The Land Before Time IV: Journey Through the Mists

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.

This is one of many animated sequels to "Land Before Time". Each one is about dinosaurs.

This LBT will appeal to some but not to others. For people who did not like LBT2 very much at all but like LBT1 and LBT3 a great deal, this will be their kettle of a film. For people who find LBT5 etc too babyish, you will probably like this one quite a lot as well.

As for the actual film, it has the same sort of companionship and teamwork as the first, the second and the third LBT's and you could even say this is less babyish than LBT2. The animation is quite well done, especially the backgrounds. The music is one of the highlights, not repeating and constantly gloomy or happy unlike in some of the other LBT's. The storyline is both exciting and tedious in places, but there is a good adventure. The old characters are pretty much the same, which is good, unfortunately the new character, a longneck called Ali, is pretty much a spoilt, silly character, but luckily improves as the story goes along. The songs are pretty good for a LBT, especially "It Takes All Sorts" and "Grandma's Lullaby". That's pretty much it in highlights and disadvantages... Oh yes - the baddies are a bit silly, but scary enough to entertain people who like very bad villains the the LBTs.

What happens is that outside the valley, the weather and pretty much everything else is changing - for the worse. Meanwhile, a wandering herd meet Littlefoot's grandparents and Littlefoot's grandpa becomes very sick. Along with Littlefoot's new friend Ali, he is determined to find the nightflower in the mysterious beyond, which may be able to cure his grandpa...

Enjoy "Land Before Time IV: Journey Through the Mists."

The Land Before Time IV: Journey Through the Mists, the fourth installment into the Land Before Time series. I've been watching the sequels in the Land Before Time series because I'm curious about them, I loved the first Land Before Time and despite the sequels not having the best reputation, I still wanted to see what they were about. So far I really did enjoy the second movie, the third was decent and now Journey Through the Mists is pretty good. I think it's just as good as the third one, there's nothing that really stands out about it, but it still has a very good message about friendship and learning how to make new friends. It's very good for the kids to watch and I'm sure even some of the adults can get into this series as well for some light hearted fun.

Littlefoot notices a longneck herd entering the Great Valley, and informs his grandparents. They tell him that the longnecks are their cousins, and that they must go and greet them. As the Old One, the leader of the herd, tells the residents of the Great Valley that her herd has been migratory since a heavy rain period turned their old home into a marshland called "The Land of Mists", and became the home of many dangerous creatures, Littlefoot meets a longneck girl named Ali, and invites her to play. He introduces her to his friends, but as she is not used to associating with diverse species, she is afraid of them. Grandpa Longneck falls ill, and the Old One notes that the illness is lethal unless the victim eats the petals of the "Night Flower", a flower which can only be found in the Land of Mists. Though Littlefoot is warned that the journey is too dangerous, he feels determined to save his grandfather, and asks Ali to take him there. She agrees, as the two of them make their way, they pass through a cave, and sudden earthquake causes a wall of rocks to crash down, separating them. Ali decides the others will have to help her free Littlefoot, and runs off to get them. Littlefoot, in the meantime, tries to find a way out, and meets Archie, who offers to help him dig through the rocks. They are interrupted by a belly dragger and a sharp beak named Dil and Ichy, who have their minds set to eat them. But Littlefoot's friends are not too far behind as they help Littlefoot and Ali. Together they continue the journey to help save Littlefoot's grandfather.

The Land Before Time IV: Journey Through the Mists is a good animated film that I'm sure if you have an open mind, you'll enjoy it. There is so much dislike for these films, I think it's not just the songs but everyone is so determined that the first was the best and can't accept that there is a newer generation who wants to see new stories with Littlefoot and his friends. Over all I'm enjoying the series, even if it is a little cheesy, so far there hasn't been anything to hate. The fourth installment is a good one so I'm excited for the 5th movie and I'll give you an honest review of that movie as well.

5/10

I saw it when I was little and still love it. Everyone needs to see this movie! I like how the villains got what they deserve at the end!

Like the original, an well crafted heatwarming tale. This storyline is full of morals and lessons from envy, jealousy, prejudice, teamwork, friendship and much more.

The animation is traditional and simplistic with some innccuracies of depictions of species' features and some inaccuacies between Mesozoic and Cenozoic periods. However the dubbing is amazing with characters vocal patterns and use of language being correlative to the species presumed intelligence.

Unlike the original this has several musical numbers which seem dubious in the context of the series. The songs seem to get marginally better throughout the series.

However a must watch for kids