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One of Jim Henson's finest hours was the Storyteller series that first aired on HBO in 1987. As with his other non-Muppet creations (Labyrinth), Henson fills the screen with wonderful creatures that have a wisp of a J.R.R. Tolkien fantasy. This collection of nine stories (it does not contain the Greek myths arc) were adapted by Anthony Minghella, who became an Oscar-winning filmmaker a decade later with The English Patient. Minghella weaves the narration of the storyteller (played with aplomb by John Hurt) with dialogue from the stories to beguiling effect; the storyteller doesn't simply introduce the tales.

A few of the stories have been available before on video, but this collection starts with the debut, the Emmy-winning "Hans My Hedgehog," the title role being a young disformed man who helps a lost king in the woods. Other highlights include "The Luck Child" about a king bent on destroying a commoner boy, known as the luck child ("the seventh son born of a seventh son on a week with two Fridays"). After a wizard declares the boy will grow up to be king. The fate of the king is one of those hooks that should have the kids smiling for days. Henson himself directs "Death and the Soldier," a brilliant example of how these episodes were so wonderfully complex. A penniless solider (Bob Peck) is given a magical sack and he uses it to full effect, capturing gremlins and greater evils on his way to be king. "Sapsorrow" is a curious variation on the Cinderella legend. "A Story Short" is the storyteller's own adventure. He makes a deal with a king to tell a story every day of the year. Yet on the last day, the storyteller's mind is a blank and his fate may lead him to a boiling vat of oil. Henson's work is true family entertainment and at only 22 minutes per episode, it's the perfect companion for some fine entertainment around the TV. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (33)

We're almost there. . .
It's been taking the Henson company a long time to get these titles pumped to DVD, and it's nice to see The Storyteller fill the gaps in the shelves. I am still waiting for Fraggle Rock, but hopefully that is on the horizon.

I remember these as part of the Jim Henson Hour (another series I would like to see again) and they were as enjoyable to watch as they are now.

I gave the DVD 3 stars, simply because it's just that. . . a DVD. No extra's no behind the scenes, nothing added to it, just the stories, one after another in a digital format. The content and movies are great, its just that, well, there wasn't anything else. Kind of disappointing, but I'm sure back then, they didn't have a lot of cameras on the set filming behind the scenes, it wasn't the fad or desire back then.

This is a dvd though, that's not for kids. Young kids that is. Some pretty spooky moments, and the creatures can be a bit scarey. It's a fairly dark, gritty form of story telling, but fun and amusing at times.

To wrap up, its great. If your a fan of Jim, it belongs in your DVD library. No extras though, just the 9 episodes and that's it. The sound is good, picture great, just as I remember them. My only desire for some of the recent releases of Henson DVD's is to actually have more of Henson on them. He was a great man, and to hear him speak about his films and what he was doing is always a rare treat. I just wish they had more film footage of him.

Fairy tales will never be the same
I'm amazed that this series has gotten so little attention. This is Jim Henson and crew at their best, making fun of the lines between fantasy and reality, costume and puppetry, and new storytelling and old stories.

All of these short pieces were unfamiliar to me, at least in part. 'Sapsorrow' turned out to contain a story I knew, or thought I did. Part of the reason these fairy tales were unfamiliar was their authenticity. These stories were originally meant for adults. They had hard, dark edges, and were not the vapid Disneyfied versions that most people know.
Lots of kids will like these stories as much as adults do, but this may be too much for younger children. This isn't Sesame Street - it's one of the dark alleys off to the side.

The narrator is one of the unexpected treats on this disk. He opens and closes each short story, talking to his dog on a fire-lit night. The narration is a treat, too. It has a wonderful rolling cadence, too musical for regular speech but too prosaic to be a chant. It may give you some idea what the old epic poems must have sounded like in their original settings.

This is for anyone who likes fantasy, who likes a rich visual experience. You just have to see it for yourself - typed words can't begin to give the experience you'll find in this collection.

Fairy-Tales Aren't Just Kid's Stuff
I remember seeing this series for the first time years ago and thinking it was one of the most beautiful things I'd ever experienced. I still believe that when I watch it now. These stories, based on old folk legends (some woven together), have a great deal of resonance - that is why they have endured. Fairy-tales are not dumb, or childish, but rather are for those who still have the ability to enjoy the extraordinary, without needing to continually question the logic and criticise the rationality. Jim Henson was himself a modern-day storyteller, and is very much missed - they are a rare breed.
The stories are wonderfully crafted, if you wnat to be picky, some of the visual effects are a little dated (hey, it's 1987), but who cares when you're listening to such great tales!?
John Hurt is fantastic as the intriguing Storyteller, and even gets a well-deserved episode all about himself.
Hans My Hedgehog was always my favourite episode, and IMHO the Grovelhog costume is incredibly impressive. It's a genuinely touching story, and for me is on a par with The Elephant Man in terms of the tissue factor. I really wish that more of these had been made, but the ones that exist are a real blessing.
Show Storyteller to your children (I know some of you are worried about age, but I say go for it, children are darker than you think) and I am sure they will thank you profusely when they get older. As some have pointed out, they aren't always happy tales, but here is the valuable lesson - life isn't always happy. But it's still beautiful, and someting to marvel at, and learn from. Just like this DVD.
Oh, and if anyone tries to tell you it's just kid's stuff, let it go. They've lost their heart.

Just as good as it was 15 years ago.
I did not have the luxury, when I was growing up, to see these stories as they were originally shown on the Jim Henson Hour which aired in America and not until much later, in Australia. I happened upon the videos (these nine episodes were set on three videos) in a local rental shop and under extreme duress, my father rented them for myself and my sister. Much like we had done with the Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal, we were transfixed by each and every episode. The thing we loved most about them was that they weren't your usual Disney-esque fluffiness. They were based on German, Russian and Celtic folklore and are in many cases, even today, still considered quite dark tales.

Now, many, many years later, I found and bought the DVD and am quite happy to say that the Jim Henson magic is still very much there. Sure, there's no special features on the DVD and I admit I would have liked to have seen some behind-the-scenes productions that are so accessible in this format of entertainment, but what was most important is that we got the series. To be honest, I couldn't complain about the quality of the DVD, it seemed pretty good to me. If the picture was blurry, it added to the atmosphere of the story rather than from detracted from it.

Some people who are not familiar the Jim Henson Creature Shop would find these productions stupid, cheesy and very out of date, but please remember, Jim Henson was a puppeteering pioneer and set many a standard for the fantasy genre. It was also well before the marvels of CGI were used on a regular basis, so please, don't complain when you see a puppet squirrel or badger flit across your screen and say that it would have been much better as a computer animation.

If you want seamless realistic graphics, go and watch the new Lord of the Rings epics, or The Matrix movies.

If you want to recapture a charming, fanciful bit of your childhood, when we didn't need thrills and spills to entertain us, watch The Storyteller series. You won't be disappointed.

"The Best Place by the Fire was kept for the Storyteller!"
Jim Henson's most famous contribution to the entertainment world is obviously "The Muppets", but if you're looking for his best work (in terms of both visual brilliancy and depth of theme and meaning) the award would have to go to "Labyrinth" and "The Storyteller." The former is of course the famous movie starring David Bowie, but the latter was a television series that was made up of a collaboration of Anthony Minghella's screenplays that drew on a range of folklore and ancient storytelling, Jim Henson's amazing puppets and John Hurt's performance as a nameless, gnome-like storyteller who sits by the fire with his (extremely talkative) dog, speaking directly to the viewer of the marvellous things he's seen and done in his lifetime.

There are nine episodes altogether, each one about twenty-five minutes long, with a separate tale in each one. Each one is both narrated by the Storyteller, but also acted out by a separate group of actors with which the Storyteller and his dog interact with - and it's not just them entering the world of the stories (such as the Storyteller performing a card trick in the court of the king)- sometimes the stories invade their fireside hearth: figures appear in the flames of the fire, shadows perform on the sides of pots and cups, the dog looks into his bowl to see faces looking up at him, and often the Storyteller produces objects that feature in the stories as proof of their reality.

Each story is very different, both from each other and from their original source material in order to create tales that are new, but also deeply familiar. Archetypes such as foundling children, wicked stepmothers, fay-like helpers, magical implements and triad motifs are prevalient, and you'll be surprised at how many familiar faces turn up! Some of the episodes are melded from several stories (such as "The Soldier and Death" which uses three Slovac tales to piece together a longer story) but others simply change a few details from their original sources ("The Three Ravens" uses ravens instead of swans as seen in the myth "The Children of Lyr" or Hans Christian Anderson's later retelling "The Seven Wild Swans") Spotting the similarities is part of the fun of watching, but a warning to parents - not all of the stories end happily, and often the content itself can be violent, scary, enigmatic or even mildly sensual.

"Hans My Hedgehog" is the winner of several television awards, and tells a darker version of "Beauty and the Beast" and "East O' the Sun and West O' the Moon", of a woman who makes a wayward wish for a baby and ends up with a hedgehog for a son.

"Fearnot" is the story of a young man that is so cheerful and simple that he has no idea what it's like to quiver and shudder in fear. Determined to know what the sensation is like he sets of - but the answer to being afraid may lie closer to home than he thinks...

"The Heartless Giant" is the bittersweet tale of a young prince named Leo who befriends a giant that has a nest of wasps in place of his heart. But can such a creature be trusted?

"Sapsorrow" is an interesting take on the "Cinderella" legend, as well as "Donkeyskin" in which a young woman seems to be forced to marry her own father if he does not hide herself within an elaborate disguise.

"The Three Ravens" is one of my favourites - three brothers are turned into ravens by their stepmother, and it is up to their sister to break the curse by never speaking a word. But when she falls in love and finds her beloved's stepmother is the witch that caused her brother's grief her danger intensifies: her children begin to disappear, and she cannot speak to defend herself.

"The True Bride" is the story of Anja, the slave of a troll who is helped by a beautiful white lion into getting her fortune. But when her financee (Sean Bean!!) is kidnapped by the troll's daughter, she leaves all her riches in order to get him back.

"The Soldier and Death" tells of a soldier who manages to a deal with devils that results in him capturing Death itself in his sack. The portrayal of Death is fascinating, and the puppetry of the devils is amazing.

"A Story Short" is the Storyteller's own story about beggars and fleas, a cruel wife, a deal with a king and a pot of boiling oil. This is another of my favourites.

Finally, "The Luck Child" concerns a young man named Lucky who is fated to be the next ruler of the land. The jealous king sends him on a dangerous quest to prove his worth, instructing him to bring back the griffin's golden feather. The puppet of the griffin is amazing, and the humour in this episode is great: "No, you're a sensitive monster!"

Although some of the techniques used for scenery looks a little dated by today's standards, the puppets are as ingenious as ever, and "The Storyteller Collection" is an educational and intriging display of storytelling that I highly recommend. ... Read more

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You can chalk it up to good timing and a heavy dose of video-game synergy, but this 1990 hit remains the box-office champ of independent films, with a total gross of $135 million. Of course the Turtles began as a phenomenally successful Nintendo video game, so it was a given that the movie would be a hit with its target audience of rabid young video addicts. This is what comic books fans call "the origin story," in which we learn how a foursome of small turtles were mutated by a green radioactive goo and turned into human-sized turtle crime fighters. Their large rodent mentor, Splinter, teaches them to master the martial arts. They're also gifted pop musicians, by the way (think of them as amphibious Spice Guys), so they can rock the house while they're cracking a crime wave with the help of their cute friend and television reporter April O'Neil (Judith Hoag). The script is terrible, of course, but countless millions of children don't seem to care, as long as the Turtles keep ordering pizza and dispensing their wisecracking brand of justice. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (86)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in Perfection.
Okay, ever since I was a kid, I loved the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle animated television series. My attention came to the show somewhere around 1992 or so since I was only a year old when the series aired, so I was kind of a late-bloomer among TMNT fans. But three of the four forms of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles don't please me: the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series (okay, it's cool, but it still comes up short), the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle comic series (which was the beginning of TMNT; not some video game), and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation live-action television series that was on Fox in the fall of 1998. What form of TMNT does that leave us with? The movies.

My definite favorite of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movies is this one. The plot doesn't go just skin-deep. This movie isn't just about teenage turtle mutants fighting crime; its main theme is family. This film really goes into the brotherhood that the turtles share, and the father-son relationship that they share with their mentor and ninja master Splinter.

For those of you that are preparing to click the back button on your browsers, please just hold on one more second. Even if you're not the kind of person that goes for "chick flicks," don't fear; there's something in this film for everybody. There's great humor, (for the lack of a better word) awesome fighting, perfect drama, and wonderful characters brought to life by excellent acting. All of the turtles and Splinter have perfect-fitting voice-actors, the actress that did April O'Neil in this film did a great job, and whoever did the acting and voice-acting for Shredder should get big pats on the back. I'm sorry that not everybody who viewed this film enjoyed it, but I think that anyone who is reading this should check it out sometime. Even though we all have our own tastes, I think everyone should take a chance and see this film because it would be a shame if someone passed up the opportunity to view what would have been his or her new favorite movie.

Good
TMNT the Movie was pretty good. It had a lot of action and it was funny. You can't take that away from it because it was. America's most favorite Turtles made a huge impact in this film that was originally geared towards kids but turned out to be huge for fans of all types (action, martial arts, comedy and of course the TMNT fans).

I won't deny it, I did like this movie. It was pretty good. The action sequences were excellent and choreographed very well. No "one hit and go down" stuff. The fight scenes in this were very fluid. The turtles were well represented as well (from the comic) and made this movie a pretty good adaptation.

One thing that will forever bother me was that Hockey Mask toting psychopath Casey Jones was perceived as this little pretty boy with a mask on instead of his true comic book personality of a deranged, former athlete turned vigilante. In the comics, Casey Jones is very intimidating but in the movie, he was just another baby face which I could've done without.

If you were going to buy any of the Turtles movies, this would be the one because this one was more of a Martial Arts action film instead of what it turned into later in Secret of the Ooze, a cheap slapstick comedy with the occasional fight scene with let's not forget the horrid "Ninja Rap" song by everyone's favorite most chewed up, spit out and now washed up MC, Vanilla Ice.

Again, TMNT the Movie is good. It's not astonishing and it's not poor but it is good. I personally wouldn't give it anymore than that. If you're looking for any other comic book to movie DVD's, check out Brandon Lee's lasr movie THE CROW, SPIDERMAN and of course X-MEN.

Amazing Turtles film. Don't go near the DVD though
They just don't make movies (especially ones for children) like this anymore. I saw this in theaters fifteen years ago, and I loved it. I proudly paid only $5.00 for this during Wal-Mart's video liquidation sale last year. I've owned Turtles II and the sub-par III for ten years, but I never did have my favourite first one on tape until now. As for the DVD release: don't bother. DVDs scrath just as badly as CDs, and there's nothing that can protect you collection from careless younger siblings intent on taking your fragile CD and DVD collection. Plus, the street market allows you to find (on VHS) extra-violent fight scenes that originally earned the first Turtles movie a PG-13 rating. If you want information on this workprint you're missing out on, go to http://www.comics2film.com/StoryFrame.php?f_id=50

Great!
This movie is so good because everything in it is so well made and funny. It's just great! See it!

A classis and intriguing movie
This was the first movie I ever owned. I used to watch it at least three times a day. After going back and watching it now that I am 18 years old I think I like this movie even more than I did as a 5 year old kid.

This movie is dark and after watching it I dont understand why I liked it as a child, but as an adult it appeals to me in a whole new way.

This movie does have some pretty good acting and I cant figure out if the turtles are guys in costumes or completely puppeteered,(Can someone tell me please).

This movie is much more for the teenager/adult crowd and if you havn't seen it or its been a while give it a chance and I'm sure you'll find something you'll like about it. ... Read more

Reviews (269)

Grand Television...
This made-for-television film tells the tales of Arthurian legend - complete with many new additional elements - from the perspective of Merlin (played by Sam Neill). It begins with Merlin's birth and ends with Merlin as an old man, though much of the story takes place in between with a tormented, middle-aged Merlin who is trying to do the right thing by, sometimes, doing the wrong thing.

Unlike the film Excalibur, this take on Arthurian legend seems much more akin to a fairy tale. In fact, the film lightly incorporates elves and fairies, even griffins and a dragon. The visuals, not unlike Jason and the Argonauts and The Odyssey, are decent at their worst, and at their best quite impressive. In this instance, the griffins are somewhat strained, but the dragon is excellent - probably one of the best CGI-rendered dragons to date, actually. It has the rare feel of being there with the actors for the few moments of time that it has onscreen. Indeed, Merlin's production values are quite high, and it provides a fair share of eyecandy. The battle sequences are also quite nicely done for a television film.

In fact, Attila and Dune aside, Merlin is one of the best television features to come out in the last few years. It offers fine performances by fine actors (including a hilarious and sometimes even dramatic Martin Short), and succeeds on almost every level that the more recent Mists of Avalon failed.

Fun and epic retelling of the Arthur legend
I remember liking this when it first aired as a mini-series on NBC in 1998. My recent reading of The Mists of Avalon (and the inevitable compare/contrast-a-thon with the TNT mini-series version of that book) as well as a recent viewing of the 1981 Excalibur movie, prompted me to buy the DVD.

The Arthur legend in itself is a rich story filled with plot twists, intrigue, manipulation, deceit, religion and magic. And, in my limited experience with the legend, no two stories are exactly alike. The Merlin mini-series, told from the Wizard's point of view, is a very enjoyable version of the legend that keeps you interested.

The acting is mostly first-rate. I was particularly surprised and pleased by the performance of...Martin Short(!) as Queen Mab's sidekick, Frik. Frik appears in several guises throughout the film, each played with gusto. The only detractions were Morgan Le Fey's (Helena Bonham Carter's) forced lisp and Queen Mab's (Miranda Richardson's) scratchy voice. Was that part of the legend?

The writing was well done...way better than Excalibur (Excalibur's corny Arthur: "We shall all sit in a circle as equals...why, I shall build...a round table!" Merlin's less-corny Arthur: "Let this circle be a symbol that we are all equal."). Some parts were a bit slow, but the splash of humor here and there adds to the overall fun of the film.

The special effects are great because they are mostly subtle and don't upstage the actors or the story. I particularly liked the bits with Frik's turn-around-costume-changes.

Overall, this epic overview of the King Arthur legend is lots of fun...and family fun at that!

Stop comparing!
I totally agree with one of the reviewers about comparing "Merlin" to "Excalibur". For me it's like arguing what tastes better, orange or apple. "Merlin" and "Excalibur" are two entirely different productions and all the big word speculations and comparisons are pointless. "Merlin" has everything that a good show should have. Good special effects, excellent casting (Mab and Frik rock!), it has magic and most of all - it has humor! If you're looking for a serious Arthur go for "Excalibur" if you're looking for a beautiful romantic story, I'd definitely watch "Merlin".

Too much editing!
This was a great miniseries on television with good special effects and great actors.The rating that I gave this movie is not for the movie itself but for the rip-off release of it on video.LARGE sections/scenes were left out on the released version that I have.It leaves some of the story disjointed and detracts from the plot.The movie itself is awesome and very well-made.It is nice to see Merlin depicted as a wizard who derives his magic powers from nature.I recommend the UNEDITED version to anyone who can find it.Overall though either version is fun to watch and the soundtrack is great as well.

Bad film but Merlin is a politically correct wizard!!
I made the mistake of buying this film... On the overall it's among the worst fantasy films I have seen (and I have seen a lot). First, the costumes, settings, scenery, and special effects are really bad. Cannot believe it!, just get a look at Excalibur to see the difference. But the worst, is how Merlin has become the first "politically correct" wizard. I mean, from a church point of view: fairies are evil, paganism is evil, and magic is evil. That's all guys! So Merlin has become the mage who dœsn't like magic. And so, if your are a church integrist you can safely let your children see this film. But if you appreciate fairy tales, flee this bad movie!! You may instead buy (for instance): Princess Bride, which is much better, somehow still politically correct, but won't try to indoctrinate you!! ... Read more

Reviews (22)

An entertaining comedy fantasy.
When Aliens (Dan Aykroyd & Jane Curtin) from another World come to Earth to be Studying and Conquest the Planet but when thier Spacecraft is being gun-down by Military Aircrafts. Then they get stuck on Earth and the Female Alien is Pregnant. Then they discover that-they might be stuck on Earth for a very long time. Once they baby daughter is Born, then years to come. The Aliens becoming used to thier new Planet but when a Gouverment Immigration Agency (Micheal McKean & David Spade) are seaching for these unique Extra-Terrestrials.

Directed by Steve Barron (The Adventures of Pinocchio, Electric Dreams, Merlin) is a entertaining, delightful funny fantasy for all ages. Aykroyd & Curtin are fun as the Alien Parents. Michelle Burke (Dazed and Confused) plays thier Daughter. This film was Critically Lambasted back then and also an Box Office disappointment. Many of Ex-Saturday Night Lives comedians like:Laraine Newman, Chris Farley, Jan Hooks, Phil Hartman, Adam Sandler & Many More appears in Small Roles. Watch for:Parker Posey, Micheal Richards, Drew Carey, Eddie Griffin and Ellen DeGeneres appears in Cameos. Written by Aykoryd, Tom Davis, Bonnie Turner & Terry Turner. Based on a Popular-SNL sketch show. Watch also for Jon Lovitz & Tom Arnold in Unbilled Cameos. Grade:A-.

CONEHEADS: a fun treat for familes, finally!
oneheads (1993) Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, Michelle Burke, Michael McKean, Jason Alexander, Lisa Jane Persky, Chris Farely, David Spade, Phil Hartman, Dave Thomas, Sinbad, Jan Hooks, Michael Richards, Jon Lovitz, Kevin Nealon, Adam Sandler, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, Tim Meadows, Julia Sweeney, Ellen DeGeneres, Parker Posey, Joey Lauren Adams, Drew Carrey, Tom Arnold, Eddie Griffin, D: Steve Barron. Spin-off of the 1970s Saturday Night Live skit has the family of cone-headed, robot-walking-and-talking aliens (from the planet Remulak) landing on earth in an unsuccessful mission where they adjust to New Jersey suburban life, and are unsuspectingly pursued by INS agents. Enjoyable family comedy is silly and odd if unexpectedly delightful, with a lot of sight and sound gags, some will go over a young one's cone. Surrounded by the terrific Aykroyd and Curtain (who you can tell perform earnestly) are over dozens of SNL veterans and present cast members. Written by Aykroyd, his daughter, Danielle and younger brother, Peter both give cameos. Running Time: 87 minutes and rated PG for some crude humor.

Funny!!!
Coneheads is one of the best comedies I've ever seen. Buy this movie if you like hilarious entertainment...

2 THUMBS UP!!!

Don't bother!
When I was lil I really loved it but now that I'm a bit older I think it's stupid. I only like Coneheads on SNL but the movie itself is really dumb. The storyline just blows it. It does have a huge SNL cast but I just thought it was horrible. Everytime when I see this on TV I want to just switch a channel to a better flick then watching this crap! Only good parts in the movie is watching Chris Farley he's the only one that makes the movie funny the rest of the cast is not funny. If you want to see a better SNL movie stick with the Wayne's World movies there hilarious this movie is just not worth it.

Cute Movie!
After I read negative reviews about this movie and heard people putting it down I was surprised when I watched it that I actually liked it and didn't think it was as bad as they said, sure it's not as funny as the original SNL skits with Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin and Laraine Newman but it was good on its' ownright and Dan Aykroyd and Jane Curtin were very good. Though I preferred Laraine Newman as Connie I thought Michelle Burke was pretty good. I taped this movie when it was on a cable and I plan on buying this movie on DVD for my comedy collection. I definitely recommended this cute movie to SNL fans. ... Read more

Reviews (42)

Buy the DVD and savour it at night
As other reviewers have pointed out, the VHS edition of this movie has been hacked to bits and re-edited. There are a few other versions floating around, one is recorded on EP (bad quality) and the other is in a set and rather expensive. I saved the time by buying the DVD instead. The DVD offers a few extras like cast bios and a making of featurette (which is basically just them patting themselves on the back for a lavish production, something we could tell by ourselves) The movie is the star in this case. If you have any sort of access to a DVD player, buy the movie in this format.

The tale of Arabian Nights is an ancient one about the beautiful Scheherezade (played by lovely Israeli actress Mili Avital, best known to Americans from Stargate) who tries to cure the mad Sultan Schahriar (Scottish actor Dougray Scott) through her considerable story telling ability. At first, Schahriar is a suspicious, childish man but then as his wife's tales grip him, he begins to see the lessons she is teaching him. So, what starts as a marriage based on convenience and murder becomes a truly deep relationship.

Scheherezade's tales are brought to life by a variety of stars in a variety of settings. Some of the "Saturday Morning Cartoon" feel of the stories is removed and many of them return to their roots. The tale of Aladdin, for example, was originally set in China with the bad guy as a sort of African Shaman and that is what is used in this version. Also, the fact that there were two genies is brought to light. (American John Leguizamo is very good in the duel roles as the genies of the lamp and ring) Historical findings are also used (the clay sldiers used in a Chinese tomb to guard the dead are incorporated) And lesser known tales such as the story of Bacbac are used.

It is facinating to watch the friendship between Schahriar and Scheherezade develope. He alternately loves her, needs her, hates her and wants to kill her throughout the first half of the movie. And she knows it. Talk about spooky, being in the hands of a homicidal madman who could have her killed at the snap of his fingers. But, self-sacrifice is what make Scheherezade's character so great, she is doing it to save other women, the kingdom but most of all to save Schahriar from himself.

The camera work is imaginative and the sets and scenery (much of this was filmed in Turkey) are lavish. The costumes are breathtaking, particularly anything Scheherezade puts on. The his/hers matching armor at the climax was just too cool. The music is always appropriate without being intrusive. The special effects are pretty good (especially for TV), a few are a bit cheesy but I still liked the movie. All the trimmings aside, the cast of international stars is the main reason to watch this film.

One more note, I found that I enjoyed this movie more when I watched it at night with the lights out. Maybe Scheherezade was right when she said it was hard to create the right atmosphere with the sun shining.

This is the best of the Hallmark mini series that have been on TV lately and I do hope everyone is able to enjoy the complete and unedited version. Find an evening, get some friends, make some tea and I am certain you will be enchanted.

Delightful
This movie is absolutely thrilling. All in all it is actually one of my favorites.
The insane Sultan Schahriar of Baghdad (Dougray Scott), after having accidentally killed his wife upon finding her in bed with his brother, fears that any woman he marries will plot his death.
Insane and paranoid Sultan Schahriar is, and as his Grand Vizier says with so much truth he works for the worst type of madman: ' a madman with power'.
Are any Third World dictators listening???
The Sultan looks for a wife to marry and have executed the next morning, and it is the Grand Viziers daughter, played by the exquisite Israeli beauty Mili Avital, who volunteers to be the lamb for the slaughter, knowing full well the Sultans dastardly plan. She aims to save the woman of the Kingdom, the Sultan and of course herself.

What she aims to do is keep him awake for forty nights with enchanting stories, which she has learned from a wise old storyteller ((Alan Bates) on the streets of Baghdad.

The stories told are Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Aladdin, The Sultans Jester, Never Tell the Same Joke Twice, and a story of three brothers sent on a glorious quest.

This movie is thrilling, sensual, insightful, wise, touching and hilariously funny, all at once.

It also introduces us to four of the world most gorgeous women, the exquisite and fascinating Mili Avital as Scheherezade, the lovely Amira Casar as Ali Baba's servant girl and later wife, the sensual and delightful Ayesha Dhakar in the opening scene and several cameo roles, and Vanessa Mae as Aladdin's Princess.

I love this movie.

WOW
Such a well put together piece of art. At first I thought it would be boring, but it's many stories in one, wit a main story on the side, and the outcome connects t all the side stories. I LOVED IT, and highly recommand it,

It just doesn't get much better than this
The casting alone is to die for. You just have to see it.

It's got it all, darlings
A few years ago, there was a television movie on ABC called "The Arabian Nights." It was a two night series and I absolutely loved it. So, when it came out on DVD, I got it right away. It truly captures the beautiful stories I used to hear as a young boy from one of my aunts. More than anything, the film is so funny.

One of the most funniest scenes is when Ali Baba's brother, Abu Kasim, dies and he rents the Damascus Mourners for the funeral. A bunch of men and women show up and wail all over the burial. Later, the leader of the group comes up to Ali Baba and says, "Remember us if you have more deaths in the family." That is perhaps the funniest thing in the film.

Truly, the director, Steve Barron, who also directed the supernatural Merlin, makes this film one of the, by far, best films I have ever seen. The effects are so much fun to watch and the acting is so good. A group actors, who are so diverse, make this film delicious. And don't forget to watch for people showing up in different scenes. For example, the women of the Harem have some women who also play in different characters, elsewhere. And the Jinns - both the cute gay one and the evil one - are played by Leguizamo. You can't miss this one, darlings.AJ ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Dreamkeeper memphar for past and present Native Storytellers
I found the movie on TV a most refreshing story dealing with issues of our culture. It was more than just an HallMark film, but something all people can use to assist youth in dealing witbh issues of life. Most Cultures have story Tellers to teach life's important lessens. I recommend this movies for teachers as an tool to assist students in dealing with life's issues. Never underesitmate the power of stories. This was a beautiful movies, in requards to Native American people. I could not believe my old eyes when I saw it being aired. I rate it 5stars for viewing by all cultures, somewhat intense at times and should be viewed with parents by younger children due to some of the special effects, but not in a bad way, just need to be explained. To help with the movie, it would be wise to read upon Native American Myths and storytelling, you can find some good books on the subject at local library and any good book store.

DreamKeeper's a truthfully amazing movie
A really great formatted movie I have seen in years. This movie I watched on TV and it kept me bound to the TV as I also recalled reading about a couple of the stories they put on film. That of the Great Serpent Iya that I have recalled him as. It is a great honor to now have a movie as great of many that has been filmed, also of Crazy Horse, Dances With Wolves, and many others that depicts the true nature of Native American Life in the now as well as the past. It is so sad the way the Native Americans were treated then and the life they live now due to the past, it is movies like this that brings a true meaning to the now Native Youth as well as the elders and young adults. Hoka Hey to DreamKeeper, Mitakuye Oyasin (We are all related). With Wanbli Eagle), we soar, to Hehaka (Elk) we love and defend, to Mato (Bear) we stand strong, and to Tatanka (Buffalo) we will strive for our rights of a True American. Native Pride, Heart and sole. Too all, Mitakuye Oyasin

Robert Runnelk Erickson

JUST AWSOME!!!
I haven't watched a movie that told a story like this. My childern were blew away with this movie.

Spiritual
I shared this DVD with my daughter who is just now learning about her native american heritage. My husband also watched it who has no native american blood. We were all uplifted. We started to watch at 9:00pm, already pasted my daughters bedtime to begin with, and all stayed up to watch entire movie.

I do not believe that you have to be Native American to enjoy, but I do feel that you have to have an interest in the history if nothing else.

It moves you.

Great Movie.

Beautifully spiritual film
Wow, I was blown away after watching this beautiful film. I loved it. It was profound, entrancing, captivating, fascinating and emotionally moving. I felt its spiritual connection, even though I am a white city girl - a far cry from Native American culture! Still, I appreciate good story-telling and this movie tells many of them. It is also to be commended for documenting these fabulous stories before they are lost forever. I had to buy it to watch again and to lend to my enlightened friends. Thoroughly recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (269)

Grand Television...
This made-for-television film tells the tales of Arthurian legend - complete with many new additional elements - from the perspective of Merlin (played by Sam Neill). It begins with Merlin's birth and ends with Merlin as an old man, though much of the story takes place in between with a tormented, middle-aged Merlin who is trying to do the right thing by, sometimes, doing the wrong thing.

Unlike the film Excalibur, this take on Arthurian legend seems much more akin to a fairy tale. In fact, the film lightly incorporates elves and fairies, even griffins and a dragon. The visuals, not unlike Jason and the Argonauts and The Odyssey, are decent at their worst, and at their best quite impressive. In this instance, the griffins are somewhat strained, but the dragon is excellent - probably one of the best CGI-rendered dragons to date, actually. It has the rare feel of being there with the actors for the few moments of time that it has onscreen. Indeed, Merlin's production values are quite high, and it provides a fair share of eyecandy. The battle sequences are also quite nicely done for a television film.

In fact, Attila and Dune aside, Merlin is one of the best television features to come out in the last few years. It offers fine performances by fine actors (including a hilarious and sometimes even dramatic Martin Short), and succeeds on almost every level that the more recent Mists of Avalon failed.

Fun and epic retelling of the Arthur legend
I remember liking this when it first aired as a mini-series on NBC in 1998. My recent reading of The Mists of Avalon (and the inevitable compare/contrast-a-thon with the TNT mini-series version of that book) as well as a recent viewing of the 1981 Excalibur movie, prompted me to buy the DVD.

The Arthur legend in itself is a rich story filled with plot twists, intrigue, manipulation, deceit, religion and magic. And, in my limited experience with the legend, no two stories are exactly alike. The Merlin mini-series, told from the Wizard's point of view, is a very enjoyable version of the legend that keeps you interested.

The acting is mostly first-rate. I was particularly surprised and pleased by the performance of...Martin Short(!) as Queen Mab's sidekick, Frik. Frik appears in several guises throughout the film, each played with gusto. The only detractions were Morgan Le Fey's (Helena Bonham Carter's) forced lisp and Queen Mab's (Miranda Richardson's) scratchy voice. Was that part of the legend?

The writing was well done...way better than Excalibur (Excalibur's corny Arthur: "We shall all sit in a circle as equals...why, I shall build...a round table!" Merlin's less-corny Arthur: "Let this circle be a symbol that we are all equal."). Some parts were a bit slow, but the splash of humor here and there adds to the overall fun of the film.

The special effects are great because they are mostly subtle and don't upstage the actors or the story. I particularly liked the bits with Frik's turn-around-costume-changes.

Overall, this epic overview of the King Arthur legend is lots of fun...and family fun at that!

Stop comparing!
I totally agree with one of the reviewers about comparing "Merlin" to "Excalibur". For me it's like arguing what tastes better, orange or apple. "Merlin" and "Excalibur" are two entirely different productions and all the big word speculations and comparisons are pointless. "Merlin" has everything that a good show should have. Good special effects, excellent casting (Mab and Frik rock!), it has magic and most of all - it has humor! If you're looking for a serious Arthur go for "Excalibur" if you're looking for a beautiful romantic story, I'd definitely watch "Merlin".

Too much editing!
This was a great miniseries on television with good special effects and great actors.The rating that I gave this movie is not for the movie itself but for the rip-off release of it on video.LARGE sections/scenes were left out on the released version that I have.It leaves some of the story disjointed and detracts from the plot.The movie itself is awesome and very well-made.It is nice to see Merlin depicted as a wizard who derives his magic powers from nature.I recommend the UNEDITED version to anyone who can find it.Overall though either version is fun to watch and the soundtrack is great as well.

Bad film but Merlin is a politically correct wizard!!
I made the mistake of buying this film... On the overall it's among the worst fantasy films I have seen (and I have seen a lot). First, the costumes, settings, scenery, and special effects are really bad. Cannot believe it!, just get a look at Excalibur to see the difference. But the worst, is how Merlin has become the first "politically correct" wizard. I mean, from a church point of view: fairies are evil, paganism is evil, and magic is evil. That's all guys! So Merlin has become the mage who dœsn't like magic. And so, if your are a church integrist you can safely let your children see this film. But if you appreciate fairy tales, flee this bad movie!! You may instead buy (for instance): Princess Bride, which is much better, somehow still politically correct, but won't try to indoctrinate you!! ... Read more

Description

A ruthless Sultan (Dougray Scott) enacts a barbaric decree to avenge his unfaithful first wife by bedding--then beheading--the women of his empire. The wise Scheherezade (Mili Avital) devises a desparate plan to save her kingdom by seducing the Sultan's imagination with the fantastical tales of Aladdin, Ali Baba, and larger-than-life heroes, warriors and djinns. Mind-blowing adventure and extraordinary special effects set against the backdrop of mysterious Arabia make this an exhilarating trip through the greatest anthology of all time. ... Read more

Reviews (269)

Grand Television...
This made-for-television film tells the tales of Arthurian legend - complete with many new additional elements - from the perspective of Merlin (played by Sam Neill). It begins with Merlin's birth and ends with Merlin as an old man, though much of the story takes place in between with a tormented, middle-aged Merlin who is trying to do the right thing by, sometimes, doing the wrong thing.

Unlike the film Excalibur, this take on Arthurian legend seems much more akin to a fairy tale. In fact, the film lightly incorporates elves and fairies, even griffins and a dragon. The visuals, not unlike Jason and the Argonauts and The Odyssey, are decent at their worst, and at their best quite impressive. In this instance, the griffins are somewhat strained, but the dragon is excellent - probably one of the best CGI-rendered dragons to date, actually. It has the rare feel of being there with the actors for the few moments of time that it has onscreen. Indeed, Merlin's production values are quite high, and it provides a fair share of eyecandy. The battle sequences are also quite nicely done for a television film.

In fact, Attila and Dune aside, Merlin is one of the best television features to come out in the last few years. It offers fine performances by fine actors (including a hilarious and sometimes even dramatic Martin Short), and succeeds on almost every level that the more recent Mists of Avalon failed.

Fun and epic retelling of the Arthur legend
I remember liking this when it first aired as a mini-series on NBC in 1998. My recent reading of The Mists of Avalon (and the inevitable compare/contrast-a-thon with the TNT mini-series version of that book) as well as a recent viewing of the 1981 Excalibur movie, prompted me to buy the DVD.

The Arthur legend in itself is a rich story filled with plot twists, intrigue, manipulation, deceit, religion and magic. And, in my limited experience with the legend, no two stories are exactly alike. The Merlin mini-series, told from the Wizard's point of view, is a very enjoyable version of the legend that keeps you interested.

The acting is mostly first-rate. I was particularly surprised and pleased by the performance of...Martin Short(!) as Queen Mab's sidekick, Frik. Frik appears in several guises throughout the film, each played with gusto. The only detractions were Morgan Le Fey's (Helena Bonham Carter's) forced lisp and Queen Mab's (Miranda Richardson's) scratchy voice. Was that part of the legend?

The writing was well done...way better than Excalibur (Excalibur's corny Arthur: "We shall all sit in a circle as equals...why, I shall build...a round table!" Merlin's less-corny Arthur: "Let this circle be a symbol that we are all equal."). Some parts were a bit slow, but the splash of humor here and there adds to the overall fun of the film.

The special effects are great because they are mostly subtle and don't upstage the actors or the story. I particularly liked the bits with Frik's turn-around-costume-changes.

Overall, this epic overview of the King Arthur legend is lots of fun...and family fun at that!

Stop comparing!
I totally agree with one of the reviewers about comparing "Merlin" to "Excalibur". For me it's like arguing what tastes better, orange or apple. "Merlin" and "Excalibur" are two entirely different productions and all the big word speculations and comparisons are pointless. "Merlin" has everything that a good show should have. Good special effects, excellent casting (Mab and Frik rock!), it has magic and most of all - it has humor! If you're looking for a serious Arthur go for "Excalibur" if you're looking for a beautiful romantic story, I'd definitely watch "Merlin".

Too much editing!
This was a great miniseries on television with good special effects and great actors.The rating that I gave this movie is not for the movie itself but for the rip-off release of it on video.LARGE sections/scenes were left out on the released version that I have.It leaves some of the story disjointed and detracts from the plot.The movie itself is awesome and very well-made.It is nice to see Merlin depicted as a wizard who derives his magic powers from nature.I recommend the UNEDITED version to anyone who can find it.Overall though either version is fun to watch and the soundtrack is great as well.

Bad film but Merlin is a politically correct wizard!!
I made the mistake of buying this film... On the overall it's among the worst fantasy films I have seen (and I have seen a lot). First, the costumes, settings, scenery, and special effects are really bad. Cannot believe it!, just get a look at Excalibur to see the difference. But the worst, is how Merlin has become the first "politically correct" wizard. I mean, from a church point of view: fairies are evil, paganism is evil, and magic is evil. That's all guys! So Merlin has become the mage who dœsn't like magic. And so, if your are a church integrist you can safely let your children see this film. But if you appreciate fairy tales, flee this bad movie!! You may instead buy (for instance): Princess Bride, which is much better, somehow still politically correct, but won't try to indoctrinate you!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

When hard-drinking Hubert Flynn comes home late and bedraggled for the umpteenth time, he wakes up transformed into the rat he truly is. But the movie Rat takes this event in stride; Flynn's family is upset and surprised, but somehow they recognize the appropriateness of this turn of events--Flynn's wife Conchita (Imelda Staunton from Shakespeare in Love, Sense and Sensibility, and Antonia and Jane) even takes a smug satisfaction in her husband's fate. When a writer arrives and offers to help Conchita write a bestselling book about this odd turn of events, she seizes on the opportunity to squeeze something positive from the man who's made her so miserable--and in the process, becomes a bit of a rat herself. Rat takes a little while to establish its comic tone, but once it settles into a kind of Irish magic realism, the deadpan reactions become strikingly funny. For example, when Conchita takes the rat to visit Flynn's favorite tavern, one barfly blithely comments, "Still, all things considered, he's not looking so bad." Pete Postlethwaite (In the Name of the Father, The Usual Suspects) plays Flynn in his brief time as a nonrat. All the performances are excellent; particularly charming is Kerry Condon as Flynn's daughter, who desperately tries to preserve some sense of dignity for her altered dad. With its whimsical humor and sardonic streak, Rat is no doubt destined to become a cult favorite. Fans of Monty Python will appreciate the movie's sly verbal wit. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (77)

If you grew up in the 80's and are into computers WATCH THIS
In its time, Electric Dreams was meant as a whimsical look into what possibilities the advance of modern (80's) technology may bring. Watching it now is a fun ride down 80's memory lane. With songs from Jeff Lynne (Electric Light Orchestra), Culture Club and Georgio Moroder, even if you aren't into computers but love 80's music, this movie will be a treat for you. I remember watching this movie as a kid and wondering how I could get my Apple IIC computer to play music as cool as Edgar, the computer in the movie and one of the movie's main characters. As I write this, I am listening to MP3's of the movie's soundtrack, I guess computers have come a long way in 17 years.....

Man vs Machine... for the girl
This is an excellent, light romantic comedy and Virginia Madsen's second movie (the first being "Class" in 1983). It is loosely based on an idea (unacknowledged in the credits) first developed by Kurt Vonnegut in a short story called "EPICAC."

The story concerns an introverted young architect named Miles, who accidentally imbues his PC with artificial intelligence by downloading an enormous amount of data into it and subsequently spilling champaigne on the motherboard (okay, stop groaning, it's a comic fantasy). Miles is on his way to befriending his serendipitously made acquaintance when he meets his pretty neighbor Madeline (Madsen), the cellist, who lives upstairs.

Unfortunately for Miles, while he is working up the courage to pursue Madeline, Edgar, the computer, has heard her playing music and has also become smitten with her, and the sparks begin to fly in an all's-fair-in-love-and-war, every man/machine for himself/itself classic romatic triangle with a twist.

This is a very funny movie which taps tentatively into the larger question of what makes us human. It's one of those overlooked classics of light entertainment. After seeing 62 other reviews of this movie here, I begin to wonder what the rights holders are thinking -- 80$?, NO DVD? What's wrong with you people -- are you allergic to money? Wake up and smell the greenbacks! Get this thing on DVD, and for a reasonable price and I'm sure that lots of people will snap it up!...

A Wonderful film....
I remember first watching this film when it was released on video in 1984, I was about 14 at the time and I still remember it's captivating quality to this day....and I haven't seen it since :(
When the computer started to play along with the girl playing the musical instrument, it sent a huge tingle down my spine....I just had to have a computer. This movie is probably why I love computers so much to this very day. I love creating music on them, just like Edgar did. I'm still listening to 80's music today, and Electric Dreams is one of my favourites. I need to see this movie again and relive the magic feeling it gave me all those years ago.

Get this released on DVD NOW!!!! it would be a crime not to.

A vote for this on DVD
All fans of this movie do me a favor. Vote for this review. I ask this not for me, but for the movie. Here is something I have noticed with other reviews I have done. If there are alot of reviews written and several receive lots of votes, the movie follows on DVD. I saw this with "Journey to the Center of the Earth", "The Enemy Below", and "Shoot to Kill" to name a few. Get your friends to vote too. I assure your if we arouse enough interest at this review page we will see results. Amazon notices and pressures the studios. Lets make this happen!

Electric Dreams - What The 80's Were Really All About
Since when does a movie have to be flawless to be fully enjoyed.
Sometimes I don't want to think very hard when I'm watching a film. I just want to be entertained, and after all, that's what it's all about isn't it? Electric Dreams (1984) is one of those films that gives you hope for the world. It proves there is sharing and selflessness. Granted, the acting is average, the plot couldn't possibly happen, or could it? That's the beauty of movies! Miles harding is a caring architect who falls for his new neighbor Madeline. Miles is also forgetful and often late for work. So he buys a PC to wake him up and keep him on time. After a freak liquid style accident, his PC begins to have an interest in the same girl? "WHY IN THE WORLD ISN'T ELECTRIC DREAMS AVAILABLE ON DVD?!" If you like the 80's and it's music and just want to be entertained with a magical love story - rent it! I'd say "buy it" but the studio price is still $79.99! The soundtrack alone will give you goosebumps with unreleased gems from Culture Club, Jeff Lynne of ELO, Heaven 17 and Phil Oakey from Human League. I don't know who's holding out but this baby will be sopped up with a biscuit if it hits store shelves in the normal $19-$25 range. Oh, and MGM...? Give us some nice extras on the disc like recent interviews with Lenny VonDohlen and Virginia Madsen, and some long lost outtakes/bloopers and perhaps a "making of" featurette. Oh and present it in widescreen with all those cool audio number ratios! Am I asking too much? I think not. Have you seen some of the movies that have been released to DVD? "Not Worthy!" Get this baby to Amazon.com quick! Cuz you're all just a click away from my $24.99!!! If 200,000 people buy it, that's a cool FIVE MILLION DOLLARS FOR MGM! Yes, FIVE MILLION DOLLARS! Of course more than that will sell. Go to Electric Dreams/DVD and log your e-mail for notification of release. God Bless the 80's! Scotty G. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Arabian Nights
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

Gulliver's Travels
Ebulliently imaginative and far more cleverly presented than you would expect from a TV miniseries, this satirical adventure succeeds by never pandering to the lowest common denominator. Closely based on Jonathan Swift's 1726 classic, it is enhanced by dazzling special effects from Jim Henson Productions and a superb, multi-ethnic cast. The biggest surprise is Ted Danson in the title role--one of his best performances, even if he is the only person in England without an accent. He conveys amusement, amazement, and intelligence as he travels from one strange country into another. Not that anyone back in Merry Old England believes Mr. Gulliver's tales of little people or giants. The story is told in flashback from an insane asylum, where he is forcibly confined. This far outshines several previous adaptations of Swift's satirical novel. --Rochelle O'Gorman ... Read more