Joseph King of Dreams (Video Ezy only)

By EWAN McDONALD

(Herald Rating: * * *)

For the kids, an animated movie that went straight to video. That's a little strange in the case of Joseph, because the Dreamworks production is a better movie than their earlier try at the Biblical hero, The Prince of Egypt.

The first part of Joseph's story explains how the Israelites got to Egypt and the second, how they got out.

Joseph (voice: Ben Affleck) is the youngest son of Jacob (Richard Herd) and Rachel (Maureen McGovern). Joseph's parents know he is a miracle child with a special destiny ordained by God. When Joseph's mother gives him a coat of many colours, his jealous brothers sell him into slavery and he's taken to Egypt, where God helps him rise to power and fulfil his destiny to lead his people (for which, watch Part 2).

Animation is first-rate and it's a ripping yarn with highly acceptable moral values for those who choose not to embrace the religious element.

DVD features: movie (74min); read-along story; sing-along songs; storyboards with director's commentary; interactive trivia game; production notes; cast and crew biographies; trailer; DVD-ROM material includes downloadable kids' colouring sheet, activity sheets and memory game.