The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus: Blu Ray Review
The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus
Rating: PG
Released by Sony Home Pictures
Forever determined to be known as Heath Ledger's final film this is
the fantasy tale of Dr Parnassus (a wonderfully world weary
Christopher Plummer) who travels the land with his carnival troupe
(including Verne Troyer of Austin Powers fame) and his daughter
Valentina (a porcelain doll like Lily Cole).
Granted immortality, Parnassus is locked in an ongoing battle with
Tom Waits' Devil - and the Devil has arrived to collect his due.
You see, years ago, Parnassus wagered his first born and now to
stop the Devil taking what's his, he bets he can win over five
souls.
Into this mélange of madness in modern day London, arrives
Heath Ledger's shyster Tony. Mysteriously left for dead, he's taken
in by the troupe - and could be the tipping point in Parnassus'
quest to finally beat the Devil.
Yes, it's sprawling and a bit unfocussed at times, but The
Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is perhaps one of the most visually
original pieces of cinema you'll ever see - even on the small
screen (and particularly in Blu Ray).
There are flashes of pure genius from director Terry Gilliam as he
weaves his surreal web. It's a wonderfully talented ensemble cast
who make this film work - and a real tribute to Gilliam's genius
that the film continued with the likes of Jude Law and Colin
Farrell coming onboard.
Recommended without a shadow of a doubt.
Extras: The disc is really a tribute to the Ledger
legacy with exclusive featurettes forming the majority of the
extras and a packed disc it is too.
Rating: 9/10
