Sheik

I LOVE Rudolph Valentino and adore all of his movies, but this version of "The Sheik" left me lukewarm.Some years ago, when AMC still featured film classics and no commercials, they aired a black and white version of "The Sheik" that I was fortunate to have taped. The film quality was sharp, crisp, and offered enough contrast so that details were easily apparent without my having to strain my eyes or compel me to sit a foot away from the TV set to notice them. Enhancing this version, the musical score emphasized the exotic setting and romantic allure of the story.As an added bonus, this version contained a scene that isn't featured in any recent releases: The morning following her abduction, Diana awakens to find rose petals strewn on her bed. She is moved by the beauty of the petals until she notices Ahmed's cigarette holder on a nearby table. She remembers a sensation of being touched while she slept and fears that Ahmed may have ravaged her during the night. The servant girl, Zelia, assures Diana nothing improper has taken place. She then proceeds to show Diana the basket from which she, Zelia, has taken the flower petals to spread on Diana's bed. Zelia also explains (and we are shown through flashback) that Zelia, while sleeping on the ground next to Diana, had held Diana's hand through the night to comfort her.I watched this magnificent version many, many times, until about a week ago, when quite unfortunately, and rather tragically for me, the video tape snapped in two while being rewound. I was heartbroken!!Although I already own the special edition DVD ("The Sheik" and "Son of The Sheik") put out by Image Entertainment featuring the color tinted version of "The Sheik", I still longed for a black and white version. Imagine my delight when I saw an opportunity to own a black and white version of "The Sheik", hopefully comparable to my lost copy. I was thrilled!The feeling, however, didn't last very long. This DVD (reproduced and distributed by Reel Enterprises in 2006) offers no special features, no menu and no scene selection feature. From the moment you put the disc into your DVD player, the movie starts to play. This in itself wouldn't be so bad.Fifteen minutes into watching this version, however, is when major disappointment set in. Although this version offers the original title cards, the film quality isn't sharp or crisp, and at times is even a bit dulled. Although watchable, it's evident that cost measures, not film qualtiy, took top priority for the folks at Reel Enterprises. This version is nothing but a direct transfer of an average quality video to DVD. Too bad that all the technological advances made in film restoration and DVD production were ignored by Reel Enterprises. With a little extra expense, they could have produced a quality product.BTW, that extra scene was missing in this version, another disappointment for me.By far my biggest complaint with this version is the music. A musical score should enhance the mood of the entire film or contribute to the intensity of a particular scene. This DVD's musical score evokes none of the smoldering passion, romance or emotions of the characters, nor does it contribute to the film's exotic atmosphere. It's little more than non-descript generic background music, basically elevator music, undermining every scene in this film. The music throughout this version consists of a solo piano movement or violin piece playing gently and rather drowsily in the background during passionate love scenes as well as battle sequences. Even the "Kashmiri Song" which Valentino's character sings (via title cards) is overlooked. There isn't a single musical allusion to this love song; not even a few musical notes from this piece are reproduced anywhere in the film. Later, when the action shifts to the desert where an impassioned Ahmed abducts Diana, a soothing violin/piano movement is heard. Contrast this same scene with the color tinted version from Image Entertainment which highlights the action by using "Bacchanale" from "Samson et Dalila" by Saint-Saens.As with the film quality, so it must have been with the musical quality: cost measures were clearly top priority for Reel Enterprises. How else do you explain the choice of a generic musical score that acts as a lullaby for an audience, rather than arouses viewers to watch a virile, passionate, smouldering, intense Valentino fight for the woman he loves.Bottom line: Don't waste your money or time on this inferior transfer. Instead, invest your money in a quality DVD of "The Sheik".

This was the film that catapulted Valentino to stardom. Grateful to have it, but was unprepared for the level of racism. Also needs to be remastered, and the music doesn't match well.

Everyone knows the plot of The Sheik so I can give no surprises there. I will go into the quality of the DVD-R. At about 86 minutes it is about as complete as it can be. The picture quality is not the best, kind of soft and blurry and it is all black-and-white. Not tinted in some scenes as in other versions. The best version I ever saw was a VHS version with rich orchestrations. I wish that version would be release to DVD or Blu-Ray.

Shipping was incredibly fast, which was awesome.At first I was hesitant about getting the color-tinted version, as I am used to the black and white (which I do prefer, I think)--but this transfer is so beautifully done I can't complain. After a few minutes I got used to the yellow/blue tinting, and appreciated the crispness of the film. Definitely worth it.I've ordered the sequel now :)

THis is a great copy of that old silent film that sent Valentino to stardom. It's just fun. Kind of corny compared to modern films but I sure enjoy it and if you can stand silent films, you'll like this one.

Interesting film, important in its time. Swings from romance to comedy, and is enjoyable, though naïve and dated by today's standards.

The classic movie was exactly as expected. It's a good movie for understanding how people perceived things at that time.

silent movies were an art form this is one of the best.

Always wondered about this, probably Valentino's most famous role. A shame he died so young. The plot, though.... probably couldn't be made today.

Came exactly as said perfectly wrapped and now I can see my mother’s favouriteRudolph Valentino

Bis auf kleine Abweichungen hält sich dieser Schwarz-Weiß-Stummfilm an die Romanvorlage. Schade ist nur als etwas zu abrupte Ende, welches von der Romanvorlage "leider" etwas abweicht. Dennoch ist dieser Film auf seine Art ein Meisterwerk!Vor allem Rudolf Valentino ist - durch seine Mimik/Gestik - fantastisch!_________________________________________________________________________Except to a few variations, this film remains stable to the original novel. Sadly is just the abrupt end, which "sadly" deflect from the original novel. Nevertheless it`s a film of his own masterwork!Particulary Rudolf Valentino is - though his mimic/gesture - fantastic!

Le sheik est une adaptation assez fidèle du roman d'Edith M Hull (réédité dans les années 80 chez J'ai lu dans la collection "les romans préférés de Barbara Cartland").Mes grand-parents l'ont vu au cinéma et en parlaient encore à leurs enfants. Ce film de 1921 a été un énorme succès à son époque surtout auprès de la gent féminine qui a succombé au charme de Rudolh Valentino. Il a définitivement consacré son image de "sex-symbol" et l'a propulsé au rand de super star.Que dire d'un film de 90 ans ? Évidemment cela a vieilli, le jeu est totalement dépassé et on le regarde plus comme une curiosité ayant valeur historique. Il faut néanmoins reconnaître que le film est très bon pour son époque : avec une bonne histoire bien rythmée, profusions de décors, de costumes, nombreuses scènes d'extérieur et d'actions. En bref, une super-production !Côté technique : Les textes sont en anglais seulement. Images de qualité (pour 90 ans !). Absence de bonus regrettable (un petit reportage sur Rudolh Valentino aurait été appréciable ...)

RV's Tanguero sequences add to his persona. In toto, he has no parallel today.