Product ReviewsThe Thief of Bagdad (DVD 2003) 1924 Silent B&W Adventure/Fantasy Alpha Video NEW

One of the greats

I had been hunting this movie for along time, so was delighted to get it and watch it again, although I was not delighted with the chosen soundtrack for this version.
First thing to remember is this is a remastered SILENT MOVIE, filmed in BLACK and White, from 1924! (Alas, this is not the best remastering of this version that I have seen, the one that American Movie Classics did was better). But it is still worth having if you are a collector of the adventure movie from all eras of production.
If you hate silent movies that have added sound to imitate the live piano or organ music played in the theaters at the time of its first release, don't listen to this...turn off the music and just watch.

There was a reason this was one of the top movies of its day, winning awards for special effects, which still hold their own today. Superstar Douglas Fairbanks did all his own stunts, (had his own studio to control the scripts--he wrote this one--and allow him to do his own stuntwork).
This version's back cover states "this spectacular and award-winning motion picture is a visual feast with magnificent imaginative sets and special affects that astounded audiences." It goes on to state that at a cost of over 2 million (think several hundred million in today's movie making financial equivalent), it was the most expensive movie made in its era. It also showed why Fairbanks was the superstar of his day.
If you are a silent movie buff and have never seen this, you should. If you are collecting fairytales or period arabian night stories, this is for you. There were several remakes later, glorious technicolor, but the effects weren't as nice. Fairbanks set high standards that other studios are still living up to.

However, at nearly two and a half hours (148 minutes), it is a long movie for a silent. Provide yourself some break and snack time, and enjoy.Read full review...

My review of the thief of bagdad

The clarity of the print is ok. However, I had , at one time, a print which I had taped off the tv, which was tinted , and had an introduction by Douglas Fairbanks, jr. The tinting made it all the more enjoyable, along with music by Rimsky-Korsakov. This will have to do until I can locate a tinted print of this film.
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The Thief Of Bagdad

3 out of 5 stars -
Less over-acting in this one compared to most silent films. Fairbanks has a winning smile and a charm that comes across the screen quite well. Also I believe it is he himself doing soome of the stunts. This was way before such things were outlawed.
The music drones a bit, with too much repetition. A live piano player would suit this one much better.
Look for some of the earliest special effects.
Total political incorrectness here, but a cute lovestory nonetheless.Read full review...

Do not buy

Very poor video quality, not watchable

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The Thief Of Bagdad

No me gusto para nada esta pelicula.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: blowitoutahere