Arabian Nights (2000)

When Sultan Said discovers his wife locked in a passionate embrace with his only brother, he flings his sword at the prince and accidentally murders his adulterous queen. Tortured by his wife's ghost, the maniacal and cowardly sultan must marry another to save his kingdom, but to avoid future matrimonial disgrace he plans to have her executed the morning after the wedding. Fortunately for him, Scheherezade, the grand vicar's daughter played by the lovely Mili Avital, jumps at the challenge and the chance to marry her childhood love. A master storyteller, the newly crowned sultana escapes death night after night with her mesmerizing tales of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Aladdin and his Magic Lamp, countless warriors, supernatural duels, and ferocious genies.

Although the main story line falls short of Scheherezade's seductive tales, audiences will be enchanted with fantastic special effects, elaborate costumes, and the magic of Persia. Wonderfully directed and edited by Steve Barron, Hallmark's Arabian Nights will particularly appeal to fans of magical computer-effects laden television miniseries. --Melissa Asher Amazon.com

Recreates well the atmosphere of Silk Road life

Having trod many a dusty path across lots of (old quarter) Silk Road cities and landscapes from Middle China to the Middle East, this Hallmark film really (and unexpectedly) receives my 5 stars without hesitation (both for adults'! and children's viewing alike).

It primarily conveys to me a genuine feeling of bygone settlements in this vast region (allowing for the romance of storytelling then and now - the original storybook itself is the result of "hand-traded tales" over centuries from one caravanserai to the next, becoming contorted and glorious as storytellers added their unique cultural bits...), has great costumes and quite a few scenic landscapes (-rather than tacky Hollywood studio "sets"), gripping and comedic plots, convincing actors (-more in British English language style, my preferred), an intriguing and enjoyable cast of characters and a quality of acting certainly above any normal children's film (way ahead of the usual mass market Disney outpourings). The dramatic storytelling keeps you hooked - children under 10 may find some scenes a little emotive initially to handle - and the entire DVD is deliciously long, to be savoured over several (albeit not 1001) nights. All in all a rare film indeed, worthy of its namesake and a remarkable achievement by Hallmark.

I bought it several years ago after a hard search and it is timeless - to be enjoyed repeatedly. It is a wonder it is this cheap and well worth keeping in one's archives. July 25, 2008

Very Entertaining...Great Quality The whole family enjoyed

This movie has a very well written script, excellent acting, engaging story. It's long, but you can watch it in segments because of the story structure. I watched it over and over and enjoyed it each time. July 24, 2008

Excellent

This is one of the best investments in DVDs. For the new generation, it is a good way to get a glimpse of the rich heritage of stories told over generations. I would recommend it 100%. June 23, 2008

Arabian Knights is great

Such a fun movie, and so well done. I've watched it several times over and enjoy it as much each time. May 31, 2008

Once a night isn't enough!

Very close to the original tales of the Arabian Nights. Not an obnoxious amount of CG. Both my wife and myself enjoyed the movie. March 28, 2008

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