Barbie in the Pink Shoes

Mattel's signature fashion doll plays a ballerina in this Hans Christian Andersen-inspired animated fable. Kristyn dances in the shadow of the technically perfect Tara, who lands all the best parts; Kristyn prefers to add her own moves to the mix, which doesn't sit well with Madame Natasha (although the teen insists that she can't help it when she gets "lost in the music"). Natasha's sister, Katerina, serves as the company's wardrobe mistress—and fairy godmother for underappreciated dancers. When Kristyn comes to her for new shoes, Katerina gives her a special pink pair she's been saving. After Kristyn puts them on, she and her friend, Hailey, enter the world of Giselle, which looks like a Thomas Kinkade painting with rolling hills and quaint cottages. To Kristyn's surprise, the townspeople think she's the title character, leading to proposals from a prince and a huntsman before she and Hailey split the scene only to enter Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, which brings an evil sorcerer, another romantic suitor, and a few more costume changes. As with The Wizard of Oz, the individuals the girls meet have real-world counterparts, like the Ice Queen, who recalls Madame Natasha (and they even turn into swans after one of their more unfortunate encounters, although sundown returns them to human form). The story ends where it began, except this time Kristyn steals the spotlight from Tara, who doesn't seem to mind (an unlikely scenario). Extras include outtakes, a music video, and a Barbie Life in the Dreamhouse episode. A middling children's video that is still likely to be popular, this is a strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (K. Fennessy)