Search - The Thief of Bagdad on DVD

Perhaps the best sci-fi of the silent-film era

R. Williamson | Danville, CA | 08/12/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In 1924 the Thief of Bagdad was produced for the (then) stagering cost of $2.5 million! The range of emotions, the sense of location, the mysteries of Babalon, and the sheer magnitism of Douglas Fairbanks (a carefree pickpocket) alone makes this special. Flying carpets, dragons, winged horses and the Indian rope trick add a sureal touch with special effects that were exceptional for the era.



Fold in the music (adapted from the original 1924 cue sheets), an introduction by Orson Wells, and very rare special effects footage and it becomes an absolute masterpiece for your film collection.



This release has been recently mastered from the archival 35 millimeter negatives and provides a digital stereo soundtrack. It is a must!"

Douglas Fairbank's best work

Resident | 01/20/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Directed by Raoul Walsh in 1924, THE THIEF OF BAGDAD is definitely the OG Arabian Nights fantasy in Silent Film. A 1940 Technicolored version was released starring Sabu but the two versions are complete opposites. The biggest difference is that the 1924 version starring Swashbuckler Douglas Fairbanks does not have a Genie popping out of a bottle to grant 3 wishes.



With lavish production sets and great trick photography, THE THIEF OF BAGDAD is both visually stunning and far ahead of its time. Reported to be on of the first Million Dollar productions of the time, you can see that the money was spent on the sets. Douglas Fairbanks gives the performance of a lifetime in this classic tale set in "The Dream City of the East."

"

One of the fest silent films ever!

John M. Kingsbury | Grand Rapids, Michigan | 12/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hi



I had a VHS version of this film and have watched it several time with friends. I jumped at the chance to get it again on DVD.



The film is so good that you forget that it is silent and just enjoy the story.



A note of interest the art director on this film William Cameron Menzies is the producer of the 1941 version of this film, another of the all time great fantasy films.



There is also a version made in the early 60s staring Steve Reeves that follows the original film faithfully and is worth seeing.





Mike



"

Great

Gloria Swanson | Oak Park, Mi United States | 08/08/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Watching this movie is like having a fairy tale dream. It's a must have to all silent film lovers."