Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer

Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer is an American-Japanese animated film that hit the screens in 1985. It harmoniously consolidated the voice talents of gifted actors like Bettina Bush, Pat Fraley and famed Optimus Prime voice over, Peter Cullen, establishing a vibrant universe filled with color and excitement that left a lasting impression on its audience.

This musical, fantasy-adventure film was directed by Bernard Deyries and Kimio Yabuki, based on the characters originated by Hallmark Cards and conceived by the legendary greeting card company's creative team. It was the first film to be produced by DiC Enterprises, in association with Hallmark Cards.

With a colorfully imagined script by Jean Chalopin and Howard R Cohen, Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer transports viewers to a multicolored world that resonates with every child's love for vibrant hues and innocent adventure. This feature-length outing showcases Rainbow Brite, voiced by Bettina Bush, a young girl responsible for all the colors of the universe.

Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer primarily centers around Rainbow's journey to a distant planet. She embarks on a mission to defeat the evil Princess, who aims to plunge the world into darkness by stealing a giant diamond which controls all of the colors of Earth. Notably, the distinct and fascinatingly dramatic voice of the antagonist is provided by the multi-talented Peter Cullen.

Rainbow, along with her magical horse Starlite and quirky, lovable sprites, seeks to thwart the princess's goals while restoring vibrancy to their world again. They are also joined by our jaunty hero Krys - a resident of a different planet brought to life by Pat Fraley's dynamic performance - along with his robotic steed On-X. Together, they face numerous obstacles and challenges while trying to navigate the perils laid out by their adversaries.

The film is more than an adventure quest; it’s a journey about courage, friendship, and the struggle between good and evil. In Rainbow Brite’s universe, colors are associated not just with the splendor of visual aesthetics but also form an integral part of her world. More than just a mere symbol of beauty, in this movie colors take on a deeper meaning embodying hope, joy, and life itself. Therefore, saving the giant diamond equates to winning the fight against darkness and despair.

Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer is replete with invigorating songs that add an extra dose of charm to this color-filled spectacle. The soundtrack, composed by Haim Saban and Shuki Levy, is infused with 80s pop elements and catchy limericks that enhance the overall enchantment of the film.

The art department presented a blend of American and Japanese animation styles, resulting in unique, eye-catching landscapes and detailed character designs that resonated perfectly with its 1980s audience. Its vibrant animation garnered critical appreciation and is still remembered fondly by fans of retro animation.

What makes Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer a memorable endeavor is its engaging story, filled with warmth, vibrant imagery, and a dazzling array of colors that truly make it a feast for young eyes. Its enchanting narrative and powerful characters strike a chord with audiences of all ages, making it a timeless classic in the world of animated movies. The feature film succeeds in encapsulating the very essence of the TV series, unfolding the larger-than-life tale of Rainbow Brite and her fantastical world, and is a must-watch for anyone interested in quintessential 80s animation or fans of Rainbow Brite herself.