Swan Princess III: Mystery Of The Enchanted Treasure, The MPAA Rating: G Entertainment: +3 Content: +1

The first two films in this animated video series showed how Prince Derek (voice of Brian Nissen) and Princess Odette (voice of Michelle Nicastue) fell in love and struggled against some evil characters in their new kingdom. In this sequel, things are going rather nicely and the people and animals in the kingdom are preparing to celebrate some fun Festival Days. But the evil witch, Zelda (voice of Katja Zoch), is searching for some hidden notes which will allow her to develop some evil Forbidden Arts, magical powers to both change and destroy. She does find all of them except one vital piece which Derek has hidden . So, she pursues Derek and Odette with a vengeance to recover the missing piece. This brings on lots of chases, fights, and harrowing experiences including the capture of Odette by Zelda. Amongst all the action, there are some delightful songs and lots of clever comical dialogue. And the animation, voices and colorful settings are first class. It appears this drama/comedy will be very popular among the younger set, and parents are likely to enjoy it as well.

The action in this video is almost non-stop with many threatening chases resulting in people and animals running into walls, and other obstacles. People and animals are often roughed up and thrown around, but usually in a comical vein. However, some of the confrontations become intense. Derek fights off some scary, vicious monsters and the evil Zelda hurls powerful, magical energy bolts at Derek, Odette and others. And Zelda magically changes Odette into a swan and holds her captive. The most questionable aspect of the story is the frightening use of magical, evil powers by Zelda although she and her occultic powers are portrayed as evil and undesirable. At times, though, it appears that this portrayal borders on the exploitation of occultic powers to entertain. And the intensity of these powers along with vicious monsters and violent fighting could frighten young children. At the same time, one of the songs admonishes everyone to be honest and always be on the side of right. And good does win out over evil. With the precaution of the portrayal of intense occultic powers and fighting, SWAN PRINCESS III appears acceptable for children about eight years and older.

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: Columbia Tri-Star Home Video, 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232