I think it’s time to inject a little magic into proceeding and that can only mean Harry Potter right? Wrong the film I’m reviewing on Blu-ray just happens to star one of my favourite actors Nicolas Cage. The film is from 2010 and is a kind of a live action take on Fantasia. So without further ado here’s my The Sorcerer’s Apprentice blu-ray review.
- The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)
- Genre: Action, Fantasy
- Directed by Jon Turteltaub
- UK Rating PG
- Discs: 1
- Released By Disney
- Blu-ray Released: 31 October 2011
Plot
When one of Merlin’s three apprentices betrays him and join forces with the evil sorceress Morgana le Fay it leaves one of them possessed by her. Fortunately they manage to imprison her in a “Grimhold” a magic prison shaped like a nesting doll. With Merlin close to death he gives Balthazar Blake, one of surviving sorcerers a dragon figurine that will identify the person who can destroy Morgana.
Style / Direction
The film is directed by Jon Turteltaub with the cinematography handled by Bojan Bazelli. There’s a mix of real sets and props against CGi effects all of which when put together looks sensational. I’m really impressed by the visuals on this magical fantasy movie.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is composed by Trevor Rabin plus there’s an arrangement of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice from Disney’s Fantasia.
Acting / Characters
Overall the acting is of a high level with all of the actors bringing something interesting and memorable to the table. It’s a easy going and fun film with the actors managing to strike the right tone. This is largely helped in my opinion by Nic Cage’s excellent performance keeping things dark enough whilst allowing Jay Baruchel to bring the awkward nerdy and funny character of the apprentice Dave to the fore. Cage is of course the teacher and sorcerer.
Alfred Molina plays Maxim Horvath the films bad guy and he does so expertly. Backing him up is the rather ego filled Drake Stone played by Toby Kebbell that further adds to the comedy and entertainment of the overall film.
Teresa Palmer plays Dave’s love interest Becky Barnes and she also manages to strike the perfect balance of being romantically interested in the nerdy physics Dave whilst also being completely bewildered by the whole situation. You could argue that her character could have been further developed but that wouldn’t of helped the flow of the storytelling. In any case she does play a vital role in defeating the evil.
Cast
- Ian McShane as Narrator
- Nicolas Cage as Balthazar Blake
- Jay Baruchel as Dave Stutler
- Jake Cherry as Young Dave
- Alfred Molina as Maxim Horvath
- Teresa Palmer as Rebecca “Becky” Barnes
- Peyton List as Young Becky
- Toby Kebbell as Drake Stone
- Omar Benson Miller as Bennet Zurrow
- Monica Bellucci as Veronica Gorloisen
- Alice Krige as Morgana le Fay
Conclusion: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010) Film Review
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is a thoroughly entertaining and magical fantasy film that’s perfect for all the family. At its heart the film is of course romance between the Apprentice and the girl of his dreams. Set against that storyline is the fact that he will be asked to save the world from annihilation. No pressure!
I highly recommend picking this one up or watching on television/streaming as it ticks all the boxes to be a family favourite.
If you enjoyed my The Sorcerer’s Apprentice blu-ray review so far you may want to check out the following films:
Conclusion: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Blu-ray Review
There’s nothing to mention on the film front other than to say it looks perfect but then so it should as it’s only from 2010. Looking at the extras shows a comprehensive look at the making of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice in which it goes into all aspects of filmmaking including story and special effects. There are of course several interviews with cast and crew. I have to say I found these to be incredibly interesting whilst none of them lasted more than 13 minutes.
Extras
- Magic in the City (13 mins)
- The Science of Sorcery (10 mins)
- Making Magic Reel (12 mins)
- Fantasia: Reinventing A Classic (10 mins)
- The Fashionable Drake Stone (2 mins)
- Grimhold: An Evil Work of Art (4 mins)
- The Encantus (2 mins)
- Wolves & Puppies (3 mins)
- The World’s Coolest Car (2 mins)
- Deleted Scenes
- Outtakes
Popcorn Cinema Rating:
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)
MOVIE RATING: WELL WORTH WATCHING
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
EXTRAS: VERY GOOD
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Purchase The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010) On Blu-ray
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010) blu-ray is available now on blu-ray or DVD, see the links below.
The Amazon links on this page are affiliate / associate links. By buying through the links we may receive a commission for the sale. This has no effect on the price you pay.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010) Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not be representative of the blu-ray version
Summary: The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)
Duration: 109 mins
Director(s): Jon Turteltaub
Actor(s): Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, Alfred Molina, Teresa Palmer, Toby Kebbell
Genre: Fantasy, Action, Romance
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
A highly entertaining and magical fantasy film that’s perfect for all the family.
Pros
- Good Story
- Nicolas Cage
- Excellent Effects / Sets
- Perfect Blu-ray Release
Cons
- None
 Blu-ray Review){kind=link}
 Blu-ray Review){kind=link}