Released By: Manga Entertainment
Rating: 15
Running Time: 250 Mins
Audio: English & Japanese: DD 2.0
Release Date: 12/5/2014
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes
The first episode of this new series is certainly Alibaba's way of shining when he confronts the ruler of Balbadd. After seeing first hand how slaves were treated by those who owned them, he wants to stop King Ahbmad from turning Balbadd into a nation that exports slaves. He would rather see the kingdoms united under a banner of freedom and contentment, but as their ruler is both cowardly and cruel, will he give in to Alibaba's pleas?
Cassim, Alibaba's former ally and friend gets in the way though and as he has been transformed into a dark jinn by the dark metal vessel, he makes his move to attack the ruler. Right about now, Alibaba could do with Aladdin nearby, but it is unlikely just yet. Alibaba has to also make his move not to get killed even though he has tried to help rebuild the nation. For those who have read the manga, they will have liked the transition from paper to anime. All the colour that we only saw on the front and back covers is now here in its full colour. In fact I haven't seen as much colour in an anime for a while now. The artist had originally took themes from the clothes and looks from the Arabian Nights nvoel and modified them to look pseudo Arabian/Japanese, and made it work rather well. Alibaba is a prince and Sinbad a king in t his series, despite Alibabas original trouble being a slave for his original master.
Characters from the Arabian Nights we remember are in this but are allies, Aladdin, Alibaba and Sinbad want and encourage a united front as far as freedom is concerned, but just when Alibaba thinks he has got the people on his side, Cassim enters and sways the people again, causing trouble. Cassim has a grudge against the royalty for having all the riches that he sees were theirs from the start and as Alibaba is royalty too, who knows what will happen.
Another piece of interesting trivia surrounds Aladdin's flute genie. He tries to help him during his battle and ends up sending his soul to King Solomon to give him some battle training so h e can go up against the army of evil in the real world. In the original Arabian Nights story, it is Solomon who sealed the genies in the first place to stop them from causing havoc.
This anime is colourful, visually appealing and hits at the emotional centre of most of us. Cassim gets caught up in his own hatred and it takes more than Alibaba to show him the error of his ways.
The menu screen displays all the opulence of the Middle-Eastern inspired anime. It attracts the eye with its flamboyant colours, menu options to the left, episode screens along the bottom and the bonus material below that. Also take note of the Star Wars quality of the music - it's unmistakable.
Languages: English, Japanese with English subtitles
Bonus Material: Opening 2 and Ending 2.
Verdict: Full of intrigue and the spirit of the East meets East - magical and wonderful.
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