Search - The Adventures of Prince Achmed on DVD

Beautiful Animation from 1926

rareoopdvds | San Diego, CA United States | 09/30/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A silent animated film created in 1926 by German artist Lotte Reiniger. Considered to be the first full-length animated feature at 65 minutes, what makes this so special is not the story, but the animation itself which sets itself apart from anything tradional or even experimental Disney has done in their youth. All the characters and sets are done in silhouette from paper cut outs with hinges to manipulate the peoples actions. The result is an incredible and unique look that has never been matched before or since. Reineger certainly has her work cut out for her as she mastered this format throughout the rest of her career. In this video, in addition to the main feature which is a story from the Arabian Nights, is also a commercial Reineger did for the German creme company, as well as a 60-minute documentary on Lottes life. The documentary is bit slow, but it does display many of her other works, equally obscure and beautiful. If you are interested in classic cinema or animation, then by all means, you really should see this. While watching this, I am surprised that Disney showed no signs of influence in their early experimental stages. Highly reccomended classic!"

Historically important work - a must have...

Gina Miller | Seattle, WA USA | 06/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is based on the Middle Eastern classic Arabian Nights . The Arabian tapestry is felt in genuine form in Lotte's interpretation. In fact Lotte is very talented when it comes to conjuring up a particular time and place in her other works as well. Lotte is a master of creating a dreamy, hypnotic, universe, out of jointed silhouettes. The moving objects morph perfectly into complex shapes, a magnificent bird into a spellbound woman, a magical palace out of fallen stars. The movie is entrancing, beautiful, and ethereal, not just for the time it was made, but even when you watch it now. There is a mood of fairy tales, other worldly, creativity and a genuine success at telling a story, with paper for crying out loud! After watching this animation, the visions will linger behind your sight like a soft daydream glow of a memory. If you are a current day animator the results of Lotte's work considering her limited technology, will blow your mind. If you are not an animator, this movie, will blow your mind. Lotte is an integral part of cinematic history. I have a more extensive and lengthy version of this review at my animation blog site here: http://maxanimation.blogspot.com/2005/04/prince-achmed.html which you are invited to visit, read and comment on."

A Once in a Lifetime Experience(you can have over and over)

R Atherton | Frostbite Falls, MN | 01/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For once there is no ambiguity: "The Adventures of Prince Achmed" is definitely the first feature length animated cartoon. Working in a converted garage, Reininger and her two assistants (one of whom specialized in magical soap bubble effects!) took three years to complete "Achmed." The film was a success, but for whatever reason Reininger spent the rest of her long career making shorts and advertisements (that I've never seen-hint, hint, Milestone). You might think, Hoo boy, an hour of nothing but black silhouettes on white. But give the film half a chance (especially in this magnificently colored restoration, with wonderful musical accompaniment) and I guarantee you'll be hooked. The complex tale of Achmed, his beloved, the wicked Magician, the kindly and powerful Ogre, the magical flying horse, and all the other characters are animated in a fantastically expressive manner, and the film moves at a breathless but comprehensible pace. This is one you'll come back to."

Beautifully restored animation, with elements of "The Arabia

M. Bromberg | Atlanta, GA United States | 04/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Milestone should be given high praise for this project. Most viewers will have seen nothing like Ms. Reininger's silhouette animation, which seems as remarkable today as it must have in 1926. Jean Cocteau had a hand in getting this film exhibited, and it's easy to see similarities between the enchanting fantasy of "Achmed" and his own fairy-tale telling of "Beauty and the Beast" from 1941, including a similar symphonic score. The English subtitles seem less distracting to the music score than the voiceover track, but viewers have that option. The companion documentary is a glimpse into the director's life and art for those who are unfamiliar with Ms. Reininger and want to learn more. "The Adventure of Prince Achmed" is a fascinating film most viewers will want to watch more than once."