Bartok the Magnificent

Bartok the Magnificent centers on Bartok, a white albino bat who once served the notorious Rasputin as a loyal sidekick. Feeling overlooked and eager to prove his worth, he sets out on a bold quest to confront the legendary Russian witch Baba Yaga. The trek takes him through magical realms filled with talking creatures, quirky mentors, and cheeky obstacles. Along the way he befriends a handful of unlikely allies who test his resolve and bring out a wilder side of his bravado. The film blends music, comedy and fantasy to show Bartok discovering what it really means to be brave and useful beyond his reputation. The humor leans on gags ideal for viewing and the score underscores fairy tale scale.

Released in 1999, Bartok the Magnificent was directed by Gary Goldman and Don Bluth with a story by Jay Lacopo, built as a spin off from the Anastasia universe and designed to expand Bartok the bat's screen time for fans.

Box office: The film did not have a wide theatrical release and is primarily a home video title, so box office tallies are not applicable; it is evaluated by TV airings and home release sales rather than cinema revenue worldwide.

Cultural Impact: The character of Bartok pops up again here for fans of the 1997 hit and its spin offs. Hank Azaria voices Bartok with brisk humor and warmth, and the movie leans on bold color palettes, musical cues, and playful sight gags that evoke late 1990s animation nostalgia today.

Reception and themes: The film has a mixed reception, with audiences giving it a modest IMDb score near 6 out of 10 based on 218 votes. Its themes emphasize self worth, courage, friendship, and finding a place in the world beyond reputation, making it accessible for families and casual viewers.