I believe that for the audience it was meant for it was very appealing. It was projected along a representation of the Los Angeles Philarmonic orchestra. It can be appreciated for the "uniqueness" of the animation, how well the music fits, but what a pearl to discover so many aesthetic winks!
Many of the reviewers here seem to have watched it from an "anime" point of view. But it is an art animation much different from usual eastern traditions or Japanese productions. Indeed, some of the artist are easterners but it was first meant for an audience of westerners. Of course, this means that it can't be considered the same as mainstream Japanese aesthetics. But, can't either be as a mainstream cartoon. It is a pure art creation. It does not have the same purpose as an entertaining action packed plot centered anime. And to those who criticizes the lack of action or plot... I wonder why even write such uncalled for comments.
Amano seems to be very close to western art tradition. And note that most of the production team is American.
The plot do exists but it is meant to emphasizes the aesthetic beauty of the animation. And by animation I do not mean the visual aspect only! On the contrary, the music is a full part of the OVA! Most of the art is indeed 2D but it is a short movie so you can't take the soundtrack out of the mix. There are no dialogues but they are unnecessary for it is a kind of lyrical and oneiric visual tale we're shown. The pact between the audience and the film lies in the fact that you need to fully jump into its aestheticism and watch its beauty without questioning the choices the directors made. You try to adapt to the world you are presented into and understand quickly enough that what might have been weird anywhere else has it's purpose in this dream-like tale. I shouldn't even add the "-like" because, as stated by the narrator we are exhorted to dream.
Regarding the original work of 1001 nights I think they made the point pretty clear: it is a mere fragment of the original tales. The justification regarding the story is very well done. It doesn't leave any opening to criticism regarding the plot. The tales are all bond together and once you start one, many others start within. The original book playing with the mise-en-abyme there's no reason to complain about how there are not enough stories. It is a complete story with no loose-hole to be found. A truly great job!
