The latest, which aired on the History Channel and is now available on Digital HD and Extended Blu-ray, is “Houdini,” which stars Adrien Brody and Kristen Connolly. It’s an enjoyable production which was written by Nicholas Meyer and directed by Uli Edel, and was based on the book “Houdini: A Mind in Chains: A Portrait,” by Bernard C. Meyer.
Life and Career
The four-hour production roughly follows Houdini’s life as he evolved from a poor immigrant into a huge star. As a drama, the film takes lots of liberties. A new angle, the production presents aspects of Houdini’s supposed career in European espionage. There’s also marriage strife that’s shown between Houdini and his wife Bess.
The second half deals with the loss of Houdini’s mother, Spiritualism and his exposure of fraudulent mediums. While the biopic attempts to depict Houdini’s ambition, anguish and turmoil, it ultimately has a rather “by the numbers” feel to it.
Magic and Escapes
The production depicts Houdini’s notable escapes, stunts and illusions as he may or may not have presented and accomplished them. Here, Metamorphosis, escaping from a safe, the water torture chamber, milk can, strait jacket, elephant vanish and walking through a brick wall are all represented.
Interestingly, the production wants to reveal methods. Well documented escapes by Houdini: Metamorphosis, the milk can and walking through a brick wall, for example, which rely on mostly known methods, are exposed. But with other illusions, most notably, the historically inaccurate and entirely impossible (in a live setting) elephant vanish, there is no given explanation (other than implied Hollywood special effects).
The Houdini two-disc Blu-ray and two-disc DVD feature both the original televised version and an extended edition that incorporates 20-minutes of additional footage. There are also four behind-the-scenes featurettes. The sets are available at respectively, suggested retail prices of $29.99 and $26.98.
More Reading: The Magic Rap
Remembering Houdini - Magic & Illusion - About.com
Houdini's School of Magic, Vol. 1 - Magic & Illusion - About.com
The Remarkable Houdini Séance
To say " the film takes lots of liberties" is too kind. Houdini's life needs no Hollywood fabrications to be of deep historical interest. This film was a made up story that sprinkled a few facts here and there.
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