Arabia (2011) User Reviews

An interesting IMAX film that was impaired by horrible CGI.

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 4 August 2013]

I think "Arabia 3D" is worth seeing--even now that it's available without 3D and no longer an IMAX format film. You can get it from Netflix--and I watched it streaming on my television. The only serious problem in viewing it is that a few of the shots look oddly distorted and curved. Perhaps they were intended for an OMNIMAX screen.

The film is about the three golden ages of Arabia. The first was when Arabia was rich due to its production of Frankincense during the time of the Roman Empire. The second following the creation of Islam by Muhammad in the 6-7th centuries. And, the film implies that today is the beginning of a new golden age due to the oil riches of the new Saudi Arabia. In many ways, the film comes off like a travelogue as well as a piece of propaganda (positive though it is) for the Saudi government.

The film was truly gorgeous. I was fortunate to be able to see it on a 58" TV--and for this film, the bigger the better. However, despite learning a lot from the film and loving the footage, I was really shocked at the shoddy quality of the few CGI sequences that occurred in the movie. I am not exaggerating to say that the work appeared to be from about 1995--though the film was made in 2011! It is very strange that such an expensive and sumptuous film would contain such poor computer generated graphics--but they were quite poor.

Arabia gets the 3D treatment

[TheLittleSongbird · 5/10 · 11 May 2023]

Have always been fascinated by documentaries, whether nature, cultural, film, music, and certainly have never minded 3D/IMAX/CGI as long as it is used well. Have seen a lot of IMAX documentary short films and seeing one about Arabia immediately grabbed my attention. It is a fascinating place historically, culturally and nature wise and whenever featured or covered in documentaries (which is not enough in my view) the amount of educational and interest value never stops.

Did think that 2011's 'Arabia' could have been a lot better. There is a good deal to like, it mostly looks stunning and this reviewer certainly learned a lot. It did however suffer from pacing issues and too much unnecessary content and elements, also agree regarding the component that has been the most panned here. It is not one of the worst documentaries seen, whether short films or series, but it is one of the missed opportunities considering the subject and Arabia deserved better.

'Arabia' does have a number of good things. On the most parts, it looks stunning. The scenery is nothing short of breath-taking and is shot with a lot of vibrancy and atmosphere. The music at least fits and didn't come over as too loud, overwrought or over-used.

There is a lot of information packed in about nature, Arabian culture and the mysteries of the place, and it was all very educational. Did learn a lot here in a way never felt previously. The way it's presented is mostly thought provokingly done. There are some beautiful sequences, with the start being absolutely captivating as well as the camel sequence.

For all those good things, there is a lot too that hurts 'Arabia'. Absolutely agree about the effects being horrible and some of the sloppiest and most amateurish seen in any documentary. They are also 20 years out of date looking, feature too much and didn't feel necessary. Would have liked more depth to the content, such as everything with the ruins which was presented in a very vanilla way, and less sequences that felt too acted out and insincere (which went on for too long as well).

Pacing is erratic, sometimes dull from some scenes going on for too long and rushed from trying to cram in too much and not giving enough time to the more historical information.

Overall, watchable and interesting enough but disappointing and inconsistent. 5/10.

Saudi infomercial

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 27 April 2016]

This starts with a pretty interesting underwater scene but this is not really a nature film. It tries to cover the history of the Arabian peninsula from its creation to the modern world. It uses the device of a main character who is filming his native country with his hand-held camera. It goes bad right from the moment of showing happy smiling kids to create a Disney version of the kingdom. I love travelogues but this one is dictated by the Royal family and it feels very fake. Then it just keep going with fake sets and actors. There is also animation that is reminiscent of a kids educational video. That's what this is. It show the history of the region in the most plain vanilla way. There is no denying the beauty of the vast landscapes and the rolling cityscapes. The Hajj and the humanity around the Ka'aba can be awe-inspiring. For real in-depth information, I would suggest going elsewhere.

In Arabia, 5 Stars.

[EGE_ABDALLE · 10/10 · 29 May 2023]

In Arabia most of the courtesy permitted is the onerous task of welcoming guests. The region is especially adept in hospitality and this film adds mystique to drapery that is remarkable and signature-like of Arabian culture and customs. One is guided through the many Arab countries among other regional and similar setting landscapes. Saudi Arabia is pivotal to the distinct portrayal of many in the Saudi experience in Arabia; and my viewership has not changed many in that opinion on the film as well. Overall, a positive family film to enjoy in leisure. Furthermore, the filmmakers and producers have set an educational foundation for the film for educators and academia.