From 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

The Illusionist

The Illusionist Credit: Fox Home Entertainment

This romantic thriller, co-starring Edward Norton and Jessica Biel, is about a 19th century illusionist/magician named Eisenheim who is the toast of Vienna but Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell) wants to bring him down and sends a police inspector to figure out his "tricks". Duchess Sophie (Biel), object of the prince's affection, rediscovers her childhood love who turns out to be Eisenheim (Norton) and the prince goes ballistic leaving the inspector to piece together a murder mystery with some really elaborate tricks behind it.

Special Features: Not that extensive. The "Making Of" featurette is the usual sell-the-film press stuff with everyone talking about their love of the movie, director, etc. The Jessica Biel interview seems to be a combo of all her clips from the "Making Of" featurette. Redundant and disappointing to her teen fans.

The "Director's Commentary" by Neil Burger is really cool, however. He talks about the short story on which the film is based, explains the magic tricks and talks about his actors, discussing the choice of Jessica as a leading lady in a period film. Really honest and good.