Land Before Time IV: Journey Through The Mists MPAA Rating: G Entertainment: +3 Content: +2

This colorful animated film is the latest entry in a series of videos about a family ofdinosaurs who lived million of years ago in a peaceful, beautiful valley. In this story, migrating dinosaurs comes to the valley for a brief stay and talk about changing climatic conditions which pose a great danger to dinosaurs. At the same time, an older dinosaurs becomes very ill and is told that only a "night flower" medicine from the "Land of Mists" can cure him. His young grandson, Little Foot, and five young animal friends secretly leave on a journey to find a night flower and bring it back for the ailing dinosaur. The motley crew of different animals is young and inexperienced. Their adventuresome journey is very exciting and exposes them to many dangers. They find them selves trapped in an underground cave where they are chased by a ferocious alligator and his comical companion, a bird called Icky. They escape, only to be threatened by other fierce creatures and hazards. This cartoon adventure has some appealing musical numbers and combines action, humor and colorful animation into a well-done, exciting adventure for children.

The opening scene presents the concept of an earth millions of years old, where biologic evolution is taking place. These are controversial, unproven concepts which could be misleading. Also, the "Circle of Life" concept is described, but it only relates to the cycle of birth, living, reproduction and dying. Further, the concepts of family love and friendship among the dinosaurs is portrayed. Tolerance of different types and races among the animals is encouraged and presented beautifully in a song. The many chases and other dangers which the animals face are not unusually frightening and are often softened by humor. Even the alligator has a comical side and his wacky bird sidekick will amuse children. Some young animals don't get along well on occasion, but are reconciled and come out the best of friends. Only one moderately crude word tarnishes the dialogue, and there is no sexual content in the story. With the exception of presenting biologic evolution as scientific fact, this colorful video cartoon is appropriate for all ages, including young children

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: MCA Universal Home Video, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608