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Milestone Films Releases Classic Animation On DVD

Milestone Films has released two interesting collectors editions on DVD. Lotte Reiniger's animated feature THE ADVENTURES OF PRINCE ACHMED is now available on DVD. Restored from the original 35mm archival material with a new recording of the original orchestral score by Wolfgang Zeller, THE ADVENTURES OF PRINCE ACHMED is taken from THE ARABIAN NIGHTS and tells the story of a wicked sorcerer who lures Prince Achmed, who flies on a magic horse headlong into a series of wondrous adventures - joining forces with Aladdin and the Witch of the Fiery Mountains, doing battle with the sorcerer's army of monsters and demons, and falling in love with the beautiful Princess Peri Banu. The DVD also features the documentary "Lotte Reiniger: Homage to the Inventor of the Silhouette Film," as well as a 5-minute commercial Reiniger created in 1921 for Nivea Cream, a stills gallery, and an optional audio track with spoken intertitles for children. Also from Milestone comes JOHN CANEMAKER, MARCHING TO A DIFFERENT TOON, a 60-minute DVD that showcases Canemaker's wide-ranging talent and emotional resonance, including his animated shorts CONFESSIONS OF A STARDREAMER, BOTTOM'S DREAM, CONFESSIONS OF A STAND-UP, THE WIZARD'S SON and BRIDGEHAMPTON. Also included are selections from Canemaker's collaborative work, including "Behind the Scenes," "The DNA Concerto," early TV spots for Gay Men's Health Crisis and excerpts from the award-winning documentaries WHAT DO CHILDREN THINK OF WHEN THEY THINK OF THE BOMB and BREAK THE SILENCE: KIDS AGAINST CHILD ABUSE. Additional DVD bonus features include John Canemaker's documentary, OTTO MESMER AND FELIX THE CAT, and digital storyboards from Canemaker's films, including cut scenes from THE WORLD ACCORDING TO GARP, and more! Both DVDs are available at the Milestone Films Website www.milestonefilms.com.THE ADVENTURES OF PRINCE ACHMED Suggested retail price DVD $29.95; VHS $29.95. JOHN CANEMAKER, MARCHING TO A DIFFERENT TOON Suggested retail price DVD $24.99.

Melissa Chimovitz profiled the healthy independent animation scene in New York, including the work of John Canemaker.http://mag.awn.com/index.php3?article_no=506