4 March 2008

The 1940 version of The Thief of Bagdad, produced by Alexander Korda and co-directed by Ludwig Berger, Michael Powell and Tim Whelan (and apparently an uncredited Alexander Korda, Zoltan Korda and William Cameron Menzies), is without question one of the finest, most spectacular fantasy films ever made. It's a statement you'll find in Criterion's press notes but one I and everyone here would heartily agree with. Its effects were groundbreaking, its visuals glorious, its storytelling a wonder and surely no-one who knows and loves the film does not warmly remember one of my favourite character introductions in movie history: "I am Abu the thief. Son of Abu the thief. Grandson of Abu the thief."

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.

Criterion have announced that they will be releasing The Thief of Bagdad as a Special Edition 2-disc DVD in May, with the following confirmed features:

• Restored digital transfer;
• Audio commentaries featuring renowned directors Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese;
• Audio commentary with film and music historian Bruce Eder;
• New interviews with special-effects experts Ray Harryhausen, Dennis Muren, and Craig Barron about the technical achievements of The Thief of Bagdad;
• The Lion Has Wings (1940), Alexander Korda's propaganda film for the English war effort, during The Thief of Bagdad's production hiatus;
• Excerpts from co-director Michael Powell's audio dictations for his autobiography;
• Selections of music by composer Miklos Rózsa not used in the final film;
• Stills gallery featuring rare Dufaycolor images of the film's production;
• Theatrical trailer;
• A booklet featuring new essays by film scholars Andrew Moor and Ian Christie.

The Thief of Bagdad Double Disc Special Edition will be released on US DVD by Criterion in May (exact date to be confirmed) at the SRP of $39.95.