Warner Home Video The Prestige [Blu-ray] [2006] [Region Free]

Director Christopher Nolan's (The Dark Knight) eclectic resume gains another interesting entry with The Prestige Set in early 20th-century London, the film centres on the bitter rivalry between two magicians who go to increasingly dangerous lengths to upstage one another. Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Bordon (Christian Bale) start out as apprentice magicians, but when an elaborate stunt goes horribly wrong, they’re driven beyond the point of reconciliation. In the years that follow, Robert grows wildly jealous of Alfred's superior talents, so in a last ditch attempt to gain some artistic ground, he sends his beautiful assistant Olivia (Scarlett JohanssonT) to seduce Alfred and steal his secrets. Amazon.co.uk Review Sandwiched in-between his two Batman films to date, director Christopher Nolan served up the delightful mix of mystery, thriller and drama with The Prestige. It’s a visually striking film, with more than one scene that you could happily freeze-frame, print out and frame to put on your wall. Beautifully shot, and with a 1080p transfer that delights in highlight the sheer level of detail that’s clearly gone into the production, it’s a marvellous film that looks superb on Blu-ray. The story itself tells the tale of a pair of rival magicians, played by Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. One’s strength is his showmanship, the other is his illusions, and the rivalry between the two of them fuels an interesting film. The true magician of The Prestige is Nolan, however, who’s not averse to the odd sleight of hand himself, in a film that almost begs to be picked apart and debated once the credits have rolled. As well as the terrific video transfer, the Blu-ray of The Prestige boasts a diverting collection of extras, and a quality sound mix as well. But it’s the main feature that’s set to keep you talking. Superbly played by a terrific cast, and put together by one of the most interesting directors working in big-budget Hollywood movies, it’s a film to be treasured, warts and all. And this Blu-ray is the best way to do that. --Jon Foster