The movie never comes close to replicating the spell that Reiniger was able to cast using much more primitive techniques, which underlines a chronic problem of computer animation: its very precision squeezes all the magic from the magic lantern.

It is so gentle and whimsical that one wonders if American children, accustomed to the whiz-bang action of most animation, will accept it.

Six mostly engaging fairy tales are digitally rendered with silhouetted characters performing in front of vivid, colorful backgrounds.

Without doubt, Ocelot's Tales of the Night has a great deal of charm.