I found the picture quality a little on the dodgy side for a film that is supposed to have been made in 1980 (!!!) but a part from that the film was most enjoyable and the special effects very impressive, notably the "City of Light" that we see at the end ( absolutely beautiful ). One feels that this was a film primarily made for kids and there are some funny moments, especially when they send out a horse to distract the prehistoric monster.
I don't claim for one minute to have understood all of the story, and I dont suppose the scriptwriter did either, but the juxtaposition of a very earthy desert and occasional and effective special effects is a good recipe for fun. I think I'll have to watch it a few more times to understand all the details but my impression on first viewing is a very positive one, except for picture quality ( unfortunately I am over obsessed with image quality and expect on DVD to have a superb image - alas this is not always the case, and I often wonder who is at fault in this case - the original film or the quality of the transfer to DVD ) Now there's a million euro question !!!!!!!!!!!