The Prince of Egypt [DVD] [1998]

Nearly every biblical film is ambitious, creating pictures to go with some of the most famous and sacred stories in the Western world. DreamWorks' first animated film, The Prince of Egypt was the vision of executive producer Jeffrey Katzenberg after his ugly split from Disney, where he had been acknowledged as a key architect in that studio's rebirth (The Little Mermaid, etc.). His first film for the company he helped create was a huge, challenging project without a single toy or merchandising tie-in, the backbone du jour of family entertainment in the 1990s.

Three directors and 16 writers succeed in carrying out much of Katzenberg's vision. The linear story of Moses is crisply told, and the look of the film is stunning; indeed, no animated film has looked so ready to be placed in the Louvre since Fantasia. Here is an Egypt alive with energetic bustle and pristine buildings. Born a slave and set adrift in the river, Moses (voiced by Val Kilmer) is raised as the son of Pharaoh Seti (Patrick Stewart) and is a fitting rival for his stepbrother Rameses (Ralph Fiennes). When he learns of his roots--in a knockout sequence in which hieroglyphics come alive--he flees to the desert, where he finds his roots and heeds God's calling to free the slaves from Egypt.

Katzenberg and his artists are careful to tread lightly on religious boundaries. The film stops at the parting of the Red Sea, only showing the Ten Commandments--without commentary--as the film's coda. Music is a big part (there were three CDs released) and Hans Zimmer's score and Stephen Schwartz's songs work well--in fact the pop-ready, Oscar-winning "When You Believe" is one of the weakest songs. Kids ages 5 and up should be able to handle the referenced violence; the film doesn't shy away from what Egyptians did to their slaves. Perhaps Katzenberg could have aimed lower and made a more successful animated film, but then again, what's a heaven for? --Doug Thomas

DVD Special Features :

Making of The Prince of Egypt
"When You Believe" multi-language presentation
Basics of Animation Chariot Race
Director's Commentary
Focus on Technical Effects
The Prince of Egypt Art Gallery
Two Theatrical Trailers
Four-Page Booklet with Production Notes
16:9 anamorphic widescreen
Dolby Digital 5.1
Soundtrack: English, German, Dutch
Subtitles: English for deaf and hard of hearing, Dutch

An epic adventure and milestone in cinematic achievement, The Prince Of Egypt has captivated movie audiences the world over, becoming one of the top animated films of all times. Unparalleled artistry and powerful Academy Award-winning music bringing this beloved story to life as never before, with unforgettable characters voiced by a roster of stars as impressive as any ever assembled for a feature film.
This is the extraordinary tale of two brothers, one born of Royal Blood, one an orphan with a secret past. Growing up the best of friends, they share a strong bond of free-spirited youth and good-natured rivalry. But the truth will ultimately set them at odds, as one becomes the ruler of the most powerful empire on earth, the other the chosen leader of his people. Their final confrontation will forever change their lives - and the world.
Both spectacular entertainment and a celebration of the human spirit, The Prince Of Egypt stands as a classic for the ages, for audiences of every generation to enjoy and cherish.