Over a decade after the original was released in theaters, Magic Mike is now available in 4K. Popular enough to spawn two sequels and a reality competition show, the Channing Tatum vehicle proved to be a lot more interesting than simply having a lot of buff guys strip down. Inspired by Tatum’s own history as a male stripper, the Steven Soderbergh drama has a lot more heart and interesting plot aspects than one might remember, as the eye-catching dance numbers are likely what is ingrained in the minds of viewers a decade-plus removed.
“Let’s hear it for the boys! Matthew McConaughey, Channing Tatum (Step Up), and Alex Pettyfer (I Am Number Four) star in this revealing drama set in the world of exotic male dancing. Tatum plays Magic Mike, a womanizing hustler with an entrepreneurial spirit who makes his living on the stage. When he takes on a protege (Pettyfer) to instruct him in the fine art of hustling onstage and off, he finds himself falling for the newcomer’s sister (Cody Horn) — and questioning his life choices. Oscar winner Steven Soderbergh (Sex, Lies & Videotape, Ocean’s Eleven films) directs an all-star cast that also includes White Collar’s Matt Bomer, True Blood’s Joe Manganiello, Olivia Munn and Matthew McConaughey as a former dancer and now owner of the club,” says the official description.
Tatum is fantastic as the titular character, who is the star at a male strip club in Tampa but is really looking to pursue his dream as a custom furniture maker. Even casual flings with Olivia Munn’s Joanna don’t leave Mike fulfilled. As he searches for meaning in his life, he comes across a young kid (played by Alex Pettyfer) who’s also lost and looking for direction. Naturally, the answer is to take their clothes off while women hoot and holler, although there’s plenty of drama and drugs that come with the lifestyle. It winds up being an incredibly fun movie as Soderbergh’s direction helps the melodramatic moments strike and there are plenty of laughs that come from the over-the-top and well-choreographed dance routines as well.
The film really pops in 4K, as the vibrant nightclub scenes and sweaty bodies really look great at such a high resolution. The dance numbers are accompanied by a great soundtrack (the dubstep version of “It’s Raining Men” is perfection), which sounds great with the Dolby audio. I can’t imagine going back to streaming or just Blu-ray for Magic Mike anymore, this is definitely the best way to experience the film for a rewatch.
What really stands out about Magic Mike upon revisiting it is McConaughey’s stellar performance as a self-obsessed and greedy club owner. Not only did the actor get into incredible shape for the role, as seen in his stellar dance sequence near the end of the film, but his character work is top-notch as well. Regularly hilarious and with some great quotes, McConaughey is the film’s shining star despite being a supporting character.
The only downside is that, like the actors, there’s barely any fat in this package as it is rather bare-bones. Don’t expect any audio commentary or a plethora of bonus features. There’s one featurette included, called “Backstage on Magic Mike,” which is a nearly seven-minute video giving a brief look at filming. There are some fun quotes from the cast, including a great one from McConaughey saying he “would regret if [he] did this film and didn’t dance in a G-string,” and some entertaining behind-the-scenes footage of the choreography (including “Big Sexy” Kevin Nash trying his best to dance).
Magic Mike 4K Review: Final Verdict
The Magic Mike 4K disc is an easy recommendation if you want to rewatch the 2012 Channing Tatum movie. Not only does it look and sound great, but the movie has held up and remains a lot of fun. The dance sequences haven’t gotten old at all, and the film’s humor has aged wonderfully. These are some moves that remain in style.
Disclosure: ComingSoon received the product from the publisher for our Magic Mike 4K review.
