Barbie as Rapunzel (DVD, 2002)

When my three year old decided she wanted a Barbie DVD at the library I was more than a bit hesitant... but on the advice of another Mom who said they weren't bad, we got it. I was pleasantly surprised, as the movies are actually good, with really great music.

So, imagine my dismay when we went back to the library and there were no Barbie DVD's to rent... the horror... so I decided that we would buy one or two so that the thrice weekly trips to the library would not be needed...

I picked Rapunzel because it was inexpensive, but it has ended up being a favorite. Actually all of the "classic" Barbie DVDs are favorites. Rapunzel, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Princess and the Pauper (I love the songs they sing on that one) are all DVDs that have excellent music, performed by real orchestras, and the happy ending story lines that are perfect for the younger set! (I think Rapunzel is the story that strays furthest from its roots, which is fine, because as with most Grimm Tales, it would not be fit for young children otherwise.)

We have also seen The Magic of Pegasus, a favorite of the kids, and okay, but I prefer the others for the exposure to the classic tales.

I am not as thrilled with the Fairytopia series, the stories are good, the same good over evil, happy ending story lines, but the face-painted fairies creep me out, although Barbies little side kick is cute.

The animation is CGI and is okay... (I admit am a much bigger fan of hand-drawn animation, unless it is CGI that is ultra realistic like Ratatouille.) And there is something about her mouth when Barbie talks that seems off, it is almost like her teeth glow... nothing that anyone but me has seemed to notice, family thinks I am being too picky.

In ending I would recommend this for the 3 to 8 age, as I know they hold interest for my three year old and her nearly 8 year old cousin.

I had to write this review because I am 48 years old and don't have any children. I was reading the reviews and want to let you know that your never to old for Barbie as Rapunzel. It was a very well done animation. I kept on saying I wanted to see it and was not sorry at all. The story of Rapunzel is one that I remember and liked as a little girl. I still have my Barbie's in a box in a closet from when I was little. The DVD did great justice to this fairy tale. It kept my attention, I really don't know if that's a good or bad thing.

Hi, I thought, that it will be not only computer animation, I hope, that it will be like in the book. Actors will be a real dolls, animated by computer. Although it's an imazing story full of beatiful graphics and kids will like it much.

What a wonderful kids movie, though they really did not follow the Rapunzel story line. Very nice music too.

I actually liked the extra features on the DVD. There is a dressup game for your girls to play. An interview with a young artist that is very interesting. And a art matching game.

I recommend this DVD for the young princesses in your life!

My daughter fell in love with Fairytopia and her love has grown to include all the Barbie movies. I don't even mind watching this story as it is well done, flowing from one scene to another while time flys. There is always a message to be learned and Rapunzel lets you know lying will get you "caught"! I like the bonus games, although they do not change so my daughter has learned the game well. The artist in me is a bonus material which is to old for the 5 and under set as it is to long but it is interesting. I am definately going to be buying more Barbie movies as they are so well put together, music, songs, story and all!