I saw a version on PBS ages ago with an introduction by Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. Some of the scenes were "tinted" and the score was by Rimsky-Korsakoff. Wow. I'm still looking for a version with that score. Anyone?
shareI'm looking for that version too! I found a recording of it at my local library, which my best friend promptly stole. But I have not found it for sale anywhere. If you have any luck, please let me know too!
share[deleted]
I, too, am looking for this version. I have a copy with a different score, and it confirms that the Rimsky-Korsakoff score (Scheherazade)greatly enhances the film. If anyone discovers where this version can be found, please inform me, too.
shareI know of a new group of silent movie enthusiasts who have just started to release rare films on DVD (region 2 only at the moment - but no problem for Americans with multi-regional players).
Their version of "The Thief Of Bagdad" is better than any of the bigger, more slickly-packaged commercial releases for two reasons: 1) It is COMPLETE - no missing scenes like every other DVD of the movie & 2) It also has the entire Rimsky-Korsakov score. I have been playing my copy regularly because it is such a joy to introduce family and friends to the definitive version of this great film :)
If this information is of interest to you, please feel free to get back to me and I will be glad to search out the contact details.
Jack
I am interested in the contact details for Thief of Bagdad with the Rimsky Korsakov score (arranged by Carl Davis), Rohauer collection, produced in assoc. with Thames Television. I also have been looking for it.
Hi, sorry I didn't see you post sooner :) If you provide your e-mail address, I will get back to you with details. It is one of my favourite movies, so I am glad to help anybody else get the right copy and I don't seek a profit.
shareIs there a DVD available of "Thief of Bagdad" with the Scheherazade score? If so, where?
Bob Stevens, [email protected]
Jack,
Looking for a DVD of "Thief of Bagdad" with the Scheherazade score. Hopefully, you can help me find one. Thanks, Bob stevens, [email protected]
This should be it: http://tinyurl.com/295o4y
according to IMDB's description, Carl Davis conducts, and this is the Philadelphia Philharmonic Orchestra AND Rimskey Korsakov's Shezerade.
I'd seen and have this version with the Rimskey-Korsakov score on PBS back in 1989 or 1990, in Phoenix, AZ, recorded it complete to VHS. The version above has outtakes, I don't know that mine has that, but I do believe it has trailers about the making of the movie. I'd say this is my overall favorite. Spellbinding, Douglas Fairbanks and the cast are wonderful, the Rimskey-Korsakov score is dead on adding to the overall magic of this movie. I'll probably get this DVD (Amazon, or perhaps check my local library) or try recording my VHS to DVD.
I've checked the description at the listed web address (Amazon), but the music indicated is an organ score, not the Rimskey-Korsakov score as seen on the PBS screening. I'm still looking for the version with the R-K score, and I would greatly appreciate any information gathered by others on how to obtain such a copy.
shareDid you record your VHS copy directly from the PBS broadcast? I've contacted PBS, and no one at the web store or my local station has ever heard of it. I saw it about twenty years ago, too, but I'm frustrated so far in my attempts to find a source for a copy. Please let me know if you find one.
Thanks
That edition was restored by Thames/Photoplay Productions. The score is by Carl Davis, with themes by Rimsky-Korsakoff.
-J. Theakston
The Silent Photoplayer
http://www.thephotoplayer.com/
Hmm, I remember seeing that on PBS years ago. I always assumed that was the version Kino offers now. It's a great tinted version, with a Gaylord Carter score.
"We have a powerful enemy somewhere within our planetary system." -Commando Cody
Rimsky Korsakov's sheherazade is one of the seven wonders of the wonder. a divine unspeakable wonder for the gods. its really something that i dont know what to say about along with his cappriccio espagniol and russian eastern festival.
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[deleted]
March 26, 2009
The version of the Thief of Bagdad you're looking for is the version restored by Kevin Brownlow in 1984. This version has the Carl Davis score.
I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Brownlow's restoration on the big screen in Los Angeles last week.
I don't know if a DVD of this version exists, but it's the version you want.
I hope this helps.
Until a good dvd Rimsky Korsakhov orchestral version comes out, I'll continue to watch the PBS version (hosted by Douglas Fairbanks Jr) I taped on Beta all those years ago.
shareCan anyone confirm if the version on Netflix Instant Watch is the Rimsky-Korsakoff one?
"Weirdness was all he cared about. Weirdness and sex and plenty to drink."
It's over a year later, but in case anyone is interested, I just finished watching it on Netflix instant & they use the Kino release, with "Digital Stereo Orchestral Score Performed by the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra adapted from the Original 1924 Cue Sheets."
It's not bad, I was impressed in fact after the boring score that accompanied The Black Pirate (which I had watched immediately prior), but after reading this thread I too would love to see it with the Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade score.
Update!
According to Discdish (http://www.discdish.com/index.php/2013/02/04/blu-ray-dvd-release-the-thief-of-bagdad-1924/):
"The inaugural release of the Cohen Media Groups’ “Cohen Film Collection,” the film was newly restored from two 35mm negatives and incorporates the color tints and tones of the original release prints. It also features music by Carl Davis conducting London’s Philharmonia Orchestra, performing a score that intermingles Davis’ own compositions with the famed “Orientalia” of Rimsky-Korsakov."
I ordered mine!
Yes, indeed - this is the one! Woo Hoo - even though it's forcing me to get a blu-ray player. This is the version now showing on Netflix - but I want my own copy. I've certainly waited long enough!
shareJust got mine today! Did not know this was coming out. Saw it on the shelf at the book store, looked at the back, saw Rimsky-Korsakoff and Carl Davis on the back of the case and immediately threw money at the salesperson. Just watched and YES it has the right music, it has the tinting, it has EVERYTHING! :D Happy day at last!
shareHey, guys... this is the version you´re looking for?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFOjCXzaOgA
The Eureka! release includes the 149 min. 2012 restoration with Rimsky-Korsakoff score, both in DVD and Blu.Ray.
share