Resident Evil – The High-Definition Trilogy (Resident Evil/ Resident Evil: Apocalypse/ Resident Evil: Extinction) [Blu-ray] ReviewsResident Evil – The High-Definition Trilogy (Resident Evil/ Resident Evil: Apocalypse/ Resident Evil: Extinction) [Blu-ray]
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Rating:  List Price: $ 59.95 Price: $ 31.84 The Illusionist [Blu-ray]
Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 06/08/2010 Run time: 110 minutes Rating: Pg13The Illusionist offers welcome proof that “arthouse” quality needn’t be limited to the arthouses. Set in turn-of-the-century Vienna, this stately, elegant period film benefited from a crossover release in mainstream cinemas, and showed considerable box-office staying power–granted, teenage mallrats and lusty males may have been drawn to the allure of Seventh Heaven alumna Jessica Biel, who rises to the occasion with a f
Rating: List Price: $ 24.99 Price: $ 16.65
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(out of 227 reviews)
(out of 491 reviews)
Review by !! Ravenova Majere !! for Resident Evil – The High-Definition Trilogy (Resident Evil/ Resident Evil: Apocalypse/ Resident Evil: Extinction) [Blu-ray]
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The deadly T-virus has now escaped the Umbrella Corporation’s rigorously controlled environment and infected the world. There are few who can remain alive in such a hostile atmosphere where nature has reclaimed her own and flesh hungry zombies seek the warm life blood of the living. Earth is desolate. The entire planet shown from afar is now visible as a barren Necropolis of broken dreams, empty lives, and the fruitless pursuit of existence. It’s over. . . or is it? Operation Alice is back, bigger and better than before. The fight for earth has begun . . .
Continuing the ever growing Resident Evil franchise, the latest installment in this seemingly endless movie series has actually managed to redeem much of the harm done in prior movies. While this is still not a “thinking man’s” film by any means, the numerous action sequences, interesting special effects, and superior scenes of zombie carnage combined to produce an entertaining and enjoyable film. Perhaps there is hope for the Resident Evil venture after all.
The story continues the very lose plot line established in earlier movies, that is, Alice runs around in skimpy clothes, as before, and engages in random acts of violence while taking herself very seriously. Meanwhile, the ever devious yet massively inefficient Umbrella Corporation tracks her, thinking to take on a monster that they have created, yet have proved time and again that they cannot control. So much for the whole notion of hindsight. But, if you have already seen the first two Resident Evil movies and are still coming back, then you already know all this. Let’s face it, the movies are just dumb, but they are fun if you can put aside your thinking cap and indulge in a Friday night flick with friends. And besides, there is one new theme that has emerged in Resident Evil: Extinction that is actually quite appealing in a macabre sort of way, the entire destruction of the world. While Resident Evil has never minded killing off large populations for the pleasure of a disturbingly blood thirsty public, no one ever quite anticipated that they were ready to eradicate the world. Yes, it’s been done before, but for some strange reason, this same old concept has a uniquely revolting attraction. The new theme works. Freud might have some interesting theories as to why, but let’s face it – - – no one really cares, we just want to be entertained.
Now, what about the characters? I, for a lack of anything better to do (thus are the trials of being nineteen) have unfortunately watched both of the original Resident Evil movies more than once and, despite this, still haven’t a clue as to what the character’s personality’s are really like. Apparently, Resident Evil: Extinction decided not to remedy this problem. We still don’t care about these people. As far as we are concerned, they are just future zombie bait or, as I prefer to say, zombie chow on parade. But wait! What about the elusive Alice? Yes, she is still “cool” with her no nonsense mannerisms, incredible and totally unrealistic fighting maneuvers, and her ultra sexy clothes but let’s face it, she’s just not a talker. Does anyone remember her ever saying more than three words? I rest my case. Resident Evil and characterization are not synonymous and they probably never will be. As I said, this is not a thinking man’s movie.
So, now that my poison pen is warmed up, I sadly must switch gears and move onwards, leaving my delightful cynicism behind and explaining the good qualities of this movie to any of you out there who were unfortunate enough to land on my review (laughs maniacally.) Resident Evil is mainly known for its concentration of high drama, edge of the seat tension, unpredictability, and special effects and in all these areas it delivers marvelously. The action presented in this movie far surpasses the first two films keeping the viewer hooked to the screen and diverting their attention from the actual lack of a deep plot. The action is non-stop and for the most part realistically depicted. The special effects have improved over the years and the directors were not afraid to capitalize on this especially since if all these scenes of carnage and mayhem were removed the movie could be recapped in less than three sentences. The combination of horror and action that is unique to the video game to movies franchise that is booming of late is presented most effectively in this film creating a very tense atmosphere and resulting in many unexpected deaths, mutilations, and zombiefications.
The conclusion was both oddly disappointing and strangely satisfying at the same time although it was obviously the prelude to yet another sequel (what ever happened to succinctness?) While Alice’s final battle with an unnamed but many clawed creature was abrupt and vastly disappointing especially considering that half the movie had been building up to this grand battle, the “surprise conclusion” that was presented afterwards was most unique and quite interesting thus redeeming the entire conclusion.
Ending Thoughts: The expert manipulation of effects and the inclusion of hordes of flesh hungry zombies and heart stopping action packed scenes will of course appeal to any cynical teenage audience; however, an older crowed will probably find it most banal. If you are more into the thinking man’s type of film, then this is not for you. If you are looking for a meaningless yet fun film, then Resident Evil: Extinction is definitely worth seeing.
- Ravenova
Review by Moonlight Graham for Resident Evil – The High-Definition Trilogy (Resident Evil/ Resident Evil: Apocalypse/ Resident Evil: Extinction) [Blu-ray]
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Considering the Resident Evil movie universe, this third entry into the series is probably on par with the first movie, if not better. I know many people aren’t fans of this series, but I do get a kick out of them. I thought the second one was a bit of a disappointment, but the series came back with Extinction. Alice is back, along with a couple of characters from Apocalypse. Humanity is on the brink of extinction now as the virus continues to grow and grow. As has been mentioned in other reviews, this is not exactly a unique take, but where else would they go with it? If you like the Resident Evil movies, definitely check this one out. If you didn’t like the first one, you should probably steer clear.
Review by tvtv3 for Resident Evil – The High-Definition Trilogy (Resident Evil/ Resident Evil: Apocalypse/ Resident Evil: Extinction) [Blu-ray]
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Milla Jovovich reprises her role as Alice in this latest installment of the RESIDENT EVIL franchise. The disaster of the Raccoon City experiment by the Umbrella Corporation has caused a worldwide outbreak of the deadly T-Virus. Those who haven’t been infected find themselves constantly on the go moving from one location to another. Alice moves and works alone. That is until she rescues a caravan of survivors under attack from a swarm of mutated crows in the deserts of Nevada not far from Las Vegas. The group includes former friends of Alice’s, Carlos Olivera (Oded Fehr) and L.J. (Mike Epps) and the leader of the group Claire Redfield (Ali Carter). Alice has evidence of a possible safe haven in Alaska and convinces the group to go there. But first they have to get gas in Las Vegas and the things in Vegas don’t necessarily just stay in Vegas anymore.
I was a little disappointed by RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION. I was looking forward to an epic battle between the survivors and the zombies or at least between those at the Umbrella Corporation. Actually, I would have settled for just a bunch of cool action sequences. Unfortunately, there isn’t a whole lot of that going on. There are a few minor skirmishes here and there. There’s also a lot of build-up to what’s supposed to be a huge battle, but it never happens.
I had assumed that RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION was going to be the final film in this video-game based trilogy, but the movie is so heavy on character development and ends with such a strange twist that at least one other film must be planned. The film does have a decent amount of blood and gore for those who like those things, but it isn’t as excessive as it is in the video games or previous movies (there’s violence, but not just as much).
Those who have seen the previous RESIDENT EVIL films will probably at least want to watch RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION. Also, even though she doesn’t have too much screen time, the movie is worth watching for Ali Carter. Of course, there’s also Milla Jovovich, too.
Review by Sky for Resident Evil – The High-Definition Trilogy (Resident Evil/ Resident Evil: Apocalypse/ Resident Evil: Extinction) [Blu-ray]
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I remember back in 2002 when Resident Evil came out how skeptical I was about a video game transfer to the big screen. But you gotta hand it to Writer/Director Paul Anderson on that one; he made a great, Action- Horror film.
Then along came Resident Evil: Apocalypse (RE2) in 2004. Anderson wrote the script, but turned the directing reins over to noob Alexander Witt…and you see Witt’s inexperience all over the movie. RE2 added an amateurish hokeyness that wasn’t present in the original.
In 2007 the series returns to straight-up Action – Horror with Resident Evil: Extinction (RE3). RE3 is not as dark and creepy as RE1, but it’s a lot better than RE2. Anderson again wrote the script, but relied on vet Russ Mulcahy (remember the cult 80s hit Highlander?) to direct. For RE3, Mulcahy went back to a lot of the basics that made the original so good.
RE1 and RE3 have good old fashion scares, tons of action and stories that never get boring. RE2 was entertaining and had its own share of action, but the story and the ‘horror’ lacked compared to 1 & 3.
The story is pretty consistent throughout all three movies. The deadly T-Virus is accidentally (or not) released by the Umbrella Corporation, and it’s up to Milla Jovovich to save the world from its effects: zombies, unthinkable mutations (man and animal alike) and the psychotic minds of the Umbrella Corp.
It’s certainly not necessary to watch all three to understand what’s going on in the individual releases. In fact, you don’t even need to watch them chronologically. But if you’re into the Action – Horror genre, and you haven’t seen the first two, I recommend just starting from the beginning and enjoy the ride.
Review by celticriver for Resident Evil – The High-Definition Trilogy (Resident Evil/ Resident Evil: Apocalypse/ Resident Evil: Extinction) [Blu-ray]
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i saw the midnight showing of this film, and i must say. while i was not dissappointed completely, sometimes i found that the movie was all over the place. the storyline could’ve been tighter, but all-in-all, not half bad. it was better than RE2. (spoiler alert) keep in mind, the ending does absolutely nothing but set you up for Resident evil IV. however, there were some good points–when alice uses telekinesis to kill the birds, that was a very well-shot sequence. the audience cheered. (end) it was low on zombie attacks, but did keep me concerned about the ragtag group of survivors. and the action sequences were top notch.
Review by prisrob for The Illusionist [Blu-ray]
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“Eisenheim, making it easier to appreciate the movie’s elegant cinematic sleight of hand. As with any good magic show, the fun of a picture like this lies in knowing that we’re being tricked and trying to figure out how the trick works, rather than having the rug pulled out from under us all of a sudden at the end.” LA Times.
“The Illusionist” directed by Neil Burger is a powerful film that tells the darkly, romantic story of an “Illusionist”, Eisenheim, played by Edward Norton who falls in love as a teenager to Sophie von Teschen, Jesscia Biel. Because Eisenhiem was poor and Sophie from a wealthy upper-class family the union was not to be. We return to the Vienna of the 1900′s, Eisenheim is now a famous Illusionist and he finds Sophie is engaged to Crown Prince Leopold, one who is said to be a sadist with his ladies. In the opening scene, Eisenheim is found alone on the stage. The dark, simple, dreary, stage that comes to life when Eisenheim displays his art. This magic is worrisome to Crown Prince Leopold, played by Rufus Sewell and he orders Chief Inspector Uhl, Paul Giamatti, to arrest Eisenheim for fraud. This dark, sinister plot adds to the feel of the film, it is as if the dim light hides a glow. The magic of an orange seed that blooms into a full orange tree bearing fruit. And, the ghosts that fade into view and then disappear. We want it to be so, we want to believe that “all is not what it seems”, and then again “is that all there is?”
The plot thickens as Sophie faces danger and Eisenheim accuses Crown Prince Leopold of misdeeds. A game of cat and mouse ensues and it is Chief Inspector Uhl who becomes the centrist trying to decide who “The Illusionist” is and what is real. Paul Giamatti steals this movie, in my opinion. He is ruthless and thoughtful and in the end we discover he is also a man of the law. We discover, through Chief Inspector Uhl that this film is a moral story about power and deception.
The photography and film are powerful. The old Austria is well represented. The feel of the early 1900′s and the era of Prince Joseph Franz and what is to come, spring to life through the scenes of the richness of Crown Prince Leopold’s surroundings compared to a simple hunting lodge. We are able to feel the darkness and the glow that survives.
The soundtrack to “The Illusionist” recorded by Philip Glass is a marvelous score. The music becomes a large part of the movie, telling the story when there is no dialogue. The music is eerie and telling and lovely and matches the darkness that starts to glow.
This is a movie to remember, a movie to ruminate -is this real, is that all there is? The wooden necklace that Sophie wears was made by Eisenheim just for Sophie, and is an allegory of this film. It is made in such a way that when opened, becomes a heart with a picture of a young Eisenheim inside. Think about this- when opened, the truth is revealed. “This is a movie in which the future doesn’t exist — all that matters is the misty golden halo of its own present, a vibrant city standing at the edge of a new century. Blink and it’s gone. But at least the glow remains.” salon.com
Highly Recommended. prisrob 08-21-06
Review by C. Middleton for The Illusionist [Blu-ray]
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This is an excellent gothic thriller based on the short story by Steven Millhauser, Eisenheim The Illusionist, set in late 19th century Vienna about the son of a young cabinetmaker who falls in love with a young Viennese aristocrat and is banned from seeing her as he is a basic commoner. As the legend goes about the young lad, he meets a travelling magician on the road who shows him the secrets of illusion, where he sets off to exotic lands to learn the mysteries of life. He returns to Vienna after his travels and opens a show in the great city to astonish not only Vienna’s common public with his quasi supernatural illusions, but also Crown Prince Rudolf, son of Emperor Franz Josef who then reigned over the Austrian Hungarian Empire.
Originally the short story was written as a political criticism of the Monarchy, based on the scandalous incident, where the bodies of Rudolf and his mistress, Baroness Mary Vetsera were found shot in a Royal hunting lodge, apparently a murder suicide which the Royal family kept from the public for many years.
Edward Norton as Eisenheim is understated and brilliant, as the many sleight of hand tricks in the film were actually done by the gifted actor. Norton must have practiced for months to reveal such confidence and skill needed for these types of trick. However, Norton’s character portrayed a perfect man of mystery, begging the question, are these mere illusions or does Eisenheim possess supernatural power, controlling matter, energy, space and time itself.
The special effects in this film are well done. My favourite illusion in the film, (and they’re many) is the Excalibur Sword illusion where Eisenheim borrows Rudolf’s sword, somehow magnetizes it to the stage standing straight up, asking the various aristocrats’ in the audience to release it from its position. Of course none can release the sword, as they, like the Arthur legend, are not meant to be king. When Prince Rudolf attempts to pull the sword from its stationary stance, he finally does so with great effort; by causing the ruthless Prince some embarrassment, Eisenheim is now a targeted enemy of the Crown.
Paul Giamatti as the corrupt Inspector Uhl really shows what a versatile and gifted actor he really is, able to do comedy, tragedy, fantasy…a very impressive performance.
The overall look of the film had the atmosphere as if we are viewing a primary historical source, the director using 80 year old editing techniques etc., this was unusual but effective for such a mixed genre film – fantasy, thriller, supernatural thriller and fairy tale romance.
When first seeing this film I was spellbound and the ending, a perfect twist, making The Illusionist a perfect example of skilful storytelling.
This is an excellent film.
Review by Kelly L. Norman for The Illusionist [Blu-ray]
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Set in Vienna, filmed in Prague,and just about as lovely as anything I’ve seen on the large screen, “The Illusionist” stars Edward Norton as a charismatic magician, and Jessica Biel as his high-born love interest. In keeping with its magic and later, occult, theme, the film unwinds through shadow and darkness, like a carriage being horsedrawn through fin-de-siecle Europe’s narrow streets. Philip Glass’s minimalist score, rather than acting as an anachronism as one might expect, enhances the ethereal, other-worldly quality. Edward Norton brings to Eisenheim, the central character (the book is based on the short story “Eisenheim, the Illusionist”, by Steven Millhauser)an understated quality that adds to the sense that he always knows more than we do…and more than the characters in the film, including the two that most want to undo his works of magic, Inspector Uhl and Crown Prince Leopold. Unfortunately, the latter is engaged to Dutchess Sophie van Teschen, Biel’s character. Leopold’s intent is not only to prevent his lower class rival’s success, but to control Sophie completely. Uhl, on the other hand, continues to respect Eisenheim, even as he is carrying out the Crown Prince’s orders to shut the magician’s show down.
As the tale unwinds (and it does ever more quickly as it moves toward the end), we do learn more and more about what lies behind Eisenheim’s sad eyes. When Sophie’s body turns up in the river after an argument with Leopold, Eisenheim’s shows take on a dark change and he becomes kind of a “John Edwards” of the 19th century…but this John Edwards can summon holographic ghosts onto the stage, much to the delight of his audience. Is he becoming more and more obsessed and perhaps insane as Sophie begins to appear in these seances? In a twinkling, we find out as much about Eisenheim as we have during the entire film, and the lines in the Sophie-Leopold-Eisenheim triangle between the innocent and the devious aren’t so clear.
A film to be savored.
Review by K. Boullosa for The Illusionist [Blu-ray]
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I was taken by surprise when I saw this film – I had read Steven Millhauser’s short story, on which it is based, but had missed the film when it came out. The film takes the bare bones of the short story and imposes upon them the intense childhood attachment between Eisenham and his aristocratic neighbor, and the ensuing romance touching the core of the Hapsburg dynasty shortly before it and its empire go down to ruin. Neither the childhood romance nor the rivalry with the Hapsburg heir appears in the short story. I am usually outraged when original literary works receive such treatment by Hollywood. However, in this case, I was rewarded with a lovely, romantic jewel of a film that works quite well on its own terms. The script begs one or two narrative questions, but this is one of the rare cases in which these don’t matter much, overall. Contrary to the opinion expressed by a reviewer below, in my opinion the film is defined by the sense of hidden strength and longing with which Edward Norton imbues Eisenham. The broken childhood attachment that convinces him to follow his calling as a magician, and the later reunification with his lost love that this choice brings about, make for a very satisfying journey, indeed. It is precisely Eisenham’s ability to hide his thoughts, his canny self-control, and his relationship to his magic (which is to say, his broader view of what is possible and what is not), and their ultimate triumph over blunt authority and the social order, that make the film so appealing.
The rest of the cast is very good, as well, particularly Paul Giammati as the police inspector and Rufus Sewell as the unstable and vicious Crown Prince Leopold. Jessica Biel is the weakest leak in this chain as Eisenham’s (adult) love: her “Viennese” accent slips the most often, and she is not as charismatic as Norton, but she does well enough and doesn’t spoil the movie. The film is set in Vienna in 1910, and the American actors, as well as the British Sewell, were coached to produce a “Viennese” accent, but it isn’t, quite, and the result among the Americans is an inconsistent sound that is neither British nor Viennese, and which Biel, in particular, had trouble maintaining. There are a few narrative weakness. One is the Duchess not recognizing Eisenham, the love of her youth, 15 years later as she stares into his eyes on stage – he was already an extraordinary young magician when she first knew him and already possessed of an adult voice. Then there is the little matter of the Duchess’s exit, apparently with no questions from the noble family who presumably would have wished to bury her! But these quibbles, somehow, are easily set aside in the somewhat fairy-tale-like atmosphere of the film, which was imaginatively shot in sepia tones that enhanced this. This eerie atmosphere is also greatly enhanced by Philip Glass’s delicate, mysterious score. Romantics, rebels, and dreamers everywhere will appreciate the themes of this film as expressed through the relationships among the characters. The magical effects, of course, are enhanced by the wonders of computer technology. One is aware of this while watching, but doesn’t care.
A charming and romantic film with a truly unique feel to it, highly recommended.
Review by CoffeeGurl for The Illusionist [Blu-ray]
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I have been lucky enough to encounter great films that I probably wouldn’t have watched had it not been for Netflix. I watched and fell in love with The Prestige and was curious about a movie that was being compared to it called The Illusionist. Curious, I gave it a whirl. First thing I have to say is that the stories of The Illusionist and The Prestige are nothing alike. Content-wise, they have similar themes and setting (late Victorian, early Edwardian) and then there is the fact that the protagonists of both these films are magicians. There are also some supernatural or magic realism elements in both films as well. However, the similarities end there. This movie centers on Eisenheim (Edward Norton), a famous and fascinating illusionist who is rumored to have supernatural powers and uses them on his magic tricks. He reunites with his childhood friend Sophie, a young duchess who had planned to run away with him when they were teenagers (Jessica Biel). They meet again and sparks fly, but Sophie is engaged to the Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), who is corrupt and sadistic and has the power to get rid of anyone who gets in his way. Leopold, suspicious of their mutual affection, uses Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti) to find ways to get rid of Eisenheim. Will Eisenheim and Sophie ever be free to be together?
This is such a beautiful film. The setting of Vienna during the turn of the twentieth century is truly breathtaking. And the backdrop of magic and supernatural powers is just as eye catching. This film is a feast for the eyes. I absolutely love the twist at the end and it left me with a smile on my face. This is a unique, suspenseful love story not like any other love story. I have loved Edward Norton since watching him in Fight Club and he is absolutely wonderful here. Biel and Sewell are also great in their roles. Paul Giamatti, however, is a true showstopper here next to Norton. He, like Michael Caine in The Prestige, plays a wonderfully complex character and you want him to be on the good guys’ side. The Illusionist has found a place in my DVD collection. This is a must-see and a must-own for sure. I love The Prestige for its dark theme, and I love The Illusionist for its magic and passion. These films are similar and different at the same time, but one thing is for sure: they are both 100% recommended!