Mark Strong and Charlie Cox in 'Stardust'. Courtesy Paramount Home Entertainment
Based on the Neil Gaiman novel and directed by Matthew Vaughn (Layer Cake, Kick-Ass), Stardust is a hidden gem that seems to have been passed over by most viewers when it was released in 2007. It’s really too bad because it’s one of the best fantasy films to come along since The Princess Bride.
After a star falls to Earth, Tristen Thorn (Charlie Cox), a middle-class stock boy, promises Victoria (Sienna Miller), the rich, spoiled girl he’s in love with, that he will retrieve it for her in order to win her heart. Victoria, who has never shown any interest in Tristen, tells him he has a week to return with it or she will accept a marriage proposal from another suitor. Tristen packs his things and heads out to search for the star.
His journey takes him to the magical world Stormhold, where by chance he instantly finds what he’s looking for. To his surprise, the star is actually a beautiful young woman named Yvaine (Claire Danes). He soon learns he’s not the only one looking for Yvaine and finds himself battling the witch Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer) and the evil prince Septimus (Mark Strong) in order to protect her. Will he make it back home and win his love, or will fate change his life forever?
Stardust has great special effects, a solid story, and some charming performances by not only Daines and Cox, but also by Robert De Niro who plays the flamboyant Captain Shakespeare (this is a De Niro I’ve never seen before). There’s also a lot of comedy and action to keep it moving along. If you’ve never seen you will be in for a nice surprise.
The Blu-ray release offers a stunning 1080p transfer with a 5.1 DTS-HD soundtrack. Special features include audio commentary with writer-director Matthew Vaughn and writer Jane Goldman, deleted scenes, a blooper reel, the theatrical trailer in HD, and a making-of featurette in HD.
Film **** / Blu-ray *** (out of 5 stars)
Rated PG
Cast: Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Mark Strong, Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer
Directed by: Matthew Vaughn
Stardust is available on Blu-ray
