The Great Magician (2011/Well Go USA Blu-ray)
Picture:
A+ Sound: B Extras: C Film: B+
In the
early 1920s, the streets of a warring China were filled with tricksters,
con-men, and magicians. Nothing is what
it seems, the various generals and warlords use 'magic' to make people join the
army, the business men use their magicians to fund and hide their revolution,
and the old imperial court uses magicians to prophecy the return of the holy
Emperor. In particular, General Bully
Lei (Ching Wan Lau) and Master Magician Chang (Tony Leung Chiu Wai) compete for
the affection of same girl, who ever dazzles her the most wins. However, with Old Imperial Court joining forces with
Japanese, Bully and Chang must set aside their differences to stop a foreign
invasion in Yee Yung-Shing’s The Great
Magician.
This was
a comical film; General Bully and Magician Chang are stuck in a love triangle
over the same girl and both use 'magic' to fight each other. Bully is a tyrant, but is too much of a
gentleman to force the girl's hand and Chang is actually the girl's long lost fiancée,
both of them are adepts in trickery and sleight of hand. While the general
pretends to be a tyrant, but really protects the people and Chang works with
the revolutionaries to get the chance to win back his former fiancée's heart. When the Old Imperial Court ally itself with
Japanese spies to fulfill a magical prophecy of an invincible army, both of
them will have to use every trick in the book to stop the Imperial
revival.
This film
was eye candy for all those who love magic performances and sleight of hand.
While there is no real magic, each faction in the film uses magic in some way
or degree to either charm, frighten, or trick their opponents. Whether to win love, gain favor or the popular
vote, it is more entertaining to just watch all the various magic tricks and
how they are performed.
The 1080p
2.35 X 1 digital High Definition image transfer is terrific with great color
range, detail and was shot on Kodak Vision 3 35mm film stocks in the Super 35mm
film format. There are plenty of demo
shots here too. The DTS-HD MA (Master
Audio) 5.1 lossless mix is very consistent, warm, active and fine
throughout. The combination is
great. Extras include making of the film
and trailers.
- Ricky Chiang
