Magic Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Magic," featuring a 1080p AVC-encoded transfer, is a standout presentation, primarily attributed to its meticulous supervision by the cinematographer, Victor J. Kemper. This level of involvement ensures the integrity and authenticity of the film's original visual aesthetic. Filmed from the original 35mm negatives, the transfer showcases a strong, stable, and consistent picture quality. The film presents a distinctive dry, autumnal look with subdued colors and a deliberate softness to certain scenes, particularly those focusing on Ann-Margret. Skin tones appear pale yet natural, while the image maintains a pleasingly grainy texture indicative of the film's era. The 1.85:1 aspect ratio supports Kemper's deep-focus shots, providing excellent spatial depth in both urban and rural settings. Interestingly, while some scenes are richly detailed, particularly close-ups, other broader landscape shots can appear flat.

Contrast levels are generally fair but exhibit occasional fluctuations, resulting in some haziness. However, the black levels are robust, revealing fine grain without significant noise reduction artifacts. The transfer handles dark scenes well, adding layers of menace, especially in sequences involving Fats' unsettling presence. The accompanying bit rate of 30.98 Mbps further ensures fidelity in representing hair strands, clothing textures, and facial expressions with clarity and authenticity.

Although some might find the film's color palette rather drab, it's essential to recognize this as a deliberate artistic choice reflecting the original vision. Thus, the Blu-ray performs impeccably in reproducing the film's innate atmospheric nuances without succumbing to artificial enhancements or edge enhancements. Enthusiasts should appreciate the authentic visual rendition and respect for the film's original cinematic intentions that this Blu-ray release achieves.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Magic" offers a PCM Uncompressed 2.0 mono mix that provides a generally faithful reproduction of the original soundtrack. This lossless track ensures a clear and dynamic range, doing commendable justice to Jerry Goldsmith's poignant score, considered one of his most emotionally resonant works. Despite the film's intimate nature and rather minimalist approach to sound design, there are moments where subtle atmospheric effects could have added depth, specifically in scenes dealing with vocal manipulation. However, the dialogue remains clear and well-articulated, notably preserving the nuanced performance of Anthony Hopkins as he transitions between his character Corky and the ventriloquist dummy, Fats. Unfortunately, there are two noticeable audio glitches early in the film where Hopkins' dialogue becomes momentarily disjointed.

The ambient sound design, while not overly detailed, is sufficient for creating a believable auditory environment. City streets and nightclub scenes maintain an adequately realized background hubbub, and natural nighttime sounds such as crickets outside the cabin add to the film's atmospheric tension. Specific sound effects like water splashes and rowboat oars are naturally integrated into the mix without unnecessary enhancement. However, moments of intense dialogue, particularly during shouting scenes, can exhibit a slight tinny quality. Despite these minor critiques, the soundtrack's approach generally remains faithful to the original source, delivering shocks and emotional beats effectively. Overall, the unobtrusive 2-channel spread allows for a clean listening experience, barring the aforementioned minor anomalies.

The Blu Ray extras for "Magic" provide a comprehensive and engaging dive into the film's creation and its thematic backdrop. Dark Sky has curated a collection that goes beyond the typical add-ons to offer genuine substance and insight. William Goldman’s interview in "Screenwriting for Dummies" is invaluable, detailing the screenplay’s journey with candid anecdotes. Dennis Alwood’s "Fats and Friends" effectively merges the history of ventriloquism with behind-the-scenes details about "Magic." Victor J. Kemper’s discussion on cinematography adds depth, focusing on the psychological approach to lighting. However, the Ann-Margret makeup test and Spanish TV interview with Anthony Hopkins might feel less impactful. The disc also includes trailers, TV, and radio spots, adding historical advertising context.

Extras included in this disc:

Screenwriting for Dummies: William Goldman discusses the film’s development and casting. Fats and Friends: History of ventriloquism and its role in the movie. Victor Kemper: Cinematographer: Interview with insights on his approach to lighting. Ann-Margret make-up test: A brief, silent makeup test clip. Anthony Hopkins radio interview: Insights on Hopkins' career accompanied by raw dailies. Trailer: Original promotional trailer. Anthony Hopkins interview: Spanish TV interview with Hopkins. TV and Radio Spots: Various English and Spanish advertisements.

"Magic" showcases its macabre 70s chiller atmosphere, with a glossy yet dark sheen, which has somewhat waned over time. Despite its claustrophobic and tightly enclosed setting, the plot developments can feel forced, perhaps due to its soap-operatic narrative restrictions. However, Anthony Hopkins' portrayal of Corky is masterful, reflecting the character's deep-seated psychosis and shy aggression, manifested through his ventriloquist dummy, Fats. Hopkins' performance is intentionally over-the-top, resonating with the troubled nature of Corky without falling into excessive backstory or psychological exposition—a testament to William Goldman's restrained writing.

The storyline intricately blends psychological drama with moments of effective violence, deviating from modern horror's gore and jump scares. Despite the film’s age, the collective efforts of acclaimed talents like Goldman, director Richard Attenborough, and Hopkins ensure its enduring appeal. Hopkins delivers a nuanced performance, embodying Corky's repressed frustrations channeled through the loud, brash persona of Fats. Their dynamic is both unsettling and evocative, supported by a screenplay that suggests multiple interpretations about Corky’s descent into madness.

Key scenes are expertly crafted with unsettling intensity, particularly those involving Corky's interactions with Peggy Ann Snow (played by Ann-Margret) and his agent Ben Greene (Burgess Meredith). The scene where Greene challenges Corky to silence Fats for five minutes stands out for its remarkable tension and psychological depth. Such moments underscore Magic's strength: compelling character studies within a framework that leaves viewers questioning reality. This Blu-ray release shines a light on this often-overlooked gem within the "evil doll" genre, embodying both chilling dread and intricate character intrigue.

"Magic" on Blu-Ray showcases the film's exceptional performances and intricate storytelling with improved audio-visual quality. Anthony Hopkins, known for 'The Silence of the Lambs,' delivers a masterful portrayal of Corky, a role that demands both technical precision and emotional depth, which may have been underappreciated due to his lesser fame at the time. Ann-Margret excels in her role as a poignant character seeking new possibilities, while Burgess Meredith brings a remarkable balance of humor and seriousness to the film. Not to be overlooked is Fats, a character who transitions from comedy to chilling menace seamlessly.

The Blu-Ray transfer highlights the film's sharp cinematography, ensuring that Victor Kemper's work remains visually compelling. The enhanced resolution and color grading do justice to the film's atmospheric tone, while the improved audio enhances the experience without overshadowing the subtle nuances of the performances. Special features and commentaries included in this release provide valuable insights into the film's production and its thematic complexities.

In conclusion, "Magic" remains fresh and engaging, thanks to its extraordinary cast and meticulous direction. The Blu-Ray edition is highly recommended for both new viewers and long-time fans, providing an enriching way to relive or discover this classic film.