Based on the 1995 novel by Christopher Priest, director Christopher Nolan's The Prestige (2006) certainly practices what it preaches. This Victorian Era tale of obsession, murder and one-upmanship revolves around two skilled magicians: the charismatic showman Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and the more introspective Alfred Borden (Christian Bale)---but more specifically, how the tragic death of Angier's wife has sparked a feud between the two. Whereas the novel extends the rivalry's effects further down the family tree, Nolan's adaptation focuses solely on the war as it happens, resulting in a tense, bitter tale that we know can't end happily.

The Prestige is a film that unfolds slowly, but we're immediately assured that all is not as it seems. As the story drifts in and out of focus, small details hint at things to come---or in some cases, things that may have already happened. It's easy to draw parallels to Nolan's earlier films like Memento, Insomnia, Batman Begins and even Following; not only do they share themes of illusion and revenge, but also personal sacrifice and carefully guarded identity. Much like Memento, The Prestige takes it one step further, presenting the entire film as a product of the theme it explores: the former unfolds in backwards fragments, while the latter misdirects our attention as the illusion reveals itself.

Of course, such narrative trickery would anger the audience if it weren't done so skillfully. Twists and turns hold our attention as The Prestige works its magic, anchored by solid performances from Jackman and Bale. They absolutely inhabit our central characters, two polar opposites determined to guard the secrets of their tricks and stage personas. Supporting performances are handled with care by Michael Caine (as Harry Cutter, Angier's stage engineer), Scarlett Johansson (as Olivia Winscombe, the lovely stage assistant who sets foot in both camps), David Bowie (as Nikola Tesla, the equally obsessed electrical engineer and inventor) and Andy Serkis (as Mr. Alley, Tesla's assistant), among others.

Nolan's detailed adaptation---co-written by his brother, Jonathan---is also supported by excellent production design, music and editing, resulting in a slow-burning but deliberate film that's more than the sum of its parts. It may not appeal to those who don't appreciate being pulled around by invisible strings, but it's safe to say that any follower of Christopher Nolan's former projects should enjoy the show. Like Memento, repeat viewings may not reveal the entire picture, yet the subtle craftsmanship is just as easy to appreciate the second time around...or the sixth.

Arriving on DVD courtesy of Buena Vista Home Video, this one-disc release of The Prestige may disappoint those eager to pull back the curtain completely. Here's the good news: the film's presentation is excellent in all respects, from the beautiful picture and sound to the subtle but appropriate menu designs. The department in question, of course, is the bonus material, which is limited to a series of short featurettes and a four-part image gallery. Though many will balk at the lack of an audio commentary and other goodies, it took Nolan's own Memento almost a full year to get a proper Special Edition (translation: hold your horses). In the meantime, let's take a closer look, shall we?

Presented in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio and enhanced for widescreen displays, The Prestige looks excellent from start to finish. The film's earth-toned palette holds up perfectly, image detail is strong and black levels are consistent. No major digital problems (edge enhancement and pixellation, for example) are on display here, rounding out the visual presentation nicely. In all respects, this is a fine treatment that fans should appreciate.

The audio mix is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 (also available in French or Spanish), bringing the Victorian world to life in detail. Dialogue is clean and clear, while music cues and atmospheric touches liven up the rear channels. Subtitles are available in English, Spanish or French during the main feature and English only during the bonus material.

Also here is "The Art of The Prestige", a series of visual galleries including "The Film", "Costumes & Sets", "Behind the Scenes" and "Poster Art" (not the promotional campaign, but the vintage advertisements and banners seen during the film). These manually-navigated slideshows contain several dozen images apiece.

Presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen, these bonus features also include optional English subtitles when applicable. It's a real shame we couldn't get an audio commentary, deleted scenes or at least the film's excellent theatrical trailer, but what's here supports The Prestige nicely without giving away too much. We can most likely expect an eventual double dip, but there's something oddly fitting about such a "less is more" approach.

Truly a film that defies categorization, The Prestige conjures an thrilling story layered with style and visual flair. The dynamic performances of Jackman, Bale, Caine, Bowie and company are certainly strong enough, but it's the richness of author Christopher Priest's characters and environment that really sells the illusion. Buena Vista's DVD presentation may irk those hoping for a full-blown Special Edition, but at least the included extras don't reveal the film's magic tricks too early; in addition, the strong technical presentation should satisfy those who enjoyed it theatrically. All things considered, The Prestige is a solid one-disc release in its own right and comes Highly Recommended.