DVD Review by David Blackwell

DETAILS: 98 minutes, three deleted scnes, theatrical trailer, and short animated film

STUDIO: FOX/ Comestone TL Distribution/ Archlight Films International

RELEASE DATE: 3-14-2006

THE THIEF LORD follows Prosper (Aaron Johnson) and his 6 year old brother, Bo (Jasper Harris). They flee to Venice (a place their Mom wanted to take them to before her untimely death) because Prosper doesn't want to be separated from his younger brother that his aunt wants to adopt. In Venice, they fall in with Scipio aka Skip (Rollo Weeks) and his gang of orphan children. Skip is the Thief Lord. He is hired to by the mysterious Conte to steal a wooden wing that is the final piece of a magical merry-go-round. Hot on Prosper and Bo's trail is Victor (Jim Carter), a private detective hired to bring Bo back to his mean aunt and uncle. Hindering Victor's investigation accidentally is Ida (Caroline Goodall) who likes him and develops a soft spot for kids.

THE THIEF LORD is one of those little films that have moments that fill you with awe. It starts out one way before being hit with the reality again. It is funny to note that the ones who want children or have them aren't good parents. The ones who don't have them are bitter people while good parents are dead (or missing). Just think of the Thief Lord as Peter Pan who wants to grow up. The movie is adapted from a novel by Cornelia Funke. THE THIEF LORD has a wonderful cast of child and adult actors. It's magic exists in the way the movie is told, the performances, and the scenery of Venice, Italy.

VIDEO: 2.35:1 (Anamorphic Widescreen)/ 1.33:1 (Full Frame)

The transfer is OK, but stick with the Widescreen version which edges out the Full Frame version quality wise. It is a doubled sided disc and the Widescreen version is on Side B.

AUDIO: English 5.1 Dolby Surround

Subtitles: English, Spanish

Dialogue is always clear and the music never drowns it out.

SPECIAL FEATURES: A few extras are include. The three deleted scenes add more character moments, but the second one is the funniest. It is a plus that the original theatrical trailer is included and we also get the short animated film shown during THE THIEF LORD (Mosca's Animation with Glow/Stumm). Too bad we don't get an audio commentary or a short featurette on the making of this wonderful little film.

FINAL ANALYSIS: THE THIEF LORD is a wonderful film that will entertain the whole family. It isn't a dumbed down for kiddies film that is at least worth a rental.

this review is (c)3-21-2006 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without permission (except for excerpts and a link to the review). Look for additional content at http://enterlinemedia.livejournal.com and send all comments to lord_pragmagtic@hotmail.com