DVD News

The Illusionist materializes on DVD in January

By Patrick Luce Dec 21, 2006, 21:24 GMT

Oscar-nominees Paul Giamatti and Edward Norton lead an all-star cast in a film that conjures an exhilarating blend of suspense, romance and mind-bending twists.

Unravel the mystery of the year’s most hypnotic film when The Illusionist debuts on DVD January 9th from Fox Home Entertainment for the suggested retail price of $29.98.

From the producers of Crash and Sideways comes “a tantalizing, elegant fable of art, love and politics” (Rolling Stone).  Beloved by audiences and acclaimed by film critics, The Illusionist cast a spell at the box office, remaining in the top 10 for several weeks due to incredible word-of-mouth from fans.  Featuring an all-star cast including Academy Award nominees Edward Norton (American History X) and Paul Giamatti (Cinderella Man) along with Rufus Sewell (Tristan & Isolde) and sultry screen siren Jessica Biel (Blade Trinity), The Illusionist is an enthralling and intoxicating blend of mystery, suspense and romance that holds “enough surprises to keep you shocked, awed and applauding with joy” (The New York Observer). 

Set in the glittering world of turn-of-the-century Vienna, where nothing is as it appears, a master illusionist (Norton) and a police inspector (Giamatti) face off in a challenge of wills to determine where reality ends and magic begins . . . resulting in a breathtaking blend of suspense, romance and ultimately life and death. 
 
Synopsis:
Oscar-nominees Paul Giamatti and Edward Norton lead an all-star cast in a film that conjures an exhilarating blend of suspense, romance and mind-bending twists. The acclaimed illusionist Eisenheim (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 (Biel) rekindles a childhood fascination with Eisenheim, the Prince’s interest evolves into obsession...and suddenly the city’s Chief Inspector (Giamatti) finds himself investigating a shocking crime. Even as the Inspector engages him in a dramatic challenge of wills, Eisenheim prepares for his most impressive illusion.

DVD Special Features:
The Illusionist is loaded with exciting bonus features including audio commentary featuring writer/director Neil Burger and two featurettes with on-camera interviews with Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel and Rufus Sewell.  The DVD is available in widescreen and fullscreen versions.

The Illusionist is now available for pre-order at Amazon. As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.