Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World (Disney Gold Classic Collection)

All the magic of Disney's Academy Award(R)-winning film POCAHONTAS (Best Original Song, 1995) continues in a fun-filled adventure that finds Pocahontas setting sail for an exciting new world, England. With her comical companions Flit, Meeko, and Percy, along for the ride, this spectacular film promises plenty of thrills and laughter for everyone. As an ambassador of peace, Pocahontas is swept away by London's "curious" customs. Attempting to fit in, she makes friends with the dashing English diplomat John Rolfe, and Mrs. Jenkins, his lovable housemaid, both of whom help Pocahontas prepare for her debut at the celebrated Hunt Ball. There, she must convince the King of England that her people are truly civilized in order to stop an armada moving against them. Pocahontas soon finds herself at odds with the scheming Ratcliffe, but when a mysterious stranger comes to her rescue, the courageous Pocahontas must choose between the love of her past ... and the path to her future. Told through brilliant Disney animation, five incredible new songs, and unforgettable characters, POCAHONTAS II: JOURNEY TO A NEW WORLD, is alive with all the colors of a Disney classic.

Disney's direct-to-video sequel to their 1995 hit places Pocahontas in harm's way in London, where she is almost tossed into jail and has some other mishaps. She's not alone, however: a cute raccoon named Meeko does a nice job as the obligatory funny animal. The songs are about as memorable as those in the first film, but the art and animation maintain far higher standards than most animated sequels dumped onto tape. If you don't drive yourself nuts thinking about the appalling historical revisionism at work here, this is passable family entertainment. --Tom Keogh