The Black Cauldron (PG, 1985)

THE BLACK CAULDRON follows the adventures of Taran (voiced by Grant Bardsley), an assistant pig keeper in Prydain who longs for adventure. The boy gets more than he bargained for when he discovers that the pig in his care has a gift for prophecy. The evil Horned King wants to use the animal to find the cursed black cauldron, which contains a spirit capable of animating the dead. Trying to save the pig, Taran ends up in the Horned King's dungeon. He hooks up with a princess, a minstrel, and an enchanted sword that helps them escape. Taran decides to find and destroy the black cauldron before the Horned King can use it to raise an army -- but when his plan fails, he finds himself and his friends trapped in the dark castle once again. Meanwhile, the Horned King's forces of evil prepare to destroy Prydain. Only a fierce battle and a tragic sacrifice can save Taran and his home.

Perhaps the spookiest animated feature in Disney's collection, The Black Cauldron may frighten even fans of Goosebumps and other youthful horror videos. The main character is faced with death several times, while both animal sidekicks survive torture. With the face of a skeleton and a voice somewhere between Darth Vader and the Wicked Witch of the West, the Horned King emanates evil, while his minions act like representations of the Seven Deadly Sins. Prydain isn't exactly an inviting world.

Nonetheless, Taran makes a compelling hero. He starts out fearless because he has little to lose. As he makes friends, however, his concern for Princess Eilonwy (Susan Sheridan) and cuddly Gurgi (John Byner) makes him more cautious, until in the end he's ready to sacrifice his life to save the others. Girls may be frustrated at the non-centrality of the princess, but Princess Eilonwy makes a strong showing -- aside from a screaming fit near the end.