The Film
At a turning point of theater and culture, a French illusionist sees less magic in his life as he discovers his days on stage are numbered. After being turned out of a theater in Paris the magician travels to Scotland in search of gigs. In a small seaside town he meets a young girl, who follows him to Edinburgh where he performs at a theater and a father-daughter blossoms develops between the two.
This practically wordless film, The Illusionist (originally titled L'illusionniste), uses animation and expressive action to communicate. The film was nominated for best Animated film of the year for 2010 and shares the same Director, Sylvian Chomet, as the Oscar-Nominated The Triplets of Belleville (2003). Both films lost out to Disney/Pixar movies (Toy Story 3 and Finding Nemo respectively).
The Picture
Presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio in a 1080p High Definition transfer, the animation is crisp. While the transfer is quite good, the style of animation is similar to that of animated classics of the past. Despite the old style of the animation, it's done with high resolution in mind. There were no overt issues with the picture in the feature film or extras.
The Sound
The Blu-ray, offered in 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, creates the atmosphere for this movie with virtually no dialog. Music from the transition from the 1940s to 1950s plays a starring role. Featuring primarily classical music composed by Malcolm Ross, a few moments of rock appear to ring out the change from vaudeville-style theater to the musical performances that came to define that era.
Sound design contrasts the music with vocal gestures and actions from the characters to make up for any lack of dialog.
The Extras
Extras on The Illusionist Blu-ray+DVD Combo Pack are almost as wordless as the film itself. There is a making-of feature and a second segment, "The Animation Process: A Rare Look at the Line Tests and Progression Sequences." Both extras show animators making the images come to life for the movie. They're interesting to watch.
Final Thoughts
A complex story is distilled to simple storytelling in The Illusionist. As an animated film with more mature undertones, the film isn't for the child but will ring true for the child at heart in everyone. It is easy to see this film accepted as a classic, among niche audiences. For others, it's a lighthearted film that shows some endearing moments.
Product Details
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