Created by: Craig Gerber
Voices of: Ariel Winter, Wayne Brady, Sara Ramirez, Travis Willingham, Jess Harnell, Tim Gunn
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: March 5, 2013
Run Time: 48 minutes
Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars
“Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess” is a full-length movie that also served as a pilot to the television series. The show introduces us to the latest (and cutest) Disney princess, Sofia. This series lives on Disney Junior, which is a 24-hour channel made for preschoolers (and my 9-month old’s favorite channel). Watching this film (and series) with my daughter, Bella, really makes my day a little brighter. She just lights up from the moment the theme song starts and is kicking her little legs for the beautiful colors and wonderful music. I also have had the privilege to chat with the creator Craig Gerber, read here, and I just love his passion behind this project. The good news is that “Sofia The First” was already renewed by Disney Junior for a second season, which would bring the episode total to 45 already. But I am sure that this is only the beginning of this wonderful franchise.
The story is set in a new storybook world called Enchancia. Like I said the film introduces Sofia, an everyday day whose life suddenly transforms when her mother marries the king and she becomes a princess, Sofia the First. Assisting her in the transition is the help of three headmistresses of Royal Prep Academy – Fauna, Flora, and Merryweather, you might know them as the fairies from the Disney’s classic “Sleeping Beauty”, also the royal steward, Baileywick and some cute woodland creatures led by a sharp-talking rabbit, Clover. The film also gets a special appearance from Disney Princess Cinderella to share her wisdom with new fellow Princess Sofia. With the help of her new friends, Sofia tries to get used to this new life of royalty, while holding onto her own hopes and dreams.
Ariel Winter gives life to Sofia and really could not be a better voice for her. Wayne Brady is also very fun as Clover the rabbit. Overall though, this film is so magical and has that Disney charm. I have watched it numerous times now and it never gets boring. It not only entertains kids (and their big kids) but also educates and teaching some very important values. The songs in the film are also very classic Disney and yet very hip. “Rise and Shine” is a really sweet song and a new princess instant classic. Since Cinderella makes an appearance, it is only right that she should have a song as well with Sofia. That song is “True Sisters” and it is also very fitting for a princess. So speaking of music, this DVD also includes a Royal Sing-Along version of the film, as an added bonus. This DVD also comes with a free “Princess in Training Activity Kit” with stickers and tiaras. I would recommend this very highly for any Disney fan young or old.