Made in 1952, a very difficult and fallow year for Russian cinema Sadko is a medieval version of Sinbad the seafarer, who sets out in search of true happiness.

Sadko believes that this happiness must lie in some far-off land, he travels to every exotic and mythical corner of the earth including a magical undersea Kingdom but eventually returns to the loving arms of his adored Lubava, Special effects master Ptushko creates a true cinema of enchantment, with every character, object, and background alive with wondrous possibilities. Ptushko’s ‘Sadko’ brings to life a virtual catalogue of narrative devices, plot twists, and cultural values that have characterized both popular and high culture throughout Russian history and this film, one of the most genuinely popular films of its time among Soviet audiences.

Years later, Sadko was purchased by American producer Roger Corman, who released the film as The Magic Voyage of Sinbad after it had been re-edited by a very young Francis Ford Coppola.