magicDVD

DATA

107M 2006

VIDEO

Presented in anamorphically-enhanced 1.85:1 widescreen, this DVD looks terrific! Dark Sky Films did the right thing and had the picture remastered in HD from the 35mm original negative--and under the supervision of the movie’s cinematographer, Victor J. Kemper, A.S.C.

For a movie that’s almost 30 years old, MAGIC’s transfer shows no signs of age, particles or scratches. Neither did I notice any pixellation or digital edge deterioration. It is a solid, digital testament to Kemper’s evocative lensing. Simply put, a solid transfer!

AUDIO

Presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround, I basically got what I expected in this category.

I believe that MAGIC was never meant to be a THX-quality picture, anyway--so, we are presented with a basic aural landscape with little depth and little shifting sound FX--but in a case like this one...it’s acceptable.

Besides the English 2.0 track, there is also an English Subtitle option. Just telling you!

EXTRAS

For an old movie such as this, I found Dark Sky’s batch of extras here to be more than adequate. Observe:

Featurettes: There are several that comprise one short documentary and several interview pieces.

Fats & Friends (26:50) is a fascinating look at ventriloquism in cinema and is hosted by renowned ventriloquist Dennis Atwood--who also served as technical advisor and trainer on the movie. Co-hosted by the original Fats puppet, the doc (via Atwood) gives us plenty of dope on the movie. Nicely-done, if a bit exotic. [Presented in anamorphic 16x9]

An Interview With Victor J. Kemper, A.S.C. (12:16) is an informative interview with the legendary cinematographer. Chock full of anecdotes and techniques on filmmaking, this piece is woefully-short--but interesting to cinephiles and students alike. [Presented in anamorphic 16x9]

An Interview With Anthony Hopkins (06:14) is a bizarre interview with a reporter from a Spanish-speaking network or country in which the reporter questions and translates at the same time. Hopkins pretty much stays in character for this one. A vintage delight for an age of cinema long gone. [Presented in fullscreen 4x3]

Anthony Hopkins Radio Interview (03:20) is exactly what it sounds like--with one vital exception: instead of just hearing his charming Welsh accent over a still image we are treated to a voiceover conversation over bloopers and outtakes! This was sure a pleasant surprise. Kudos to Dark Sky, once again. [Presented in anamorphic 16x9]

Ann-Margret Make-up Test (01:18) is presented MOS and features the lovely actress being tested for make-up. Probably a big-deal for Ann’s fans. Either way, it’s something extra on here. [Presented in anamorphic 16x9]

Theatrical Trailer: Obvious. It being a product of the ‘70s, the trailer is a hoot to watch! Another kudo to Dark Sky for giving us an anamorphically-enhanced trailer. [Presented in anamorphic 16x9]

TV Spots: Creepy TV spots that remind me of how fun these things were back in the day! Two are in English while the other two are repeated in Spanish. The spots look and sound like garbage--but for me, that’s part of the nostalgia! [Presented in fullscreen 4x3]

Radio Spots: There are 3 spots here (2 English/1 Spanish) and they too are a hoot.

Still Gallery: A nice collage of 26 images, though nothing to write home about. But hey—better than nothing, right?

MIA: Something missing is an audio commentary from anyone associated with the production. Also, I would’ve loved to have seen some participation from Sirs Richard or Anthony or even Ann-Margret in the form of commentary or new interview. Liner notes would’ve rocked also. But, c’est la vie!

All told, a generous assortment of extras on this DVD--considering that MAGIC is an old, nearly-forgotten horror movie. But alas, it is now reborn!

PACKAGING

The cover art is a home video recreation, enclosed by a standard, translucent Amaray case. I usually don’t like home video recreations for DVD covers--but I do like this one, as it is rather effective. Inside the actual cover is the chapter index, but there is no insert.

OVERALL

With a terrific video transfer, mediocre audiotrack and a solid assortment of extras, this DVD release of MAGIC is a real treat for horror fans. Recommended based on the video and extras elements!