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The Thief of Bagdad

The Thief of Bagdad

Criterion Collection Edition #431

Directed by Ludwig Berger, Michael Powell, and Tim Whelan • 1940 • United Kingdom
Starring John Justin, Sabu, June Duprez

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.

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The Thief of Bagdad
  • The Thief of Bagdad
    1:46:34
    The Thief of Bagdad

    The Thief of Bagdad

    Directed by Ludwig Berger, Michael Powell, and Tim Whelan • 1940 • United Kingdom
    Starring John Justin, Sabu, June Duprez

    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 effe...

Extras

  • THE THIEF OF BAGDAD Commentary 1
    1:46:35
    THE THIEF OF BAGDAD Commentary 1

    THE THIEF OF BAGDAD Commentary 1

    Recorded in Napa Valley, California, in 2007 and New York City in 2008, this commentary features renowned directors Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese offering their personal recollections of THE THIEF OF BAGDAD.

  • THE THIEF OF BAGDAD Commentary 2
    1:46:35
    THE THIEF OF BAGDAD Commentary 2

    THE THIEF OF BAGDAD Commentary 2

    Recorded in New York City in 2008, this commentary features film and music historian Bruce Eder.

  • Isabella Rossellini on THE THIEF OF BAGDAD
    02:02
    Isabella Rossellini on THE THIEF OF BAGDAD

    Isabella Rossellini on THE THIEF OF BAGDAD

  • THE THIEF OF BAGDAD: Visual Effects
    31:17
    THE THIEF OF BAGDAD: Visual Effects

    THE THIEF OF BAGDAD: Visual Effects

    In these interviews, conducted in 2008, visual effects pioneer Ray Harryhausen, special-effects supervisor and founder of California’s Matte World Digital Craig Barron, and Academy Award–winning effects designer Dennis Muren discuss the visual achievements of THE THIEF OF BAGDAD from their own un...

  • THE THIEF OF BAGDAD Visual Effects: Blue Screen Demo
    02:10
    THE THIEF OF BAGDAD Visual Effects: Blue Screen Demo

    THE THIEF OF BAGDAD Visual Effects: Blue Screen Demo

  • Michael Powell on THE THIEF OF BAGDAD
    1:05:08
    Michael Powell on THE THIEF OF BAGDAD

    Michael Powell on THE THIEF OF BAGDAD

    The following audio excerpts are taken from Michael Powell's original dictation recordings for the first volume of his autobiography, “A Life in Movies,” published in 1987. Here he reminisces about the making of THE THIEF OF BAGDAD and THE LION HAS WINGS.

  • Miklós Rózsa on THE THIEF OF BAGDAD
    37:04
    Miklós Rózsa on THE THIEF OF BAGDAD

    Miklós Rózsa on THE THIEF OF BAGDAD

    In this excerpt from a 1976 radio interview, legendary composer Miklós Rózsa discusses how he came to be involved with THE THIEF OF BAGDAD.

  • The Lion Has Wings
    1:16:01
    The Lion Has Wings

    The Lion Has Wings

    Directed by Adrian Brunel, Brian Desmond Hurst, and Michael Powell • 1939 • United Kingdom

    This early, influential propaganda film blends documentary and studio footage to show the valiant efforts of the Royal Air Force to defend the British people against the Nazi invasion.

  • Caitlin Kuhwald Studio Visit
    08:30
    Caitlin Kuhwald Studio Visit

    Caitlin Kuhwald Studio Visit

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