Now You See Me Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Now You See Me," courtesy of Summit Entertainment and Lionsgate Films, showcases an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the widescreen aspect ratio of 2.40:1. This release exhibits a finely tuned sharpness and exemplary detail that extends beyond close-up shots, presenting a video quality that's almost flawless. Across varying locations from New York City to Paris, the visuals benefit greatly from vibrant colors, strong contrast levels, and deep blacks, enriching the viewing experience with an impressive depth of field and cinematic texture. Although the film's numerous dimly lit scenes and spotlight-heavy stage performances raise potential concerns for banding and shadow detail, these issues are largely negligible, ensuring a high-quality visual presentation that should meet the expectations of even the most critical videophiles.

The film, shot on 35mm, retains a palpable film grain that enhances its cinematic feel without overwhelming the viewer, perfectly balanced in the background. However, a slight inconsistency in skin tones was noted, varying from natural and well-saturated in outdoor and stage settings to occasionally oversaturated in interior scenes. This variation could be attributed to differing lighting conditions across the film's diverse shooting locations. Despite these minor variations, black levels remain solid throughout, with only a few instances where shadow detail could be challenging to discern. The presence of lens flares, possibly a stylistic choice influenced by the film's producers, does not detract significantly from the overall transfer quality.

Overall, this Blu-ray delivers an exceptional video experience that showcases the film's dynamic range from its cleverly lit stage scenes to the intricate details of its urban and exotic locales. While certain technical aspects such as slight skin tone discrepancies and minimal banding during intense light scenes might be noted by some viewers, these do not mar an otherwise stellar visual presentation. With strong black levels complementing the sharp detail and color saturation, "Now You See Me" on 4K UHD Blu-ray stands as a superb example of high-definition cinema that should delight both casual viewers and dedicated cinephiles alike.

The audio presentation of "Now You See Me" on 4K UHD Blu-ray boasts a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track that showcases the film's dynamic range and sound design prowess, especially during its high-octane sequences. By adeptly handling both the thrilling car chases and the meticulously orchestrated Vegas set piece, the audio mix not only enhances the action but also elevates quieter moments with a clarity that ensures every wave of audience sound or background noise enriches the scene. The dialogue remains crisp and well-prioritized amidst a complex soundscape, guaranteeing that viewers won't miss a beat of the witty exchanges or crucial plot points.

For those without a 7.1 setup, the downmix to 5.1 doesn't significantly compromise the audio experience, maintaining the integrity of both the explosive and nuanced sound elements. Additionally, the inclusion of a Dolby Digital 2.0 track, optimized for late-night viewing, ensures accessibility without sacrificing audio quality for those needing to keep volume levels down. This thoughtful inclusion, alongside an English Descriptive Audio and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 track, coupled with subtitles in English, English SDH, and Spanish, ensures a broad level of accessibility and enjoyment.

Central to this audio review is the impeccable fidelity, spatial separation of characters and elements within the mix, and an expansive dynamic range that transitions seamlessly from the softest whispers to the most jarring explosions. This auditory experience not only complements but intensifies the visual spectacle of "Now You See Me," captivating the listener with a surround sound experience that feels as vast and immersive as the magic on the screen.

The "Now You See Me" 4K UHD Blu-Ray extras package delivers a comprehensive and engaging behind-the-scenes look that fans of the film will appreciate. The highlight is the audio commentary with producer Bobby Cohen and director Louis Leterrier for the theatrical version, offering a mix of technical insights, production stories, and praise for the crew that makes it both informative and conversational. The featurette "Now You See Me Revealed" provides a decent look at the making, albeit lacking direct contributions from Leterrier. "A Brief History of Magic," guided by technical advisor David Kwong, adds a fascinating context by linking the film's tricks with historical magic acts. The package is rounded out with deleted scenes and trailers, though it's worth noting the distinction in extra content between this release and the DVD version, with the latter being movie-only. Despite some missed opportunities to critique the film's imperfections, the extras offer enough substance and entertainment to supplement the main feature well.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Producer Bobby Cohen and Director Louis Leterrier: Conversational yet informative commentary covering technical details, production challenges, and crew accolades.
• Now You See Me Revealed: Behind-the-scenes featurette with interviews from the cast and crew, barring director Leterrier.
• A Brief History of Magic: Hosted by David Kwong, it delves into the history of magic with references to the film.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of scenes not included in the final cut.
• Teaser Trailer: The initial preview of the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: The final trailer released to the public.

"Now You See Me" delivers a tantalizing blend of heist and caper elements, wrapped in a cloak of dazzling prestidigitation. This movie, which unexpectedly trumped big names at the box office, introduces us to four magicians with a unique edge. Featuring Jesse Eisenberg's street magician, Isla Fisher's escape artist, Woody Harrelson's mind-reading Merritt McKinney, and Dave Franco's adept pickpocket, the film quickly transitions from individual showcases to a collective display of illusion and sleight of hand that hints at a larger unseen force orchestrating their actions. With the backdrop of their spectacular Las Vegas show and subsequent performances cleverly interwoven with a narrative of magical intrigue and mystery, the movie captivates with its audacity and complexity, despite occasionally stumbling in its narrative coherence.

"Intricately plotted by Edward Ricourt, Ed Solomon, and Boaz Yakin, the screenplay navigates through a maze of delightful hoaxes aimed at both the characters within the movie and the audience watching. The magicians' quest to align with the elusive group "The Eye" propels the story into a high-stakes game against law enforcement, wherein FBI Agent Dylan Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo) and Interpol Agent Alma Dray (Mélanie Laurent) find themselves entangled in an increasingly confounding investigation. Despite its logical leaps and reliance on perfectly executed plans, 'Now You See Me' manages to remain a thoroughly entertaining endeavor that thrives on its ability to engage and surprise."

While the film's repeated viewings may diminish its initial enchantment by unveiling the mechanics behind its magic, it nonetheless stands as a testament to the allure of the unknown and the seductive power of illusion. The magic tricks, notably leaning on CGI yet plausibly grounded in reality as per Blu-ray extras, serve not just as narrative devices but as metaphors for the film's exploration of perception and belief. "Now You See Me," through its brisk pacing and compelling performances, ultimately succeeds in providing an engaging cinematic experience that, while it may not hold up to intense scrutiny, leaves audiences dazzled and entertained in the moment.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Now You See Me" provides a visually striking and aurally immersive experience that is bound to enchant viewers, much like the dazzling illusions performed by its protagonists. Despite the film's narrative fabric unraveling under close scrutiny—reminiscent of how a magician's tricks lose their magic backstage—the sheer entertainment value of this cinematic spectacle cannot be overstated. The high-definition transfer accentuates the flamboyance of the performances and the intricacies of the magic, with superb video quality and outstanding audio that amplifies the excitement of the rollercoaster plot. The special features, especially the commentary, offer an enriched viewing experience, providing insights without detracting from the movie's ephemeral allure.

While "Now You See Me" might not retain its full luster upon subsequent viewings, as the initial dazzle gives way to the realization that the plot's sleight of hand isn't as deft as it first appears, this does not significantly detract from its entertainment quotient. The advice to suspend disbelief and enjoy the ride is paramount. Viewers willing to do so will find the movie a worthwhile expenditure of their time and money, bolstered by a Blu-ray release that enhances every frame with impeccable clarity and vibrancy.

In conclusion, "Now You See Me" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is recommended for those in search of captivating, albeit fleeting, cinematic magic. The film, much like a well-executed magic trick, is best appreciated for its momentary thrill rather than the mechanics of its narrative. Its technical presentation is strikingly executed, providing a visual and auditory feast that complements the film's essence of illusion and spectacle.