Scrutinize as we may, the original film of 1988 is a classic. The first sequel was still enjoyable but was a notable step down as the presentation was even more simplified, appealing directly to the very youngest of viewers; the second sequel of 1995 was much the same, but at least a small step back up as meaningful themes and ideas were broached. It's safe to say that my expectations for the fourth film overall, released in 1996, were mixed, but of course there's always the possibility that such a subsequent sequel may claim real value all its own. For better and for worse, it doesn't take long after it begins that we can discern 'Journey through the mists' to be very much in line with the past couple direct-to-video releases. If nothing else, with the same cast and crew involved once more - with only piecemeal changes in personnel, if any, from one to the next - we can trust in consistency.
It's hardly as if these later installments, bereft of original filmmaker Don Bluth, aren't any good there is lasting value here, however we might measure it. There's much to appreciate in the visuals, including vibrant color and rich detail in the painted backgrounds, and certainly in character designs, effects, and other active elements. Returning composer Michael Tavera provides a score which doesn't leave much of an impression in and of itself, but which is lovely nonetheless. Whatever we might say about the performances into which they were guided, the voice cast is reliably splendid, ably demonstrating their skills. And while not nearly with the same strength as in the progenitor, the flick boasts some good ideas to play with in the writing: the continued adventures of diminutive dinos Littlefoot, Cera, Ducky, Petrie, and Spike, and other friends, while learning much about life at the same time as the youngest audience members who would be watching.
Be that as it may, it's all too easy to find points to criticize in these TLBT sequels. The visuals are nice, but while the colors are sharper there's less nuance, and character movement is prone to awkward, unnatural stiltedness (e.g., heads bobbing). The voice actors cannot be faulted, including icons like Jeff Bennett and Rob Paulsen, yet they are guided into performances that lean into being extra cutesy, simplistic, and childish. Some original songs in these sequels are kind of catchy, but even the best of them are rather gauche, and the worst are altogether cringe-worthy (such as, in this case, "Grandma's lullaby"). Above all, the writing is reduced and unsophisticated, reflecting an apparent mind for basic aphorisms, forced science lessons, and flavorful, uncomplicated fun over earnestness, heartfelt storytelling, or especial substance. The ideas are there, yes, but rendered in a streamlined manner meant not for six- or nine-year olds, but for two- and three-year olds. This applies in varying degrees to the dialogue, scene writing, and revised characterizations, and to the narrative at large, and the result is quite plainly a lesser creation.
'The land before time IV' is still a good time. It's still worthwhile, and various tidbits are particularly well done, including much of the animation, some mild humor, and underlying story ideas. Even the song "Who needs you?" is a tiny delight, demonstrating again that antagonistic figures benefit from some of the most clever and creative writing in the sequels (see also "Eggs" in 'The Great Valley adventure'); similarly, appearing in a guest role as giant turtle Archie, Charles Durning enjoys some splendid writing. Ah, but would that the thought that went into this were more consistent. Would that the sequels were approached less like frivolous Saturday morning cartoons, and more like the sincere theatrical feature that the progenitor was. As something very light and modestly entertaining, 'Journey through the mists' is deserving on its own merits. Don't go out of your way for it, however, and enter knowing fully well that it's a picture existing on a lower stratum than too many other family-friendly flicks that are more significant and impactful. Maybe that's the best way to get the most out of this.
