Arabela

I think this is one of the best TV series ever. Unfortunately - as far as I know - it was seen only in its country (Czecoslovakia) and Germany. It was also dubbed in German, thank God, a language I know. Anyway, it is very entertaining both for adults and children, where none of the two has less fun than the other. In its plot the real world and the fairy tales world meet, and produce a third world which is full of incredible and unforeseeable situations. Fantasy and humor play the main role, and we are constantly surprised and amused by always new events and inventions. The director Vaclav Vorlicek gives a further proof of his talent with fairy tales full of humor and original ideas. What maybe is most entertaining are the many spells and transformations of people, animals and objects. Special effects are simple and yet surprising, and made me regret the time when digital techniques where not in use: one had to think out something really interesting and find out good ideas. I would also like to lay stress on the fact that, although the film was shot in the communist period in CZ, there is no trace of political propaganda, which would have spoiled the whole fun. Somebody wrote that one of the reasons why the Czechs were so good in the fairy tales genre, was just the fact that it was a way of escaping from a depressing political situation. Neither are there negative messages which could harm the innocence of children, because characters and situations have the good and the evil in the right place, with no confusion between the two. On top of this, male spectators could fall in love with the fairy bride, the very pretty Jana Nagyová. Take the opportunity of buying the DVD, and enjoy the thirteen episodes of this marvelous TV series, you and your children. It is almost impossible to be disappointed.

I watched it the first time they screened it on Czech TV and without a doubt it is one of the best kids series I have ever seen. I don't think there's anything like it and no matter how many times I've seen it, I always enjoy watching it as if it were my first time. It's a shame that it's not in English, I'm sure it would capture the imagination of millions of other children around the world even 25 years later.

Well that's all I had to say, but really your guidelines are annoying me, why can't I write how much or how little I want. Why does it have to be a minimum of 10 lines? Give your registered users a bit more flexibility, otherwise you'll rob yourselves and your customers of many comments. Thank you, that's all... and I hope its more than 10 lines. (Don't mean to be smartypants)

I think it is a must for any child! I remember it very well, as I was a young man at the time it aired in my country, Romania (I was in my twenties then). Therefore, I was truly able to appreciate the actors' play, the great director, the witty and imaginative writer and the incredibly astute special effects it displayed. I would be extremely happy to have my grandchildren see it on DVD! Am STILL waiting for it! As in Romania foreign films have always aired and were always showed in theaters or TV with subtitles (never dubbed!), I was also able to learn some Czech words watching it! Great movie, great actors! A special mention for the late Mr. Vladimir Mensik, whom I also remember from numerous other Czech children and mainstream movies.

I have nostalgic memories about this series. The best kids TV series of the '80s for communist countries. It was broadcast on Sunday in my country Romania, at 11.00am, and the whole day I was dreaming the episode. It had the power to transport the kids for 30 minutes to a world of magic and hope, in a time of darkness, lack of food and electricity. All the kids were talking the next day at school about the magic adventures they witnessed. It was the 30 minutes drop of heaven. Has been aired several times, because there was nothing against the communist party's doctrina and propaganda in this series. I remember it had a sequel, it was done with the same cast and it worked, kids loved this too. I would like to have this show on DVD for my kids, but I can't find it anywhere. If it has not been restored in digital format probably is already reddish in color like all the TV footage from the '80s.

after so many years, it is not easy to define the source of its seduction. sure, it reminds the flavor of fairy tales and gives answer to an "if" who defines each child. the political context is another explanation. but, maybe, the real good point is the cast. Vladimir Mensik was known for others roles in Ceh films and his presence in this series was the most inspired spice for the story. Jiri Labus gives the best ( and unique) Rumburak ever. Vlastimil Brodsky is the old king who seems descending from the book pages. and Jana Nagyova ... . for young viewers - the beautiful, smart, delicate princess. like the princesses from tales. so, Arabela. or, just a lovely revolution in the Central Europe under Communism.