Barbie gets animated and goes CGI in this, her first-ever fulllength animated feature, the direct-to-video "Barbie in the Nutcracker." Just in time for Christmas, the Artisan video (as well as the DVD, which is available Oct. 23) comes with a suggested retail price of $19.98. It's well worth the price tag, especially as wholesome entertainment for preschool and young school-age girls.

The story is charming, the music and dance sequences are enchanting for young girls, and Barbie is a take-charge kind of girl/woman (it's hard to tell which) -- not a bad combination for young minds.

Written by Linda Engelsiepen, Hilary Hinkle and...