bujaki
Senior HTF Member
While I lived in Manhattan, I was able to see The Thief of Bagdad (1940) in 35mm Tech. Superb.Danny Burk said:Yes indeed, definitely the 1940 THIEF OF BAGDAD - one of my top ten.
My main want would be the set of 6 von Sternberg/Dietrich films, transferred from the UCLA restorations. The earlier DVD release of SCARLET EMPRESS left much to be desired; very grainy, the same as all prints deriving from Universal's material. I used to have a 16mm "original" (= TV print) of that title and it was also very grainy.
Reissues of the von Sternberg silents would also be nice, especially DOCKS OF NEW YORK.
While we're on the subject of von Sternberg, how about his last film, ANATAHAN? I don't believe it's ever had a US release in any format (there is a French DVD); it's as gorgeous to look at as his Paramount films.
MoMA also showed Docks of New York in a 35mm nitrate print, a little worn, but luminous. The Last Command was in better shape.
Radio City Music Hall showed Blonde Venus, uncut and in its OAR, in a then newly struck 35mm print.
I caught Anatahan somewhere in NY, but my memory fails me. I agree with your assessment of it.
I saw a magnificent 35mm safety print of Scarlet Empress in Dallas.
As a matter of fact, I've seen all the surviving Sternberg movies, some in excellent prints; some in somewhat battered condition. His movies need to be seen in the best possible condition because he was a superb visual artist.