THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE [2010] [Blu-ray + DVD] [USA Release]
From The Director and Producer of the film ‘National Treasure.’
Magic is everywhere in Disney's ‘THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE’ is the fun family adventure from the creators of the film ‘National Treasure.’ Balthazar Blake [Nicolas Cage] is a modern-day sorcerer with his hands full defending Manhattan against dark forces. When a seemingly average kid shows hidden potential, Balthazar Blake takes his reluctant recruit on a crash course in the art and science of magic to become the ultimate sorcerer's apprentice. Experience more extraordinary thrills, heart-stopping action and spectacular special effects than you can imagine as these unlikely partners show us that the real world is far more magical than we ever knew! Narrated by Ian McShane.
FILM FACT No.1: Awards and Nominations: 2010 Teen Choice Awards: Nomination: Choice Summer Movie. 2011 ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards: Win: Top Box Office Films for Trevor Rabin.
FILM FACT No.2: The basic idea for the film was mostly Nicolas Cage's, who wanted to explore a mystic world and play a character with magical powers, and following a suggestion by his producer friend Todd Garner, decided to make a feature-length movie based upon the ‘Fantasia’ segment of the same name. On the 12th February, 2007, this film was announced by Disney. References to the original Disney animation includes the scene where David "Dave" Stutler [Jay Baruchel] animates mops to clean his laboratory, and having Mickey Mouse's hat in the post-credits scene.
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, Alfred Molina, Teresa Palmer, Toby Kebbell, Omar Benson Miller, Monica Bellucci, Alice Krige, Jake Cherry, James A. Stephens, Gregory Woo, Wai Ching Ho, Jason R. Moore, Robert B. Capron, Peyton Roi List, Sándor Técsy, Marika Daciuk, Nicole Ehinger, Adriane Lenox, Ethan Peck, Manish Dayal, Oscar A. Colon, Joe Lisi, William Devlin, Victor Cruz, Melissa Gallagher, Parisa Fitz-Henley, Brandon Gill, Henry Yuk, Jordan Johnston, Izuchukwu Mozie, Amit Soni, Maha Chehlaoui, Adria Baratta, Rosie Moss, Ian Alda, Tarek Arafat, (uncredited), Kerry Britt (uncredited), Rich Campbell (uncredited), JoiRani Dreemz (uncredited), John Farrer (uncredited), Rohit Gaur (uncredited), Johnathan Hallgrey (uncredited), Jian Leonardo (uncredited), David MacDonald (uncredited), Ian McShane (uncredited), Jessie Nagpal (uncredited), Ryan O'Callaghan (uncredited), Lorna Pruce (uncredited), Nick Sartori (uncredited), Vixit Thamboun (uncredited) and Gerrold Vincent (uncredited) (uncredited)
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Producers: Barry H. Waldman, Ben Haber, Chad Oman, Cecile Leroy Beaulieu, Jerry Bruckheimer, Mike Stenson, Nicolas Cage, Norman Golightly, Pat Sandston and Todd Garner
Screenplay: Carlo Bernard (screenplay), Doug Miro Lawrence (screenplay), Konner (screen story), Mark Rosenthal (screen story) and Matt Lopez (screen story/screenplay)
Composer: Trevor Rabin (composed music only)
Cinematography: Bojan Bazelli, A.S.C. (Director of Photography)
Image Resolution: 1080p
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
Audio: English: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
English: 2.0 Descriptive Video Service
French: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Spanish: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Subtitles: English SDH, French and Spanish
Running Time: 109 minutes
Region: Blu-ray: All Regions and DVD: NTSC
Number of discs: 2
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures / Jerry Bruckheimer Films
Andrew’s Blu-ray Review: ‘THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE’ [2010] is a hectic assembly of mystical-action hijinks, and is one’s simple summer flick that keeps the popcorn crisp. The story isn't original and does fill you with a sense of Deja vu, but some critics have wondered what Nicholas Cage makes you wonder what exactly his career plan is. But then, there is Alfred Molina on the other side who seems to be having so much fun playing the mean wizard, he fills your heart with devilish glee. There is a lot of fun wizardry stuff with this film.
Watching Alfred Molina's antics as he tries to unleash his fury and dabble with gargoyles that change into dragons and mirrors that capture him in crowded New York washrooms sure was uproarious fun. Add to this the geeky Jay Baruchel with his laid-back charms and his sleepy super-hero act, and you have enough to keep you occupied throughout the film. As to the British actor Toby Kebbell [Drake Stone] with the atrocious pathetic British accent, and whatever possessed the studio to hire him, as he was a total embarrassment and I cannot understand why they did not hire someone decent and especially a much more professional British actor.
But what about the film ‘THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE’ and remember Merlin, the most famous wizard of all wizard lore, long before Harry Potter came into being? Well, Merlin has a bunch of good and bad followers who have been playing around on terraferma for almost 1,400 years. This time round, the game gets a bit too destructive: Armageddon is the word and it's left to the good wizard Balthazar [Nicholas Cage] to save the world from bad wizard Horvath [Alfred Molina] by finding the new age messiah. And who is he? Nerdy New York student Dave Butler [Jay Baruchel], known as the Prime Merlinian, with palms of fire.
The most novel aspect of the film is that it takes place in Manhattan, and makes entertaining and unexpected use of the City, from Wall Street to the ledge of the Chrysler Building. The story follows a somewhat predictable but serviceable formula, and the actors do their jobs, including the always-welcome Alfred Molina as Nicholas Cage’s extended-lifelong rival, and again the special effects are spectacular. No one among the Disney fan community need worry that this film will supersede the film ‘Fantasia’ or erase its memory and ‘THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE’ will never supersede the brilliant animated ‘Fantasia’ film, as the two films are totally different and people should not compare the two.
This is an attempt by Disney at a Harry Potter-style magic, but as compensation you get a barrage of spectacular special effects. Director Jay Baruchel exudes nerdy charm as a physics student told by immortal sorcerer Nicolas Cage that he is Merlin's descendant, predicted to defend Manhattan from an army of the dead. Cue the awkward spell-training sessions and time-outs for college romance before the battle royal with evil Alfred Molina begins, who is attempting to revive super sorceress Morgan le Fay [Alice Krige] from raising the souls of the evil dead sorcerers "Morganians" and destroying the world.
Director Jay Baruchel also ensures the eye-candy action is never boring, yet it's never more than merely competent, either, and fails to produce any sense of wonder. The fantasy elements here are vaguely construed as an expansion on the Mickey Mouse broom-cleaning segment from 1940's classic Fantasia, which is referenced briefly when Jay Baruchel is late for a date. Other imaginative CGI fireworks include a Chrysler Building metal eagle taking flight, a Chinatown parade dragon coming to life and a mirror-image world. What I enjoyed very much was the fantastic CGI special effects that you view throughout the film.
In my opinion ‘THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE’ is a weird and wonderful film; keeping you on the edge of your feet. It consists of a great story-line and music included fits into the scenes where it is needed. I would recommend this to all fantasy film lovers, as it has the perfect mix of magic and fantasy combined and it features the greatest casts ever, especially featuring the actor Jay Baruchel. It makes adults feel like children and children like Gods like Poseidon or Zeus. It has an amazing sense of humour and the audio sounds are truly amazing and there was never a silent moment except for when it is needed. I think everybody who is a Disney fan will love this film. When the end credits appear on the screen, at this point most people eject the disc, well watch right to the very end and you will get the impression they were thinking of a follow up sequel to the film, sadly obviously Disney decided not to do a sequel which is such a shame.
THE SCORCERER’S APPRENTICE MUSIC TRACK LIST
THE MIDDLE (2001) (Written by Jim Adkins, Richard Burch, Zach Lind and Tom Linton) [Performed by Jimmy Eat World]
DRAGS (Written by Tobias J. Record and Ashley Witt) [Performed by Tobias J. Record and Ashley Witt]
LE NOCTURNE DE LUMIERE (Written by BT) [Performed by BT]
L’APPRENTI SORCIER (1897) (Written by Paul Dukas)
NEW LIFE (2009) (Written by Cedric Lemoyne and Orenda Fink) [Performed by Opluss]
YOUR BODY IS CALLING ME (Written by Scola aka Rufus Waller) [Performed by Scola aka Ruscola]
DENIED (2010) (Written by Joseph Sumner, Seton Daunt and Peter Wilhoit) [Performed by Fiction Plane]
SECRETS (2009) (Written by Ryan Tedder) [Performed by OneRepublic]
SUPERSTITION (1972) (Written by Stevie Wonder)
I’M AWESOME (Written by Jon Turteltaub and Jay Baruchel) [Performed by Jay Baruchel]
GOLD COAST (2009) (Written by Christian Zucconi and Hannah Hooper, Ryan Rabin) [Performed by Grouplove]
PHOENIX BURN (Written by Casey McPherson and Dwight Baker) [Performed by Alpha Rev]
Blu-ray Image Quality – Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, once again, Disney outdoes themselves with another reference quality Blu-ray disc. The film’s aspect ratio is framed at 2.40:1 with a totally flawless 1080p image that puts most other discs to shame. Colours are eye-popping especially in the Chinatown sequence where there is a beautiful explosion of colour from all of the confetti and lights. Detail is super sharp and black levels are solid and suitably inky which is good since most of this movie takes place at night. Flesh-tones are natural and the contrast well-defined. This is a gorgeous looking fantasy film on this stunning Blu-ray disc and the magic spells look amazing.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment presents us with a stunning 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix that is so good that your neighbours might complain about the awesome bass sound was shaking their home even after if you turn the down the volume! When I watch a film that has an audio track as good as this one, I tend to want to crank it up and let it wash over me which usually gets me in trouble with my wife but I can’t help it. This film’s deep powerful audio output combined with excellent use of all of the speaker channels really brings this fantasy film to life. From the dragon’s roar to the swirling magic spells that encompass your room, this is a truly impressive surround mix. Dialogue is clear and the soundtrack and effects are well balanced and swirl around the room, going from speaker to speaker especially during the famous re-enactment of the battle between the apprentice and the brooms and mops. This is definitely a reference quality surround mix and one that should show off the capabilities of your home theatre system.
Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Special Feature: Magic In The City [2010] [1080p] [1.78:1 / 2.40:1 / 1.37:1] [12:53] Here we take a look at the excitement of filming in the magical city of New York and the amazing sets the filmmakers created. The cast and crew talk about what it was like to film in New York City. It covers the action staged in New York, where the film took over the city to bring this sorcerer battle to life, where we get to view an in-depth look at the behind-the-scene filming. We also get lots of interviews with cast and crew chat about the challenges of the sets and streets, pointing out the nuances of the production design. Contributors include: Nicolas Cage [Executive Producer/Balthazar], Jon Turteltaub [Director], Jay Baruchel [Dave], Toby Kebbell [Drake Stone], Teresa Palmer [Becky], Barry H. Waldman [Executive Producer], Peter Thorell [2nd Assistant Director], George Marshall Ruge [Stunt Coordinator/2nd Unit Director], David S. Lazan [Supervising Art Director], Mark Hawker [Special Effects Coordinator], Naomi Shohan [Production Designer], Mike Stenson [Executive Producer], Phil Brennan [Visual Effects Supervisor – Asylum], George DeTitta Jr. [Set Director] and Alfred Molina [Horvath].
Special Feature: The Science Of Sorcery [2010] [1080p] [2.49:1 / 1.78:1] [10:15] Here we get to discover how the film fused science with magic, resulting in the creation of incredible effects, such as plasma bolts and Tesla coils. We also get to see more in-depth filming behind-the-scenes. The cast and crew talk about magic and how science can look like magic to the uninformed and explores how the film incorporated a scientific perspective to the fantastical happenings, going through props and locations to point out the relatively practical applications of the magical weapons. We also get to view clips from the Early Visual Effects Tests. Contributors include: Jerry Bruckheimer [Producer], Jon Turteltaub [Director], Nicolas Cage [Executive Producer/ Balthazar], Jay Baruchel [Dave], Alfred Molina [Horvath], John Nelson [Visual Effects Supervisor], Phil Brennan [Visual Effects Supervisor – Asylum], Toby Kebbell [Drake Stone], Teresa Palmer [Becky], Monica Bellucci [Veronica], Adrian De Wet [Visual Effects Supervisor – Double Negative], Matt Lopez [Screenwriter] and Mike Stenson [Executive Producer].
Special Feature: Making Magic Real [2010] [1080p] [1.78:1 / 2.40:1] [11:46] Here we get to view the fascinating exploration of the filmmakers’ combination of practical effects on set with amazing visual effects in postproduction. Here we get to view a plethora of clips showing how they did a lot of the magical CGI special effects on the set. Here we also get to celebrate the practical effects of the film, with the cast and crew selling the sorcerers realm with rigs, air cannons, and lighting effects. The featurette is a very cool snapshot of the moviemaking process, with great behind-the-scene footage showing off the amazing tricks of the trade. Contributors include: Jerry Bruckheimer [Producer], Mike Stenson [Executive Producer], Jay Baruchel [Dave], Jon Turteltaub [Director], John Nelson [Visual Effects Supervisor], Mark Hawker [Special Effects Coordinator], Alfred Molina [Horvath], John Frazier [Special Effects Supervisor], Mark Renton [Compositing Supervisor – Asylum], Jason Schugardt [Additional Visual Effects Supervisor – Asylum], Nicolas Cage [Executive Producer/ Balthazar], Patrick Loungway [2nd Unit Director of Photography], Phil Brennan [Visual Effects Supervisor – Asylum], Graham Jack [3D Supervisor – Double Negative], Zoe Cranley [3D Lead – Double Negative], David Lazan [Supervising Art Director], Naomi Shohan [Production Designer], Craig Van Dyke [Animation Supervisor – Asylum] and Bret St Clair [CG Supervisor – Asylum].
Special Feature: Fantasia: Reinventing a Classic [2010] [1080p] [1.37:1 / 1.78:1 / 2.40:1] [10:13] With this special feature, we get to view the cast and crew discuss their memories of the classic ‘Fantasia,’ as well as the excitement and responsibility they felt in tackling the homage scene. We also get lots of clips from the original Walt Disney ‘Fantasia’ animation. We also get to view the effort made to outdo Mickey Mouse and his trouble with mops, isolating the special effect achievement that brought the sequence to life. Think cold water, men in green suits, and a lot of splashing around. Contributors include: Jerry Bruckheimer [Producer], Nicolas Cage [Executive Producer/Balthazar], Teresa Palmer [Becky], Jay Baruchel [Dave], Jon Turteltaub [Director], Mike Stenson [Executive Producer], Adrian De Wet [Visual Effects Supervisor – Double Negative], John Nelson [Visual Effects Supervisor], Mark Hawker [Visual Effects Coordinator], Thomas DuPont [Stunt Double], Bojan Bazelli [Director of Photography], Jeremy Hardin [3D Lead – Double Negative], Georg Kaltenbrunner [3D Lead – Double Negative], James Lewis [Animation Lead – Double Negative] and Trevor Rabin [Composer].
Special Feature: The Fashionable Drake Stone [2010] [1080p] [2.49:1 / 1.78:1] [2:09] here we take a quick look at the hilarious look at the costumes and outlandish style of Drake Stone [Toby Kebbell]. Actor Toby Kebbell talks about his character, his wardrobe and his lifestyle. Toby Kebbell talks in-depth about his transformation into an evil magician, patterned after the new icons of the Las Vegas strip. Contributors include: Jerry Bruckheimer [Producer], Michael Kaplan [Costume Desigenr], Toby Kebbell [Drake Stone] and Jon Turteltaub [Director].
Special Feature: The Grimhold: An Evil Work of Art [2010] [1080p] [1.78:1 / 2.40:1] [3:46] With this special feature we get an in-depth look at the creation of the Russian Dolls that formed the Grimhold, as well an in-depth look at the stunning visual effects involved in their magical openings. We also take a look at all of the different versions the Grimhold went through before they decided on the final design. We also get to hear the discussion with the creation of the magical Russian nesting doll that brings about all sorts of foul activity in the film. Contributors include: Jay Baruchel [Dave], Jon Turteltaub [Director], Alfred Molina [Horvath], Jerry Bruckheimer [Producer], Naomi Shohan [Production Designer], Adrian De Wet [Visual Effects Supervisor – Double Negative], John Nelson [Visual Effects Supervisor] and Phil Brennan [Visual Effects Supervisor – Asylum].
Special Feature: The Encantus [2010] [1080p] [1.78:1 / 2.40:1] [2:23] Here we take a very cool look at how they created the artistry wizard’s magical handcrafted and beautiful book that deals with magic and spells that Merlin owned. It also covers the literary realm, covering the practical and digital work used to create the sorcerer’s guidebook. I would love to have owned that book! Contributors include: Jon Turteltaub [Director], Jay Baruchel [Dave], James Mazzola [Property Master], Naomi Shohan [Production Designer] and Davis Lazan [Supervising Art Director].
Special Feature: Wolves & Puppies [2010] [1080p] [1.78:1] [3:07] Here we get to meet the not-so-ferocious wolves the adorable puppies that starred alongside Jay Baruchel [Dave] in the Wolf Chase scene in the underground station scene in the film. Here we also take a look at how they converted well trained wolves into ferocious wolves with CGI special effects and here we go very cute, showcasing the animal cast with this feature. Though we are made to believe in the film they look like really vicious creatures, this pack of wolves are totally the opposite, as you will view in this special feature. Contributors include: Jon Turteltaub [Director], Mike Hodanish [Wolf Trainer], Jay Baruchel [Dave], Tyler Ham [Visual Effects Data Wrangler] and Steve McAuliff [Animal Trainer].
Special Feature: The World's Coolest Car [2010] [1080p] [2.40:1 / 1.78:1] [1:32] Here we get to discover that the one-of-a-kind 1935 Phantom Rolls-Royce to use as Balthazar’s car that was used in the film actually belongs to Nicolas Cage who agreed to loan the car to the production company to use in the fantasy film. Contributors include: Jon Turteltaub [Director], Jerry Bruckheimer [Producer], Chad Oman [Executive Producer], Jay Baruchel [Dave], Dan Dietrich [Rolls Royce Coordinator] and Michael D. Antunez [Picture Car Transportation Coordinator].
Special Feature: Deleted Scenes [2010] [1080p] [2.40:1] [7:47] Here we get to view five deleted scenes which are quite entertaining and they are as follows: A Candidate In Calcutta [1:10]; A Model Student [1:11]; Balthazar Recruits Dave [1:58]; Oh No, It's Andre [1:58] and Man's Best Friend [1:22]. As usual, you can either watch each deleted scenes separately or Play All.
Special Feature: Outtakes [2010] [1080p] [2.40:1] [3:14] With this special feature, we get to view the usual bloopers, outtakes and improve from the set of the film with Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel and many more. But as usual they are not really funny at all and I should imagine the only ones keen to watch this is the actors themselves, where all they do is laugh all the time, whereas I did not find it funny at all.
Special Feature: D-BOX: This Blu-ray disc enables you to access the D-BOX MOTION CODE data. But you must be equipped with a D-BOX. With the Integrated Motion System, you can then experience a whole new dimension while watching the film. If you are unsure of what a D-BOX is, check details out via the internet or contact your dealer.
Special Feature: Discover Blu-ray 3D with Timon and Pumbaa [2012] [1080p] [1.78:1] [4:23] Here we take a look at the Blu-ray 3D Technology with the cartoon characters Timon and Pumbaa from 'THE LION KING' as your guides to this video promotion. It shows what you need to watch 3D Blu-ray and gives a preview of upcoming 3D Blu-ray titles and the animated promo is all about 3D Blu-ray discs, but sadly the item is only viewed in 2D.
Sneak Peeks: Here we get to view eight different trailers all with variable aspect ratios and they are as follows: Disney Movie Rewards Promotion; Disney’s A Christmas Carol; Phineas and Ferb Across The 2nd Dimension; DisneyNature: African Cats; Fantasia and Fantasia 2000; Alice in Wonderland – Special 60th Anniversary Edition; The Incredibles – Blu-ray disc promotion and The Lion King – Diamond Edition. Running time: 8:49
DVD Special Features and Extras:
Special Feature: The Making of ‘THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE’ [2010] [480i] [1.37:1] [22:00] With this special feature compilation, we get a repackaged and re-edits of the supplemental contents that is featured on the Blu-ray disc, along with a fair amount of additional footage exclusive to this making of featurette.
Special Feature: Deleted Scene: Balthazar Recruits Dave [2010] [1080i] [2.40:1] [1:58] With this one deleted scene, and it is an alternate take on the scene in which Balthazar recruits Dave, and tries to steer him clear of romance.
Finally, with the film ‘THE SCORCERER’S APPRENTICE’ I really enjoyed this fantasy film and especially the robust audio/visual quality of this disc is amazing but I’m not as happy about how the special features were handled. During my talk with the film’s director Jon Turteltaub, he mentioned that he thought there was too much content on the disc and he especially didn’t want the deleted scenes added, which may explain why the disc feels anaemic as far as the extras go. There is sadly no audio commentary. Aside from that complaint, the fantasy film and the audio and visual presentation of this Blu-ray disc is excellent and I recommend it as a definite purchase. Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
