A Thousand and One Nights Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

A Thousand and One Nights Blu-ray Movie Review

A Thousand & One Nights is a fascinating anime film. From Mushi Production (Ashita no Joe, Nozomi in the Sun), A Thousand & One Nights is based on an original story by Osamu Tezuka (inspired by classic tales of Aladdin, The Forty Thieves, and Sinbad). Executive produced by Osamu Tezuka; A Thousand & One Nights is an erotic adventure fantasy. A Thousand & One Nights is considered as one of the earliest anime films to be produced as an erotic anime. Produced by Atsushi Tomioka (Ashita no Joe, Nutcracker Fantasy), A Thousand & One Nights features voice performances by Yukio Aoshima, Kyōko Kishida, Asao Koike, Haruko Kato, Hiroshi Akutagawa, Isao Hashizume, Kyōko Kishida, Noboru Mitsuya, and Sachiko Ito.

Aladdin (Yukio Aoshima) may be a poor man without much to his name but he does have one thing that keeps him happy and in a spirit that helps him to continue on: he has freedom. Aladdin soon finds an unexpected romance with a slave girl Miriam (Kyōko Kishida). Though the girl was put up on a high bidding auction, Aladdin helps to free her from her owner and the two begin a love affair.

After a romantic evening, Aladdin is shortly thereafter framed for a murder he did not commit and he is overwhelmed by the loss of his freedom. After being released from prison (for the crime he didn’t commit), Aladdin sets out on new and magical adventures. Including tales of the land of beautiful women, the 40 thieves, and a world of giants – even a Genie (Haruko Kato).

The animation is one of the most remarkable elements of the production. The feature-film highlights superb character designs by Takashi Yanase (Shinjuku Shin-chan Patrol: Warui Otona ni Ki o Tsukete). The design work on the film is excellent. There are many fantastic layers to the production. These elements are essential to the filmmaking.

The art direction by Takashi Yanase (Bara no Hana to Joe) and animation direction by Sadao Miyamoto (Princess Knight, Gold Lightan - The Golden Warrior) is monumental and an essential part of the film. Featuring exceptional contributions by a talented team of animators, A Thousand & One Nights is visually rewarding as it expanded the language of early era erotic filmmaking in anime. The style accentuates the right elements necessary for the filmmaking to feel erotic and romantic.

The score composed by Isao Tomita (Jungle Emperor Leo, Kimba the White Lion) is an enjoyable part of the film. The music adds a romantic quality to the production and this was something that was also a little bit unexpected. The score works well and adds something unique to the production.

The cinematography by Akira Tsuchiya (Goku no Daibōken) is an essential part of the experience. The visual style of the film is a big part of the filmmaking. Tsuchiya made an art-film, not something that simply relies on erotica for simple thrills.

The screenplay by Hiroyuki Kumai (Princess Knight), Kazuo Fukasawa, and Osamu Tezuka (Astro Boy, Wonder Three) works well in exploring the classic fairy tales and making something new out of the experience. The script has some compelling chapters and the flow of the film is effective. A good screenplay, though some elements feel a little dated.

Directed by Eiichi Yamamoto (Cleopatra, Jungle Emperor Leo), A Thousand & One Nights is surprisingly beautiful. The filmmaking is more artistic and ambitious than one might expect to find for early era erotica. A Thousand & One Nights is a different type of visual experience and the film has a strong artistic style. Well worth seeing.

A Thousand and One Nights Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Discotek Media, A Thousand & One Nights is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The Blu-ray has impressive filmic qualities that are well reproduced on the release. The cinematic style of the film certainly feels well reproduced. The animation is well reproduced. Though the print has some drawbacks, including print damage and scratches, the transfer is still solid overall.

A Thousand and One Nights Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a selection of lossless audio options: English DTS-HD Master Audio Mono and Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio Mono (with English subtitles). The audio sounds a bit soft and is somewhat reserved sounding. The opening acts of the film also sound a bit thin and scratchy. An imperfect audio presentation. Nonetheless, the track has some nice vitality and the presentation benefits from a bit more enveloping depth. The sound direction by Atsumi Tashiro (Fables of the Green Forest, Space Battleship Yamato) is well reproduced.

A Thousand and One Nights Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

International English Version (HD, 1:53:41) is a shorter cut of the feature-film. Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 Mono.

Audio Commentary with Helen McCarthy

Japanese Trailer (HD, 4:26)

English Trailer (HD, 4:27)

Interview with Director Eiichi Yamamoto (HD, 53:17)

Art Gallery includes 74 click-through slides.

A Thousand and One Nights Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

A Thousand & One Nights is both an early-era erotic anime and a classical action-adventure fairy tail anthology. The animation is one of the highlights of the film. The stylized art is a highlight. The film certainly is ambitious and there are some remarkable aspects to the film. Though the film is also a somewhat dated production in some respects, it is worth seeing. The Blu-ray release provides a worthwhile presentation and a nice selection of extras – including an alternate cut of the film. Recommended.