", "All the President's Men") from his novel, agile,
suspenseful direction by Sir Richard Attenbrough and an
incredible performance from Anthony Hopkins. Fans may want
to note that this film has been rescheduled for a late May
release due to an unidentified snafu. If you can find a
copy you'll be a lucky (and happy) camper until the "offical"
release date later next month. Nevertheless, this is a film
worth waiting for and one that fans have been aniticipating
for quite some time. "Magic" features one of Hopkins' earliest
strong performances and anticipates the skill he would demonstrate
in later films dur ing his career.
Image & Sound: This re-release on the Dark Sky Home
Video label features a stunning brand new transfer from
the original 35 millimeter negative for the film. The film
is presented in its original widescreen aspect ratio that's
been enhanced for 16X9 Television sets. It's a pity it hasn't
been remixed for 5.1 Dolby Digital but its possible the
original soundtrack elements may not exist any longer. ---
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| Special
Features: |
Dark Sky has produced a number
of attractive extras for this terrific edition. "Fats & Friends"
is a nea5rly 30 minute featurette on the film providing background
on the history of ventriloquism and plenty of behind-the-scenes
stories. We find out for example that Jack Nicholson was originally
going to be cast opposite Laurence Olivier in the film and
with a different director (Norman Jewison). "An Interview
with Victor J. Kemper" the cinematographer on the film features
plenty of behind-the-scenes information on the making of the
film as well and runs just over 12 minutes. We also get a
vintage radio interview with Anthony Hopkins playing behind
bloopers and cut sequences from the film. We also get Ann-Margret's
silent make up tests shot for the movie as well as a photo
gallery and the original theatrical trailer. --- |
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Final Words:
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A gem of a suspense thriller,
the “Magic” returns in this special edition DVD of a classic
underrated film. Packed with terrific extras, and a nearly
flawless transfer for a 30 year old film, “Magic” benefits
from a terrific central performance by Anthony Hopkins and
strong support from a cast including both Ann Margaret and
Burgess Meredith. Highly recommended for fans of suspense
thrillers it’s one of director Richard Attenborough’s most
accomplished films. |
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