I rented this movie a lot as a child but no one seems to remember it but me. It starts with a scene in the woods and I believe it is a prince but not sure, on a hunt ( I think a deer hunt) and then stubbles into a different world that he has to save a girl trapped in a tower by a shadow. I don't remember much else but there is a sidekick that is half man half goat who plays a flute. Any help would be appreciated!

Two movies come to mind with these details. One of which I don't remember much more about then what you have listed so I'm hoping it's not that one since I wouldn't be able to help in that case but the second movie that comes to mind is The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe the 1979 made for TV cartoon. The details from this that somewhat match your description is there is a prince (along with his brother, also a prince, and their 2 sisters who are princesses.) But they are trying to catch a white stag. However this scene takes place at the end of the movie. And they have a friend who is a Faun (half goat half human) and I'm pretty sure he plays a flute. I don't know about the tower and shadow though. Hope it helps but with my luck it's probably the movie I can't remember either.