The Swan Princess

Synopsis:
Children's animated version of the classic "Swan Lake," "The Swan Princess" is the enchanting story of a beautiful princess who is changed into a swan by an evil sorcerer. In her captivity she becomes friends with an odd assortment of characters: a frog, a turtle, and a bird. However, only a vow of everlasting love can break the spell.

Notes:
The production, which took 4 1/2 years to complete, utilized the skills of more than 250 artists, who produced 220,000 hand-drawn acetate panels or cels. Director Richard Rich rejected the option of using computer technology in the animation process. Though computers would have saved time and were more cost-effective, he felt that the image they produced lacked the depth of color that hand-painting created. A Rich Animal Studios Production. Additional credits: Brett Hayden, Richmond Hornie (production manager); Daniel Bunn, David Link, Ralph Migliori, Bingo Ferguson, Mark Henley (camera operators); James Coleman (art director); Larry Bastian (score conductor/orchestrator); Larry Schwartz (score orchestrator); Richard Stewart, Patricia Peck (music editor); Andy D'Addario (sound re-recording mixer). Supervising animators: Chrystal S. Klabunde (Prince Derek); Daniel Boulos (Speed); Rich Farmiloe (Puffin); Donnachada Daly (Townspeople). Effects animation: Michel Gagne (supervising animator); Debora Middleton Kupczyk (lead animator). The video features 8 original musical productions, including: "Far Longer than Forever" performed by Regina Belle and Jeffrey Osborne "Eternity" by Miwa Yoshida, Mike Pela, David Zippel, Masata Nakamura, performed by Dreams Come True "This is My Idea" performed by Sandy Duncan, Dakin Matthews, Howard McGillin, Liz Callaway, Adam Wylie, J.D. Daniels, Wes Brewer, Adrian Zahiri, Larisa Oleynik, Alisa Nordberg, Steven Stewart "Practice, Practice, Practice" performed by Paul Ainsley, Ric Stoneback, Tom Alan Robbins, Lenny Wolpe, Sandy Duncan "Far Longer than Forever" performed by Liz Callaway, Howard McGillin "No Fear" performed by Liz Callaway, Steve Vinovich, Jonathan Hadary, David Zippel "No More Mr. Nice Guy" performed by Lex de Azevedo, Emilie de Azevedo, Emily Pearson, Julie de Azevedo, Rachel de Azevedo, Melissa Pace "Princesses on Parade" performed by Davis Gaines, Mark Harelik, Jon Joyce, Randel Crenshaw, Amick Bryam, Stephen Amerson Winner of the Film Advisory Board Award of Excellence and the Parents' Choice Award. The film is a presentation of The Turner Family Showcase. Rated BBFC U by the British Board of Film Classification. Copyright 1994 Nest Productions Inc. and 1995 Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.

Reviews:
"...Funny and enchanting....THE SWAN PRINCESS flows along like a dream..." - 11/18/1994 New York Times, p.C20

"It's impossible to resist the charms of this musical....Try this one on your next video date." -- Rating: A - 07/28/1995 Entertainment Weekly, pp.70-1

"...[The songs] are as easy on the ears as the rest of the film is on the eyes....[The film] should entertain many a youngster..." - 07/19/1997 New York Times, p.C16

"...Sprightly and engaging, it unfolds with clarity and makes excellent use of its voice talents..." - 11/18/1994 Los Angeles Times, p.F4

"...As family entertainment it's bright and cheerful..." - 11/18/1994 Chicago Sun-Times, p.30