Recapturing 15th-century Florence, not to mention the highfalutin exploits of da Vinci, demands impressive visual effects, and Goyer set the bar high: "My goal was to be at least on par with the production values of 'Game of Thrones, '" he says.

NPR: Leonardo Da Vinci Gets 'Batman' Treatment On Starz

Valuations of private equity portfolios have now risen for seven straight quarters, a cumulative 40.1% rise that Triago claims puts net asset values nearly on par with pre-financial crisis peak levels reached in December 2007.

FORBES: The Great Private Equity Comeback Is Complete--At Least On Paper