The Thief of Bagdad - Criterion Collection

Buy This Item The Thief of Bagdad - Criterion Collection by Criterion Collection  Available from Amazon  $27.99  on 8-29-2008     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 Rózsa * - 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 Reader Reviews What is a fantasy? Our conscious dreams, subconscious wishes, or our ever-present quest for escapism? Our imaginations are absolutely essential to us in this hostile world so full of drama and indifference. Few films have ever been more capable of such emotional catharsis, the precedent setting masterpiece that is The Thief of Bagdad. This film has everything... kings, princesses, genies, sorcerers, flying carpets, and even a magical jewel guarded by a giant spider and octopus. Based on the legendary tale of Arabian Nights, this film is a one-of-a-kind Technicolor vision, an absolute orgy of the senses. An excellent film for children and adults alike, especially adults who are in touch with their inner child. Ahmad, the king of Bagdad, is tricked by his Grand Vizier, Jaffar, subsequently resulting in the kings imprisonment. While in prison, Ahmad meets Abu the thief. The two captives flee for their lives to the city of Basra, unknowingly entering an adventure of epic proportions. While in exile, Ahmad crosses paths with a beautiful princess, immediately falling in love with her. This proves to be the major catalyst in an already tumultuous relationship with Jaffar, since the Grand Vizier has traveled to Basra to win the princesses hand in marriage. After a confrontation with Jaffar, Ahmad and Abu are enchanted and then separated, resulting in the beginning of Abu's saga. While wondering alone, Abu finds an old bottle which upon opening releases a gigantic genie named Djinn. Now that Abu has three wishes and has came into possession of a magical jewel he commands Djinn to take him to Ahmad. Abu then uses his last wish to send the distraught Ahmad back to Bagdad so he can attempt to save the princess from Jaffar. Ahmad is immediately captured and sentenced to death which causes his friend Abu to steal a magic carpet and rush to his rescue, the classic battle of Good vs. Evil. The rest of the story shall remain unspoiled. . . I hope you enjoy it as much as I have over the years. **As of right now, Amazon does not have the supplemental features listed so I'll post those as well**. Special features, as listed by Criterion: - 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 Rózsa - 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 1940 106 minutes Color 1.33:1 Dolby Digital Mono 1.0 Not Anamorphic English

The Thief of Bagdad - Criterion Collection Available from Amazon Price: $27.99 Updated on 8-29-2008.

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