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Though it has its share of titillating male stripping scenes, Steven Soderbergh’s “Magic Mike” also features a solid – if largely familiar – story and a convincing performance by its lead actor Channing Tatum. The Blu-ray release offers a strong high definition presentation, though its special features over-emphasize the more superficial aspects of the project.
Magic Mike
Release Date: October 23, 2012
Studio: Warner Home Video
Packaging/Materials: Two-disc Blu-ray EcoBox with slipcover
Year: 2012
Rating: R
Running Time: 1:50:28
MSRP: $35.99
THE FEATURE
SPECIAL FEATURES
Video
AVC: 1080p high definition 2.40:1
High definition
Audio
DTS-HD Master Audio: English 5.1 / Dolby Digital: English 2.0, French 5.1, Spanish 5.1
Various
Subtitles
English SDH, French, Spanish
Various
The Feature: 4/5
The Xquisite male strip club of Tampa, FL is three months away from relocating to Miami, a move that will mean a major boost in revenue for the club’s owner Dallas (Matthew McConaughey) and his crew of male performers. The most senior – and arguably the most talented – dancer in the group is “Magic” Mike Lane (Channing Tatum), who stands to see a 10% cut of the profits after six long years of the bump-and-grind. Though the stripping job obviously pays well, Mike’s true passion lies in other ventures, namely custom furniture design. But his efforts to move forward on the next phase of his life keep getting waylaid, either by the consequences of past mistakes or simply the allure of his current, party-centered lifestyle.
Admittedly, much of the glamorous sheen of that life has dulled, and Mike is operating mostly from habit, but for his new friend Adam (Alex Pettyfer), it’s an empowering new world. Recently kicked out of college, Adam is crashing with his sister Brooke (Cody Horn) when he meets Mike on a construction day job. When Mike exposes him to the radically different world of male stripping, Adam’s self-confidence gets a needed boost, but along with it his poor judgment and self-destructive tendencies. It’s a familiar path for Mike and one he wants no part of as he gets caught up in the wake, but charged by Brooke to look out for her brother, he’ll find he can’t just abandon his one-time protégé, especially when Adam needs him most.
When word of a Channing Tatum male stripper movie first started getting around, people of course had visions of a campy “Showgirls” knockoff. Indeed, the studio’s marketing department did little to dis-spell such misconceptions, the only thing to do so being the involvement of director Steven Soderbergh. Based on the filmmaker’s track record alone, viewers anticipated a movie with solid character development and storytelling, even if the subject matter was ripe for parody. And Soderbergh delivered as expected with “Magic Mike,” telling a story that is undeniably familiar, but with an effective, naturalistic style that is as far away from camp as furniture design is from stripping. Though the script is not without its share of tropes, it avoids major clichés where it matters most – the film’s climax where Mike makes his life-changing decision. Presented simply and with minimal external drama, the understated approach highlights the power of the character’s choice and gives the audience a satisfying, emotional payoff.
Tatum, whose former life as a stripper inspired the film, proves a convincing lead, whether his character is casting his spell on the screaming ladies or struggling with critical life decisions. Naturally one wonders how much of his portrayal is autobiographical given his successful transition to the mainstream. Pettyfer is similarly effective as the self-destructive Adam, his low-key performance creating an interesting counterpoint to his character’s more dramatic actions and choices. Horn as Mike’s potential love interest is a little wooden at times, and she seems to struggle a bit with what seem like improvised scenes; however it’s hard not to root for her and Tatum’s characters as they slowly work their way into each others lives. By contrast, McConaughey turns in a charmingly flamboyant performance, one that seems to draw on his party boy reputation but laced with a convincing, don’t-cross-me attitude.
Understandably, “Magic Mike” might draw some comparisons to Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Boogie Nights,” but its scope is less epic and its lens less exploratory of an industry. Some of the themes and scenes might ring familiar, as when Mike cleans himself up and goes in for a bank loan, but ultimately the project lacks the same kind of sobering depth and irony of Anderson’s porn industry opus. “Magic Mike” is much more superficial in that regard, the stripping routines rarely moving beyond titillating set pieces; however, the film also proves to be more substantial than just a one-act novelty item thanks to its solid script, capable performances, and effective directorial style.
Video Quality: 4/5
Presented in 1080p with the AVC codec, the transfer is accurately framed at 2.40:1 and features strong, inky blacks and satisfying contrast levels for the film’s natural light cinematography. Wide or establishing shots in the club environment can look a little hazy or indistinct, though outdoor panoramas are nicely sharp, as are the close ups. The film’s stylized color – largely yellow cast in the outdoor, daylight scenes – shows satisfying depth, though, interestingly enough, it’s the indoor club environment that provides the most “true-to-life” color. The picture is also devoid of artifacts from excessive digital processing or manipulation.
Audio Quality: 4/5
Dialogue in the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track is consistently clear and intelligible, and especially mixed well during scenes in the noisy club environment. Surround channels mostly provide environmental cues during the stripping routines (e.g. music and screaming), though they also engage to support the soundtrack during the film’s handful of montages. There’s a noticeable difference in how the source music sounds during these two kinds of scenes, the mix having a much more naturalistic, “hall” effect during the former. The mix may bother some people at first, but it’s consistent with and augments the film’s observational, almost documentary style. LFE is minimal, but the subwoofer should have plenty to do with the soundtrack’s thumping dance tunes.
Special Features: 2/5
Like the film’s overall marketing, the special features zero in on the more superficial aspects of the film. Though I don’t necessarily blame the Blu-ray producers, a little more in-depth material would have given the collection some needed balance.
Pre-Menu Trailers: For Warner Brothers’ Blu-ray 3D (1:53, HD) and the upcoming film “Cloud Atlas” (5:43, HD).
Backstage on Magic Mike (6:56, HD): The brief behind-the-scenes touches on the film’s inspiration, but for the most part focuses on the actors’ physical (and mental) preparation for the dance routines.
Dance Play Mode (18:39, HD): Cut out stuff like character and story and get down to what really matters – the eight stripping routines spread throughout the film. Presented in 1080p video and 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio.
Extended Dance Scenes (8:48, HD): Watch three of the routines, which were edited down for the final cut, in their entirety. “True Blood” fans will especially enjoy seeing Joe Manganiello’s complete golden god routine.
Ultraviolet Digital Copy: Redeem the offer by October 23, 2014.
DVD: The feature is presented in 2.40:1 anamorphic video; Dolby Digital 5.1 audio in English; Dolby Digital 2.0 audio in English, French and Spanish; subtitles in English SDH, French and Spanish; and bonus material of the “Backstage on Magic Mike” featurette.
Recap
The Film: 4/5
Video Quality: 4/5
Audio Quality: 4/5
Special Features: 2/5
Overall Score (not an average): 3.5/5
Warner Home Video delivers a solid high definition transfer and audio presentation for director Steven Soderbergh’s “Magic Mike,” a familiar, but no less effective, story inspired by lead actor Channing Tatum’s personal experiences as a male stripper. Unfortunately, the special features zero in on the superficial aspects of the project; while it should please those looking for eye candy, it won’t be satisfying for those looking for any depth.
Magic Mike
Release Date: October 23, 2012
Studio: Warner Home Video
Packaging/Materials: Two-disc Blu-ray EcoBox with slipcover
Year: 2012
Rating: R
Running Time: 1:50:28
MSRP: $35.99
THE FEATURE
SPECIAL FEATURES
Video
AVC: 1080p high definition 2.40:1
High definition
Audio
DTS-HD Master Audio: English 5.1 / Dolby Digital: English 2.0, French 5.1, Spanish 5.1
Various
Subtitles
English SDH, French, Spanish
Various
The Feature: 4/5
The Xquisite male strip club of Tampa, FL is three months away from relocating to Miami, a move that will mean a major boost in revenue for the club’s owner Dallas (Matthew McConaughey) and his crew of male performers. The most senior – and arguably the most talented – dancer in the group is “Magic” Mike Lane (Channing Tatum), who stands to see a 10% cut of the profits after six long years of the bump-and-grind. Though the stripping job obviously pays well, Mike’s true passion lies in other ventures, namely custom furniture design. But his efforts to move forward on the next phase of his life keep getting waylaid, either by the consequences of past mistakes or simply the allure of his current, party-centered lifestyle.
Admittedly, much of the glamorous sheen of that life has dulled, and Mike is operating mostly from habit, but for his new friend Adam (Alex Pettyfer), it’s an empowering new world. Recently kicked out of college, Adam is crashing with his sister Brooke (Cody Horn) when he meets Mike on a construction day job. When Mike exposes him to the radically different world of male stripping, Adam’s self-confidence gets a needed boost, but along with it his poor judgment and self-destructive tendencies. It’s a familiar path for Mike and one he wants no part of as he gets caught up in the wake, but charged by Brooke to look out for her brother, he’ll find he can’t just abandon his one-time protégé, especially when Adam needs him most.
When word of a Channing Tatum male stripper movie first started getting around, people of course had visions of a campy “Showgirls” knockoff. Indeed, the studio’s marketing department did little to dis-spell such misconceptions, the only thing to do so being the involvement of director Steven Soderbergh. Based on the filmmaker’s track record alone, viewers anticipated a movie with solid character development and storytelling, even if the subject matter was ripe for parody. And Soderbergh delivered as expected with “Magic Mike,” telling a story that is undeniably familiar, but with an effective, naturalistic style that is as far away from camp as furniture design is from stripping. Though the script is not without its share of tropes, it avoids major clichés where it matters most – the film’s climax where Mike makes his life-changing decision. Presented simply and with minimal external drama, the understated approach highlights the power of the character’s choice and gives the audience a satisfying, emotional payoff.
Tatum, whose former life as a stripper inspired the film, proves a convincing lead, whether his character is casting his spell on the screaming ladies or struggling with critical life decisions. Naturally one wonders how much of his portrayal is autobiographical given his successful transition to the mainstream. Pettyfer is similarly effective as the self-destructive Adam, his low-key performance creating an interesting counterpoint to his character’s more dramatic actions and choices. Horn as Mike’s potential love interest is a little wooden at times, and she seems to struggle a bit with what seem like improvised scenes; however it’s hard not to root for her and Tatum’s characters as they slowly work their way into each others lives. By contrast, McConaughey turns in a charmingly flamboyant performance, one that seems to draw on his party boy reputation but laced with a convincing, don’t-cross-me attitude.
Understandably, “Magic Mike” might draw some comparisons to Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Boogie Nights,” but its scope is less epic and its lens less exploratory of an industry. Some of the themes and scenes might ring familiar, as when Mike cleans himself up and goes in for a bank loan, but ultimately the project lacks the same kind of sobering depth and irony of Anderson’s porn industry opus. “Magic Mike” is much more superficial in that regard, the stripping routines rarely moving beyond titillating set pieces; however, the film also proves to be more substantial than just a one-act novelty item thanks to its solid script, capable performances, and effective directorial style.
Video Quality: 4/5
Presented in 1080p with the AVC codec, the transfer is accurately framed at 2.40:1 and features strong, inky blacks and satisfying contrast levels for the film’s natural light cinematography. Wide or establishing shots in the club environment can look a little hazy or indistinct, though outdoor panoramas are nicely sharp, as are the close ups. The film’s stylized color – largely yellow cast in the outdoor, daylight scenes – shows satisfying depth, though, interestingly enough, it’s the indoor club environment that provides the most “true-to-life” color. The picture is also devoid of artifacts from excessive digital processing or manipulation.
Audio Quality: 4/5
Dialogue in the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track is consistently clear and intelligible, and especially mixed well during scenes in the noisy club environment. Surround channels mostly provide environmental cues during the stripping routines (e.g. music and screaming), though they also engage to support the soundtrack during the film’s handful of montages. There’s a noticeable difference in how the source music sounds during these two kinds of scenes, the mix having a much more naturalistic, “hall” effect during the former. The mix may bother some people at first, but it’s consistent with and augments the film’s observational, almost documentary style. LFE is minimal, but the subwoofer should have plenty to do with the soundtrack’s thumping dance tunes.
Special Features: 2/5
Like the film’s overall marketing, the special features zero in on the more superficial aspects of the film. Though I don’t necessarily blame the Blu-ray producers, a little more in-depth material would have given the collection some needed balance.
Pre-Menu Trailers: For Warner Brothers’ Blu-ray 3D (1:53, HD) and the upcoming film “Cloud Atlas” (5:43, HD).
Backstage on Magic Mike (6:56, HD): The brief behind-the-scenes touches on the film’s inspiration, but for the most part focuses on the actors’ physical (and mental) preparation for the dance routines.
Dance Play Mode (18:39, HD): Cut out stuff like character and story and get down to what really matters – the eight stripping routines spread throughout the film. Presented in 1080p video and 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio.
Extended Dance Scenes (8:48, HD): Watch three of the routines, which were edited down for the final cut, in their entirety. “True Blood” fans will especially enjoy seeing Joe Manganiello’s complete golden god routine.
Ultraviolet Digital Copy: Redeem the offer by October 23, 2014.
DVD: The feature is presented in 2.40:1 anamorphic video; Dolby Digital 5.1 audio in English; Dolby Digital 2.0 audio in English, French and Spanish; subtitles in English SDH, French and Spanish; and bonus material of the “Backstage on Magic Mike” featurette.
Recap
The Film: 4/5
Video Quality: 4/5
Audio Quality: 4/5
Special Features: 2/5
Overall Score (not an average): 3.5/5
Warner Home Video delivers a solid high definition transfer and audio presentation for director Steven Soderbergh’s “Magic Mike,” a familiar, but no less effective, story inspired by lead actor Channing Tatum’s personal experiences as a male stripper. Unfortunately, the special features zero in on the superficial aspects of the project; while it should please those looking for eye candy, it won’t be satisfying for those looking for any depth.
