Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Father Brown, Detective’ is now on Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

When Father Brown first appeared in 1910, the stories of this kind-hearted Catholic priest touched the hearts of readers. Writer G.K. Chesterton hit a winner with this character who has gone on to impress generations of readers and viewers. The first film was produced in 1934 and starred Walter Connolly as the compassionate priest. This 68-minute film is now available on Blu-ray.

Throughout the years, the character of Father Brown has been inhabited by Alec Guinness in the second movie, which came out in 1954. Then twenty years later Kenneth More starred as the beloved priest in a 13-episode British TV series.  

Viewers were not done with Father Brown. In 2013 Mark Williams stepped into the cassock of the ingenious little priest, and has remained in that role ever since, with a 13th season due out next year.

Father Brown, Detective

The first movie, Father Brown, Detective, introduces the personality of the character for viewers. He is a devout man whose compassion for others and his commitment to steering those who go down the wrong path back to the right path is heartening.

Father Brown and Sir Leopold Fischer (Halliwell Hobbes) both received identical letters from the notorious jewel thief Flambeau (Paul Lukas), informing them he will be stealing their diamonds. Four of the diamonds are in a special cross in the possession of Father Brown, and the other six are in the possession of Sir Leopold. Together they form “The Flying Stars” and Flambeau wants them to give to a special woman who took his breath away.  Evelyn (Gertrude Michael) has no idea who he is and when she finds out she tries to persuade him against stealing the diamonds.

Father Brown meets Flambeau who comes to his house in a disguise. But he can’t fool the priest. Father Brown insists the thief will never get the diamonds. God is protecting the cross, and as for the others, he says he should not even try to steal them.

When the other six are stolen, Father Brown sets up a situation in which Flambeau will attempt to take the cross from him. But the priest is more cunning than anyone realizes.

Father Brown is not as worried about saving the diamonds as he is about saving Flambeau’s soul. That is his goal. He wants to make Flambeau realize stealing is wrong. 

Reforming the notorious and intrepid, not to mention illusive thief, is Father Brown’s goal. The question is – will he be able to finally get through to Flambeau?

Father Brown  through the years

Flambeau is not gone from the Father Brown stories. The next film, 1954’s The Detective, has Father Brown (Alec Guinness) once again trying to save the soul of art thief Flambeau (this time played by Peter Finch). 

The charming thief returns in the form of actor Dennis Burgess when Kenneth More takes over the role of Father Brown in the first British TV series. 

And fans of the new Father Brown series (although it is not that new as it began in 2013), continue to enjoy the interactions between Flambeau (John Light) with the current Father Brown played by Mark Williams.

Making a priest a detective was a brilliant decision for the father of the character. Being devout combined with his compassion and brilliant mind, as well as his clumsiness, make Father Brown a delightful character that generations of readers and viewers have enjoyed. With a character so entertaining it is easy to see how he has endured for well over a decade. 

Father Brown has sensitivity, charm, inquisitiveness, and intellect. He is also cool, calm, and collected. He is loyal to God, the church, his friends, and doing right. His insight into people’s souls is brilliant as he confronts one situation after another.

The bottom line is Father Brown is a character everyone can enjoy, even non-Christians. He is the epitome of a character that embraces life, love, the world, and good against evil. 

Father Brown, Detective gave the world the first look at this character. It is now available on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber. This 1934 black-and-white movie is fun to watch for those viewers who have been enjoying the TV series for decades.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

A peek at the new ‘Epic Ride’ docuseries about Universal theme parks

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Universal theme parks are growing. They offer visitors an extraordinary experience and delve into some of the most beloved films and franchises.

Peacock has released the official trailer for Epic Ride: The Story of Universal Theme Parks, a new 3-part docuseries premiering Monday, September 29. The docuseries pulls back the curtain on Universal Orlando Resort’s groundbreaking new theme park, Universal Epic Universe, taking viewers on a behind-the-scenes ride as engineers, costume and production designers, choreographers, performers and an array of creative executives race to the finish line to deliver the theme park of the future.

Image courtesy Peacock/Universal

Check out the trailer for ‘Super Claus’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Santa Claus’ wish comes true when he accidentally bumps his head and starts believing he’s SuperClaus. With the help of Billie and Leo his elf-xecutive assistant, SuperKlaus will take on a toy-obsessed businessman to save Christmas.

Available November 11, 2025 on DVD and for Digital Rent or Purchase Major Digital Platforms –
AppleTV, Amazon, GooglePlay, YouTube, Microsoft, Fandango At Home, and other digital platforms

‘Double Scoop’ delights on Hallmark and Hallmark Plus

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


If you love ice cream, you’ll definitely find this new Hallmark movie is a pure delight. Double Scoop brings out the ice cream lover as well as those viewers who enjoy fun and romantic Hallmark movies.

Nora (Taylor Cole) has just discovered a small ice cream company with unusual flavors. She admits she doesn’t have a sweet tooth, but these flavors combine sweet and savory. That sounds like a recipe for “yuck,” but in reality the concoctions are truly delicious.

Having just begun a new advertising job with her friend’s upstart agency, Nora decides signing this little mom-and-pop (or grandma-and-grandpa) company would be just what the agency needs to get it off the ground. So, she travels to Wisconsin to pitch her idea to the owners of Darlington Dairy – Matthew and Ann Marie Darlington  (Tim Abell and Chondra Pierce).

James (Ryan McPartlin) works at a big ad agency and his ruthless boss Everett (Patrick Muldoon) sends him to Wisconsin to sign the Darlingtons, unaware that Nora is on her way there as well.

James and Nora had a previous working relationship when they both worked at Everett’s agency, but Nora left to work in a more comfortable environment. She gave up the stress of working for Everett for a less cold-blooded boss in the new agency, which is the brainchild of Alexandra (Elisa Donovan) who also worked for Everett. Everett’s underhanded way of working was not what Alexandra and Nora wanted, and James will discover just how far his ruthless boss will go to land a deal. 

When Nora and James get to Wisconsin, they discover they are both pitching to sign the Darlingtons. To make things a little easier for them during the week they are in Wisconsin, they set out a list of rules. This way their pitches will not be colored by other things they might do or say to the Darlingtons. 

While spending this time in Wisconsin, the couple rediscover the old feelings they once had for each other. But they each must keep their eyes on the prize. If James can land the account, he will be made Vice President of the agency, and if Nora cannot land the account, her agency will fold.

Viewers are treated to a cute life in a small Wisconsin town as they celebrate National Ice Cream Day. Yes, there is such a thing!!

Some of the ice cream flavors might sound a little weird to viewers, but to the people tasting them, they are heaven. 

Taylor Cole is a regular among Hallmark actors. She is one of the popular and “go to” actors for the studio.

Double Scoop is now available to stream at your convenience on Hallmark Plus. Make sure you have a pint of ice cream handy when you start the movie. Forget vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. These new flavors will tickle your taste buds. 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image courtesy Crown Media/Hallmark Channel

‘The Sunshine Murders’ on UPtv

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

The newest series on UPtv is The Sunshine Murders, a whacky, comedic, and interesting crime show with some fun characters. UPtv is noted for its family-friendly content and this series is definitely that, with the emphasis on family.

Shirley (Emily Corcoran), a farmer from New Zealand, just learned her paternal father is not the man she grew up with. Instead, her mother had an affair when she was visiting Greece and her biological father is a Greek. So, this effervescent woman, filled with curiosity and wit, travels to Greece in search of her father.

Helen (Dora Chrysikou), a detective in Athens, is a hard-nosed, vigilant cop whose daughter Thalia (Chloe Stannage) is strong-willed, often causing her some upheaval in her life. Her ex-husband is a sore subject to her, but her daughter is determined to get her own way.

When Shirley turns up at Helen’s claiming they are sisters – or half-sisters – Helen thinks she is crazy. She has grown up as an only child and has no idea her father also fathered another child. And Helen’s mother  Alexa (Marina Sirtis) thinks Shirley is a nut case.

Shirley does not give up and insists they take a DNA test, which they do.

In the meantime, Shirley injects herself into Helen’s life and job, and with her earthy wisdom helps Shirley’s murder investigation. She has a way about her that is a little unconventional yet very intelligent. She manages to be the Ying to Shirley’s Yang. Lo and behold, this unlikely duo becomes a great crime-fighting team.

And when Helen is attacked outside her house, it is Shirley who comes to the rescue and saves her live. From there the two decide to track down the attacker.

While investigating the murder of an archaeologist, it is Shirley’s uncanny wisdom that adds to the case, to the chagrin of Helen. 

While the half-sisters are completely different, their differences are what make the show. Helen is uptight while Shirley is a fly-by-the-seat-of-her pants woman. She is unstoppable and a fun character, although Helen sees her as a nuisance. But that nuisance is just what Helen needs to solve the crime.

These two characters, although opposites, do compliment each other. After all, they share the same DNA. The show also stars British pop-star Peter Andre as pathologist (George Constantinos).

UPtv describes this as a “cozy crime drama.” It is that combined with plenty of humor.

The Sunshine Murders premieres September 4, 2025 on UPtv for its 10-episode premiere season.

<strong>About the Author</strong>

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, <a href=”https://francinebrokaw.com/” target=”_blank”>Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists</a>, and is the entertainment correspondent for <em>Good Day Orange County</em>. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. 

 

Uncle Bill’s Pancake House in Manhattan Beach

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The attractive and upscale city of Manhattan Beach, California is directly south of LAX. This town is known for its bars and cafes, and one of the mainstays is Uncle Bill’s Pancake House on Lincoln Boulevard, just two blocks from the beach.

The restaurant has been in the Van Amburgh family since 1973, and is now owned by Matt and his wife Jeanette, who purchased it from his father in 1991.  Since buying the establishment, they have increased the size twice (including an outside patio) to accommodate the crowds that frequent the restaurant. It’s a place locals go to on a regular basis and tourists manage to find as well. Summer months are especially crowded, and it is not rare to see people waiting outside for 30-45 minutes for a table. It’s that busy and the food is that good. The downside is it is only open from 7 am to 2:45 pm, so breakfasts and lunches are all they serve.

Besides the food, it is the personal attention given to diners that keeps them coming back. And Matt manages to remember their names. “I use some of the gifts God gave me to make this successful, like remembering people and names. I enjoy meeting people and being with people,” he said.

“We’re not a chain,” he states, making this one location a one-of-a-kind place for all the scrumptious concoctions they offer. And they have a variety of great and sometimes unique creations on their menu.

The “Mitche’s Scramble” is absolutely delicious. It’s a combination of scrambled eggs mixed with cream cheese and green chilies. It comes with potatoes, toast, or pancakes, or you can opt for cottage cheese if you want to skip the carbs. 

“We’re still a bacon and eggs place,” said Van Amburgh, however they do have an interesting variety of omelettes, pancakes, salads, and sandwiches.

If you’re a fan of Garden Burgers, this place has the best I’ve ever had. I have no idea how they do it but they manage to create a great burger that is tasty and different than any other I have eaten. And let’s not forget the fries. These are amazing. They are crunchy and absolutely delicious. 

They also have a variety of cold sandwiches, hot sandwiches, and fish and chips. They have a large selection of salads and each day they offer a special soup and chili.

Some of their special omelettes include the Istanbul (with Swiss cheese, turkey and sour cream), the Italiano (with meat sauce, jack cheese, and Parmesan), the Hawaiian (with diced ham and pineapple), Denver, Spanish, and a variety of others. They also offer Potatoes Stroganoff, a unique concoction of hash browns sautéed with crumbled bacon and melted American cheese all topped with sour cream.

Pancakes? They have a lot: buttermilk, buckwheat, pumpkin spice, chocolate chip (delicious), blueberry, cinnamon apple, banana nut, strawberry, and others. They also have waffles as well. If your mouth isn’t watering now, it should be. These are scrumptious.

“Manhattan Beach has gone from a sleepy beach town to ‘Beverly Hills by the beach'” Matt explained. And the influx of restaurants, tourists, and locals have kept this establishment afoot through the decades, and made it a “go to” place to eat.

Uncle Bills in Manhattan Beach, California is the best place in town for breakfast and lunch. Just keep in mind that you might have a little wait to get a table, but it is worth it.

 

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw has been covering travel, products and all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 35 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

‘Crossroad Springs’ is a family drama filled with devotion

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The new series from Great American Media, Crossroad Springs, focuses on the Hamilton family and their personal struggles as well as their uneasy situation with the family ranch. Jonathan Stoddard, Emily Alatalo, Shaun Johnston, and Kate Drummond star in this heartfelt drama.

James is a pastor in Chicago, far from the family ranch. When his aunt Amy (Drummond) calls to tell him his father Willis (Johnston) fell off his horse and is also struggling to keep the family ranch financially secure, James takes a leave of absence from his church to return home to see if there is something he can do for his family. His sister Janet (Alatalo), a doctor in town, is juggling her medical practice with helping her father and aunt with the ranch.

And to add to this, Willis is a stubborn man who refuses to cut down on his work at the ranch, even though his doctors tell him it is for his own good. He also places a lot of blame on James for leaving the family business. He does not see that James loves being a pastor and knows that is his calling.

When James starts getting his boots dirty, his old feelings about growing up on the ranch return, yet he is conflicted because he also wants to return to his church. His guilt about this weighs on his mind.  

Adding to the family drama of the Hamiltons is the family feud between the Hamiltons and their neighbors the Newmans. Daniel Newman (Jesse Hutch) is now in charge of his ranch since his father passed away. He and Willis are sworn enemies and always on the lookout to put the other out of business, or at least cause enough financial damage to make ranching more difficult.

Adding to the cast is Maggie (Brittany Underwood), James’ high school sweetheart who still have feelings for each other. She now has a cafe in town which turns out to be the hub of most interpersonal meetings as well as serving up some coffee, sandwiches, and her famous lemonade.

A young couple expecting their first child, Lewis and Tina (Jon McLaren and Erin Agostino), play a part in the Hamilton family drama when he is hired to help out at the ranch, which is in desperate need of another ranch hand. 

With his confusion about leaving the family ranch or returning to his church tugging at him, James finds a solution that blends his faith and family, which also adds to the community, while he maintains his calling to God as well as his devotion to his family. With no church in which to worship in close proximity, James forms a Cowboy Church, giving the locals a reprieve from driving many miles to the next town. 

So, with this cast of characters all working together to help each other find their place in the world, there is a lot of heart in the heart of the story. It blends faith, family, and ranch life together in a compelling way. While both offsprings chose a different vocation, ranching is still part of their lives and souls. 

Season one of Crossroad Springs premiers August 28, 2025 on Great American Pure Flix and August 30, 2025 on Great American Family with six episodes. This is an enjoyable series filled with faith, love, and family.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image courtesy Great American Media

Bring home ‘Elio’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Elio, an adorable little boy, is lonely since his parents died. He lives with his Aunt Olga who works for the army in the space division. This poor little kid doesn’t feel like he belongs anywhere. That is why he desperately wants to be abducted by aliens. Perhaps he can find a place for him out in the universe. Elio is now available on digital with the fun film along with plenty of bonus features.

He is ingenious about getting the attention of alien lifeforms. One day he actually succeeds and gets abducted by aliens. Elio is taken to the Communiverse, an organization of interplanetary representatives from various galaxies. There he is mistaken as the leader of Earth. 

It’s in the Communiverse where he feels welcomed.

He is about to become one of them when Lord Grigon appears. This evil and threatening alien wants to join the Communiverse, however his tactics are not what they want.

Elio volunteers to mediate between the eccentric aliens and Grigon. Once aboard Grigon’s ship Elio forms a bond with a cute little alien named Glordon. For once in his life Elio has a true friend.

Elio and Glordon come up with a plan to save them all. Teamwork is the name of the game.

The relationship between Olga and Elio is heartening, especially at the end. She knows he has had a difficult time without his beloved parents. She has found herself in a situation she never expected, but family is family and she loves her nephew with all her heart, even though in the beginning he is a bit of a handful.

Bonus Features

There are plenty of bonus features to go along with this touching, clever, colorful, and heartening story.

  • Inside the Communiverse: The World and Characters of Elio looks at the making of the movie and how the filmmakers explored space and created the world and characters of the Communiverse.  They discuss the beautiful and colorful utopia world they created. They also explain about the four spheres with different climate zones to accommodate the different aliens. They basically had an “open book” to create it all. There is also a look at several individual aliens and how the actors helped add to the creation of the characters.
  • Out of This World: An Astro Q&A –  Voice actors Yonas Kibreab (Elio) and Remy Edgerly (Glordon) ask real life NASA astronaut Lindgren about the Golden Record, SETI, and the ISS.  Viewers also get a look at how the astronauts train to go into space and how space has been studied throughout the years. 
  • Astronomic Art Class: Ooooo and Glordon – The lead story artist Nicolle Castro shows viewers how to draw Ooooo and Glordon.
  • Extraterrestrial Easter Eggs and Fun Facts – In this bonus viewers see the many Easter Eggs in Elio that have appeared in other Pixar films.
  • Galactic Gag Reel – This featurette shows how much fun the actors had while making the film.
  • Deleted Scenes –  Five deleted scenes are shown and introduced by the directors.
    • Bike Chase
    • Garden Party
    • Carver Legend
    • Questa’s Second Test
    • Home Visit

*Bonus features may vary by product and retailer

Elio is rated PG for some action/peril and thematic elements. It is available now on digital and will be out on 4K Blu-ray steelbook beginning September 9, 2025. Elio is a cute addition to the Disney/Pixar list of characters and his story will undoubtedly touch the hearts of viewers of all ages.

 

For a little more about the movie, click here.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

All images © 2025 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Oogie Boogie Bash 2025 at Disneyland Resort

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


This year the Halloween favorite event, Oogie Boogie Bash– A Disney Halloween Party,  will be on select nights beginning Aug. 17 through Oct. 31, 2025.

Maleficent from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Sleeping Beauty” makes her majestic return to Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party in Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, Calif., on Aug. 17, 2025. At Mountain Road in Grizzly Peak, guests attending the party may encounter the dark fairy as she shares her sinister schemes. Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party is a separately ticketed event filled with Halloween-themed entertainment, immersive treat trails and frightful fun for all. (Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort)

Two characters joining in the fun are  Syndrome from Pixar Animation Studios film franchise The Incredibles, who will make his debut for the first time at Oogie Boogie Bash,  and  Maleficent from the Walt Disney Animation Studios 1959 film Sleeping Beauty, makes her majestic return to the party for a night of fright-filled fun.

The Halloween party will also feature Hades from Hercules and Dr. Doofenshmirtz from Phineas and Ferb.  Ernesto from Coco is also scheduled to make an appearance, and of course Oogie Boogie from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is a must-see.  There are plenty of others joining in the fun.

The characters will be around for meet and greets, and let’s not forget the all-important selfies!

Disneyland Resort premiered the event in 2019. It replaced Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland. and moved to Disney California Adventure.

Oogie Boogie Bash is an annual favorite for families. It’s filled with characters, food, and plenty of fun. For those who love Halloween, this is the event to attend.

For all things Oogie Boogie Bash, click here.

Event Details
Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party

  • Location: Disney California Adventure Park
  • Dates: Select nights in August, September and October
  • Time: 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
  • Ticket Price: Starting at $139 per Guest (ages 3+)

Syndrome from Pixar Animation Studios’ “The Incredibles” makes his debut at Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party in Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, Calif., on Aug. 17, 2025. Guests attending the party will be able to hear Syndrome’s tactful plans and snarky quips in his treat trail on Pixar Pier. Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party is a separately ticketed event filled with Halloween-themed entertainment, immersive treat trails and frightful fun for all. (Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort)

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering travel and all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 35 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Images are courtesy Disneyland Resort

Bring home Toothless and friends in ‘How to Train Your Dragon’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The live action remake of the hit 2010 animated film How to Train Your Dragon is now available on digital, Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K. This story stole the hearts of audiences and  inspired several sequels, including TV series’ with the popular characters, with everyone’s favorite Night Fury dragon, Toothless. 

The film stars Mason Thames as Hiccup, the inventive son of the Viking’s Chief Stoic (Gerard Butler). Hiccup wants to fight dragons yet he is not really a dragon slayer at heart. His father is embarrassed by his son. Stoic is a big, tough, burly man, and Hiccup is a skinny, bumbling boy. 

When Hiccup discovers an injured Night Fury, he intends on killing it, however this fellow’s big green eyes portray a look of fear. Interestingly, it was Hiccup’s invention that injured the dragon. When he sees the dragon does not want to kill him and means him no harm, Hiccup and the Night Fury become friends. He names it Toothless.

Toothless is unable to fly due to his injury, so Hiccup devises a contraption that attaches to his tail enabling him to fly once again. Soon, Hiccup is riding his new buddy all around, while keeping him a secret to the rest of the island of Berk, and especially his father.

Hiccup’s friend Astrid (Nico Parker) discovers his secret, and by chance, while soaring through the sky together, they uncover the dragons’ nest. They also uncover something else.

When it comes down to it, the vikings set out to destroy the dragons nest, however they are confronted by the largest creature they could ever imagine. The people are about to be slaughtered when Hiccup and his friends come to the rescue. And in this case, his friends are not all human. 

With the vikings and dragons finally on the same side, life in Berk becomes one of pleasure and hope, instead of the old days of danger and darkness. 

This franchise has been beloved by fans of all ages. And in this live-action remake of the original film, Gerard Butler is not in the audio booth supplying the voice of Stoick as he has done all these years. For the first time he is in front of the camera as the character he made famous fifteen years earlier.

Toothless has become an adored character and his popularity has endured through the years.

There are many bonus features in the Blu-ray Collector’s Edition which comes with a digital code to watch via Movies Anywhere.  

The bonuses show how the film was produced. There is an interesting look at how the actors interacted with the dragons, via puppets. Then the creators stepped in to substitute the fake dragons with the CGI dragons in the completed version.  Another bonus looks at how the filmmakers did their best to recreate the feel and look of the viking age. And yet another fun bonus shows viewers how Hiccup and Toothless created – with the help of the inventive filmmakers – their initial flight.  

Another featurette explains how the filmmakers translated the animated dragons that are familiar with fans, into the creatures that fit into a live-action film. Each dragon had a unique feature and the creators also wanted the dragons to be relatable to viewers.

A 45-minute “Love and Legacy: Making of” feature takes viewers behind the scenes and is a “must see” for fans of the franchise. 

Two deleted scenes introduced by director/writer Dean DeBlois and a brief gag reel round out the many impressive and informative bonus features on this collector’s edition.

How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is rated PG for sequences of intense action and peril.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.