Experience The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus On DVD April 27th

With a wide release of just 607 theaters, odds are you never caught Heath Ledger’s final performance in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. Soon you'll be able to watch it as often as you want when Sony Home Pictures Entertainment brings the film to Blu-ray and DVD on April 27th.

Doctor Parnassus (Christopher Plummer) is no ordinary doctor. He has no need for antibiotics, for he relies on his ability to guide his patients' imaginations and uses the skill in his travelling show, the "Imaginarium." Apparently, guiding imaginations doesn’t translate to guiding proper decision-making, because Dr. Parnassus opted to make not one, but two deals with the devil, Mr. Nick (Tom Waits). The first he won and earned immortality, but the second involved the loss of that ability in exchange for youth. In addition, he agreed to turn his daughter, Valentina (Lily Cole), over to Mr. Nick on her 16th birthday. Mr. Nick is a betting man, so it’s no surprise that when he arrives to claim his prize, he’s convinced to engage in another wager. Whoever seduces five souls first, Parnassus or Mr. Nick, wins Valentina. Ledger comes in as Tony, a businessman seeking refuge from mobsters in the magic show. Ledger shares that role with Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell.

It sounds confusing because it is. The story isn’t nearly as intriguing as the names attached, obviously Ledger’s in particular. But even if you don’t understand every moment the first time through, there’s more than enough bonus material to elucidate the trickiest portions. Check out the full list of bonus features below, the most intriguing of which is the substantial amount of material dedicated to the late and beloved actor.

  • Commentary with Director Terry Gilliam
  • Introduction by Terry Gilliam
  • Deleted Scene with Optional Commentary by Terry Gilliam
  • Behind the Mirror
  • Building the Monastery
  • Doctor Parnassus Around the World
  • The Artwork of Doctor Parnassus
  • Heath Ledger Wardrobe Test with Optional Commentary by Terry Gilliam
  • Interview with Heath Ledger
  • Cast & Crew Presentation on Stage
  • BD Exclusive: "The Drunk" Multi-Angle Progression Sequence
  • BD Exclusive: Heath Ledger and Friends
  • BD Exclusive: The Imaginarium of Terry Gilliam
Perri Nemiroff

Staff Writer for CinemaBlend.