Houdini's Death Defying Acts

Theatrical Release Date: 2008 07 11 (USA - Limited) / 2008 (USA)

UPC: 796019815512

Studio: Miriam Collection

MPAA Rating: PG   Contains:null

Summary: My Brilliant Career and Oscar and Lucinda director Gillian Armstrong explores the final feat of the greatest illusionist ever to deceive a live audience in this docudrama concerning Harry Houdini's obsessive quest to find proof of an afterlife. The year is 1926, and Houdini (Guy Pearce) is an international superstar. Not only does the illusionist's otherworldly ability to bend reality hold audiences completely enthralled, but his easy charm finds him winning the hearts of his growing legion of fans as well. Yet behind Houdini's winning smile resides the restless heart of a tortured soul. Isolated by fame and drowning in regret over having not been present to hear his mother's last words, Houdini sets out in tour of Scotland and announces that he will pay 10,000 dollars to anyone who can prove spiritual contact with his deceased mother. But in his determination to prove that there is life after death, Houdini also becomes the target of countless charlatans, scam artists, and self-proclaimed spiritualists. Of course, stunning psychic Mary McGregor (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and her daughter/sidekick, Benji (Saoirse Ronan), seem remarkably sincere in their supernatural talents, yet that doesn't mean that the pair doesn't have their own ulterior motives for making a connection with the world-famous magic man. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Category: Drama

Awards: Film Presented – Toronto International Film Festival Film Presented – Edinburgh International Film Festival

Features: Commentary by director Gillian Armstrong and producer Marian MacGowan
The making of Death Defying Acts
Trailer

Houdini's Death Defying Acts

Format: Digital Video Disc (DVD)

Release Date: 10/28/2008

Audio: DD5.1 Dolby Digital 5.1

Runtime: 97 Minutes

Sides: 1

Number of Discs: 1

Language(s) English

Subtitles: English,Spanish

Region: USA & territories, Canada

Chapters: Disc #1 -- Death Defying Acts: Houdini's Secret
1. Main Titles [4:31]
2. Work to Do [3:13]
3. Princess Kali [5:50]
4. Welcome Houdini [6:30]
5. Probing the Details [2:50]
6. Mistress of Disguise [2:29]
7. Meeting the Master [2:27]
8. Dark Visions [3:21]
9. The One [6:15]
10. Plain & Simple [7:43]
11. Game of Chance [6:36]
12. Magic [3:17]
13. Nightmare [4:46]
14. Night of Dancing [5:13]
15. The Words [4:11]
16. Channeling [6:16]
17. Opening His Heart [7:14]
18. Goodbye [3:27]
19. The Great Magician [4:26]
20. End Credits [5:56]

Cast and Crew: Gillian Armstrong  Director 
Tony Grisoni  Screenwriter 
Dan Lupovitz  Executive Producer 
Marcia Nasatir  Executive Producer 
David M. Thompson  Executive Producer 
Marian MacGowan  Producer 
Cezary Skubiszewski  Composer (Music Score) 
Chris Curling  Producer 
Kirk D'Amico  Executive Producer 
Lucas Foster  Executive Producer 
Brian Ward  Screenwriter 
Daryl McKenzie  Composer (Music Score) 
Guy Pearce  Actor 
Catherine Zeta-Jones  Actor 
Timothy Spall  Actor 
Saoirse Ronan  Actor 
Malcolm Shields  Actor 
Leni Harper  Actor 
Ralph Riach  Actor 
Olivia Darnley  Actor 
Anthony O'Donnell  Actor 
Billy McColl  Actor 
James Holmes  Actor 
Frankey Martyn  Actor 
Aileen O'Gorman  Actor 
Raymond Griffiths  Actor 
Shaun Mason  Actor 
Tom Cotcher  Actor 
Joanne Cummins  Actor 
Carol Robb  Actor 
Mark Carter  Actor 
Mackay Crawford  Actor 
Paul Grunert  Actor 
Graeme McKnight  Actor 
Aaron Brown  Actor 
Martin Fisher  Actor 
Emma Humprhies  Actor 
Miles Jupp  Actor 
Tim Frost  Actor 
Chloe Mackie  Actor 
Holly Mackie  Actor 
David McKail  Actor 
Maev Alexander  Actor 
Richard Dean  Actor 
Rod Arthur  Actor 
Alan David  Actor 
Lorraine Hilton  Actor 
Dodger Phillips  Actor 
Campbell Graham  Actor 
Jack Bailey  Actor 
Justin Flagg  Actor 

Country: Australia,UK