The Adventures of Prince Achmed

Rating:
Summary: A true masterpiece of family entertainment
Review: At last, a movie for children that doesn't assume they are stupid! I think that the ideal audience for this movie are adults that remember and cherish their childhood. The essential aspect of this state of mind is a constant sense of play, of imagination let loose. This movie certainly embodies that mode of thinking as well as any other I know of. The Adventures of Prince Achmed is the earliest surviving animation feature, using the silhouette technique. Based loosely on One-Thousand and One Arabian Nights, this movie is the very embodiement of fantasy, featuring exotic locations, miraculous deeds, and sorcery aplenty. The animation is far more beautiful than any I have seen elsewhere: just look at the scene where Achmed first sees Peri Banu, getting ready to bathe in a magical lake, you can actually see the water rippling, and her coat of feathers is so intricate, it is almost impossible to imagine anyone being able to cut out designs this elaborate. The basic plot details are mentioned elsewhere, but they are not really all that important; what matters here is the sense of free creativity, which is very exciting. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful Animation from 1926
Review: 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!

Rating:
Summary: A Once in a Lifetime Experience(you can have over and over)
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful!
Review: I just saw this movie, and I can tell you, it's too beautiful for children! The scenes are reminiscent of Erte', the story and animation are fantastic. The story itself is like a Wagnerian opera, full of unending plot twists and perils for the hero and heroine. The animation, done in a silhouette style,is sophisticated and yet hauntingly sensitive. Just a film that takes you into a world of beauty and fantasy, without being the least sugary or sappy. A world that is no more,before everything had to be "dumbed down" and made "cutesy" for children-when it was expected that they could appreciate a charm that adults could share-see this film!

Rating:
Summary: Before Snow White, There Was Prince Achmed
Review: The Adventures of Prince Achmed is the most amazing film I think I have seen. It is thouroughly unique! I have never seen anything like it!

Lotte Reiniger evidently had the most incredible fingers. She cut all the intricate and elaborate silhouettes by hand and used stop action to bring them to life. They move fluidly and go off on the most fantastic journey! I was entranced. I had to watch it again, immediately! The stark contrast of silhouettes gives a simplicity of image that seems to amplify the intricacy of the details.

This is another great piece of art. It crosses all kinds of boundaries. It transcends silent film. It is something beyond animation. It is more than a fantasy. I just can't recommend it highly enough!

Rating:
Summary: Classic
Review: This is one of the most interesting animated films I've seen. The sillouhettes (sp?) are remarkable against the color tinted backgrounds. The plot has many twists and turns, but the viewer never gets lost in the plot. It will have you intrigued from the beginning right to the end.

This is a retelling of "The Arabian Nights." The animation is much smoother than that of some stop motion animation (ie the Rankin-Bass holiday programs). If you are a fan of "The Arabian Nights" or "Aladdin" (the Aladdin story is also told in this feature), then this movie is for you.