DVD review
Directed by Christopher Nolan
Starring Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Piper Perabo, Scarlett Johansson, David Bowie, Andy Serkis
Release date 12 March 2007

In the world of Victorian music hall, two showmen make it their life’s work to outdo each other using considerably more than sleight of hand...

Although Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Prestige detours from some key elements of Christopher Priest’s original novel, it proves a successful cinematic venture thanks to the director’s meticulous guiding hand.

Following the bitter rivalry between two magicians (Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale), the film packs in a series of twists and turns that never feel overly convoluted and which make a repeat viewing both necessary and pleasurable. With a capable cast given intriguing material to work with, it is only David Bowie – always a risk in a film role – who provides a weak link. His appearance is brief yet baffling, with an accent best described as variable. Scarlett Johansson, however, is in perfect voice as an East London showgirl, and proves wholly convincing in her short but memorable role.

For a film that has so many ideas just begging to be explored, it’s a pity that the DVD extras feature only dull press-kit padding. Given the chance for comment and discussion regarding the themes of the film, it appears that someone has missed a trick. Jonathan Wilkins

VERDICT: 8/10
Nolan’s film works a charm on DVD but the disc fails to conjure up many interesting extras.