Korda, Alexander

The Thief of Bagdad - Criterion Collection

The Thief of Bagdad legendary producer Alexander Korda's Arabian Nights marvel 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 position 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 EDITION DOUBLE-DISC SET FEATURES:Restored digital transferTwo audio commentaries: one featuring renowned directors Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese and one with film and music historian Bruce EderNew interviews with special-effects experts Ray Harryhausen Dennis Muren and Craig Barron about the technical achievements of The Thief of BagdadThe Lion Has Wings (1940) Alexander Korda's propaganda film for the English war effort made during The Thief of Bagdad's production hiatusExcerpts from codirector Michael Powell's audio dictations for his autobiographySelections of music by composer Miklos Rozsa not used in the final filmStills gallery featuring rare Dufaycolor images of the film's productionTheatrical trailerPLUS: a booklet featuring new essays by critics Andrew Moor and Ian ChristieSystem Requirements:Running Time: 106 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: SCI-FI/FANTASY/FANTASY Rating: NR UPC: 715515029926 Manufacturer No: CC1754DDVD

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

Thief of Bagdad (1940)

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

Rembrandt

Academy AwardÂ(r) winner* Charles Laughton brilliantly captures the inner turmoil of the passionate 17th-century genius in probably the finest acting performance ever recorded on celluloid (The Observer)! In Amsterdam of 1642, master painter Rembrandt Van Rijn (Charles Laughton), enjoys a rich, full life in a beautiful, blinding, swirling mist of fame and fortune. But with the sudden death of his beloved wife and muse, his work takes a dark, sardonic turn that quickly offends even his most loyal patrons. Bankrupt and bereft, he finds comfort in the arms of pretty, young Hendrickje (Elsa Lanchester), a servant in his home. Now, offered a surprising second chance at love, will he summon the courage to overcome his demons or will tragedy continue to haunt one of the greatest painters who ever lived? *1932 33: Actor, The Private Life of Henry VIII

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