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Ilya Muromets (1956)

Noteworthy for its cast of 106,000 people and 11,000 horses, this Russian sci-fi epic follows a crippled farmer as he regains the use of his legs after helping a group of mystical travellers. Determined to prove his worth to his king, he faces marauding barbarians, air-riding demons and a three-headed dragon in a battle to defend his homeland. Boris Andreyev, Shukur Burkhanov, Andrei Abrikosov star. 94 min. In Russian with English subtitles. C/Rtg: NR

Sampo (1959)

Epic Soviet co-produced take on Finnish mythology from Aleksandr Ptushko--that became a Saturday matinee staple in its heavily edited U.S. cut--concerns an evil witch (Anna Orochko) who covets a mystical mill and kidnaps the beautiful sister (Eve Kivi) of the only smith (Ivan Voronov) who can forge one. The craftsman and his sibling's betrothed (Andris Ošinš) set off on a fantasy- and adventure-filled rescue mission. Urho Somersalmi, Ada Voytsik also star. 91 min. In Finnish with English subtitles. C/Rtg: NR

The Tale Of Tsar Saltan (1966)

Larissa Golubkina, Oleg Vidov, Vladimir Andreyev, and Kseniya Ryabinkina star in this Russian fairy tale based on a poem by Alexander Pushkin. The story centers on Tsar Saltan, who is trying to fix his obliterated family life. Along the way he gets involved in various adventures with Tsarevich Guidon, the 33 knights led by Chernomor, and the gorgeous but bewitched Tsarevna Swan. 87 min. In Russian with English subtitles. C/Rtg: NR

Ruslan And Ludmila (1972)

One of Russian poet Alexander Pushkin’s poems is transformed into a big-screen adaptation by director Alexander Ptushko. When the new bride (Natalya Petrova) of Prince Ruslan (Valeri Kozinets) is kidnapped by the evil wizard Chernomor, warriors from all around are recruited to save her. However, the mighty Ruslan may be the only one with the gumption to save his love in this epic of swords and sorcery. 149 min. In Russian with English subtitles. C/Rtg: NR

Widescreen; Soundtracks: Russian, Finnish; Subtitles: English; audio commentary; featurettes.