The Thief of Bagdad - Criterion Collection
by Alexander Korda
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DVD details
Actor: Allan Jeayes, Conrad Veidt, Miki Hood, Rex Ingram, SabuDirector: Alexander Korda
Brand: Image Entertainment
Cinematographer: Georges P?rinal
Cinematographer: Osmond H. Borradaile
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC, Restored
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 106 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-05-27
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Criterion Collection
DVD Reviews of The Thief of Bagdad - Criterion Collection
DVD Review: An Early Favorite
Summary: 5 Stars
What a marvelous classic. And with Sabu as the thief, Conrad Veidt as the scheming sorcerer/villian and Rex Ingram as the genie no less. Although the "special effects" are laughably primitive by todays standards, they work and only add to the charm of this wonderful fantasy/adventure. Many of the scenes have a dream like appearance that is most memorable. June Duprez is ravashing as the heroine and John Justin shines as the handsome dethroned king and her heroic suitor.DVD Review: This movie is fun, Fun, FUN!
Summary: 5 Stars
Folks, if you like good old fashioned adventure, hocus pocus, and mumbo-jumbo mixed with colorful photography minus the graphic blood & guts-fests of modern times that you could watch with the whole family, then this is for you!
Not to be confused with the also-excellent Douglas Fairbanks silent flick of 1924 (the story is almost completely different) or the actual tale of Aladdin in the ARABIAN NIGHTS, this is simply a wonderful piece of entertainment and a DVD worth the price. This does some alterations on the classic tale by splitting Aladdin into two characters, a handsome, wrongly desposed King (John Justin) and a scappy but charming street urchin and thief (Sabu). Jaffar (Conrad Veight, of CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI infamy) tries to take over a throne and a beautiful princess. He uses classic screen villanry and trickery to get the princess' senile father as well as Justin and Sabu out of the way. Also worthy of honorable mention is Rex Ingram (The Green Pastures) as the marvelously bellowing genie.
Everything here works. Likeable heroes, campy villans, good story, fine special effects (which were probably astonishing for 1940 and still enjoyable today). However, this edition has some weak special features. Korda's 1940 Brit WW2 propaganda film will put you to sleep, and the commentary almost runins things by spilling the beans on the special effex 9why some commentators feel the need ot do this is beyond me). But all that aisde, get it, bring the whole family oer (as well as friends and snacks) and you will truly enjoy. Oh yeah, read the real Arabian Nights afterwards for comparison.
DVD Review: Full of Eastern Delight
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie is recommended on Roger Ebert's site.
Considering this was made in 1940, the effects are amazing with towering genies and flying carpets, and a special world filled with vibrant colors, amazing storytelling, and sparkling dialogue.
According to Ebert his 7 year old grandchild loved it, so it has a classic timeless quality about it.
The version I saw also featured commentaries with both Martin Scorsese and Francis Coppola, who were both inspired by this movie as children, and it would appear that this is a favorite among well known directors.
Their affection for this movie and its history is quite obvious.
I totally enjoyed it not only for its beauty, but for its story, and the way it grips you, and its surprising twists and turns. Loved the genie. I could easily imagine a child being taken by this movie.
I hope you find this review helpful, and Thief of Bagdad enjoyable.
DVD Review: Thief of Bagdad
Summary: 5 Stars
I saw this film as a child and didn't remember the title, so searched for the original movie for years under various movie titles, Magic Carpet, etc. Finally, at age 68, accidentally stumbled upon it only to find out it was a film classic. Didn't remember it being in color, so probably color enhanced since original release in 40's. Worth a watch for all ages. Very entertaining for the young at heart.DVD Review: Good for children.
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this movie, "The Theif of Bagdad", because I have a nine-year-old Grandson. I don't know enough about the new Movies to select one that is good for children. He liked it, No dirty words no nudity! It was great, I had also watched this movie as a younger person. Thank you.
Description of The Thief of Bagdad - Criterion Collection
Legendary producer Alexander Korda's marvel The Thief of Bagdad, inspired by The Arabian Nights, is one of the most spectacular fantasy films ever made, an eye-popping effects pioneer brimming with imagination and technical wizardry. When Prince Ahmad (John Justin) is blinded and cast out of Bagdad by the nefarious Jaffar (Conrad Veidt), he joins forces with the scrappy thief Abu (the incomparable Sabu, in his definitive role) to win back his royal place, as well as the heart of a beautiful princess (June Duprez). With its luscious Technicolor, vivid sets, and unprecedented visual wonders, The Thief of Bagdad has charmed viewers of all ages for decades.Special Features
* - SPECIAL EDITION DOUBLE-DISC SET FEATURES:
* - New digital transfer, from restored film elements
* - Two audio commentaries: one featuring renowned directors Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese, and one with film and music historian Bruce Eder
* - Visual Effects,, a documentary about the technical achievements of The Thief of Bagdad
* - The Lion Has Wings (1940), Alexander Korda's propaganda film for the English war effort, created when The Thief of Bagdad went into production hiatus
* - Excerpts from codirector Michael Powell's audio dictations for his autobiography
* - Excerpts from a 1976 radio interview with composer Miklos R?zsa
* - Stills gallery featuring rare images of the film's production and photos shot in Dufaycolor Optional music and effects track
* - Theatrical trailer
* - PLUS: A booklet featuring new essays by film scholars Andrew Moor and Ian Christie
Often hailed as the greatest fantasy film ever made, The Thief of Bagdad (1940) was producer Alexander Korda's crowning achievement. Deservedly winning Academy Awards for art direction, color cinematography, and special effects, this Arabian Nights adventure appeals to all ages with its fantastical tale of Abu (Sabu), the little thief who befriends the prince of Bagdad (John Justin) and foils the nefarious plans of the evil grand vizier (Conrad Veidt), who seizes control of Bagdad and covets the princess of Basra (Joan Duprez). From its gorgeous, epic-scale sets to flying horses, magic carpets, and, best of all, Rex Ingram's towering jinni of the bottle, this Thief has all the magic of the tales that inspired it, and vibrant Technicolor brings it all to life in dazzling style. Six esteemed directors worked on this infamously troubled production, but the final result exceeded all expectations, becoming an instant classic that endures to this day. --Jeff Shannon
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