Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper (DVD, 2004, Includes Bonus CD)

We have purchased several copies of this title as the grandchildren literally wear it out playing it. (Yes, you can wear out a dvd.) The packaging that includes the bonus 25 minute soundtrack cd is probably the best deal, or a "second hand" package where a kindly seller sells the interactive cat along with the movie/cdd combination.
The story is sound, the music is decent/delightful depending on your tastes, and children are entranced with the colors and music. The colors are bright, with the still early 3-d animation improved over the earlier Nutcracker and Rapunzel Barbie movies. The good guys are decent characters who treat each other with respect and villains are despicable.
It is not too scary for little ones, since it is a "realistic" fairytale, and not one with witches, magic, or monsters.
One note of interest, this is a "cat lovers" movie as the companion cats are good guys, the male "woofie" being one of those cats that acts more like a dog, while the female cat is the pampered pet. The poodle, alas for lovers of that breed, is a pampered "hit man" in the story. The horse is "owned" by the bad guys, but turns tale and works for the "good" guys. And, at the end, there are "cut" rehearsal scenes to remind the children that these are ALL actors playing a part, and this is not their real nature.

The story stands on its own and does not need Barbie to pull it off, even tho she is the character used to sell it.

I would strongly suggest this video for children who love fairy tales, musical stories, stories with active animal companions, or just anything Barbie.

I have really enjoyed the Barbie movies that have been released of late. In some ways, the Barbie movies continue the fairytale tradition that was begun by Disney. Disney no longer really puts out charming fairytales like Cinderella, Snow white, Sleeping Beauty, etc. These wholesome movies staring Barbie are good options for young girls.

Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper has charming remake of the "Prince and the Pauper." To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the music in the movie. My daughter loves playing the included CD, and to be honest, I find myself singing the songs during the day. It is a little dark for young, young children (age 2-4). However, the theme is encouraging without being too politically motivated.

You wouldn't expect a Barbie Princess movie to be a paragon of female empowerment, and indeed, "Princess & the Pauper" has its share of princess movie cliches. But in spite of my initial reluctance, this movie has grown on my over the many (gazillions?) of times I have seen it with my 5-year-old daughter. The movie shows that both the princess and the pauper (the poor girl) have aspects of their life that they would like to change, but that they recognize their responsibilities go beyond personal desires. And when in peril, the men, women and animals all work together to get out of trouble, so it's not just the men riding in to save the day.

The music is not half bad either, considering it's a made-for-video movie. The songs help to highlight the action, rather than being plunked into the middle of it, as sometimes can be the case. And, *spoiler alert!* -- everyone does live happily ever after (after, of course, the bad guy gets his comeuppance).

I love this movie. This is a second of Barbie movies that we own.
So far this is my and my daughter's favorite. I researched the movie before I bought it and I'm not disappointed. This movie does not have any weird or inappropriate content - there are no witches or magic in this movie.
The story is great, the animation is lovely and the music is so beautiful.
I keep singing the songs around my house - the songs are quite catchy.
I greatly recommend this movie to anyone.

Princess doesnt want to marry the prince but rather her friend which has been a servant of the royal family. She longs to be able to leave the kingdom and just live normal. She meets a young lady that looks like her and they become good friends. Come to find out she is actually the one who makes the princess's dresses. The young seamstress longs for royalty. The princess is kidnapped and the seamstress pretends to be the princess while the servant boy looks for her. Then the prince that the princess is "supposed" to marry falls in love with the seamstress in the meantime. Movie ends happy..princess arrives home, gets to marry the one she loves (the servant boy)as well as the Prince, by marrying the seamstress. They have a double wedding. Movie teaches that love is more important than prestige. Good message! Cute movie!