Disney

‘Sofia the First: Royal Magic’ is a new chapter for Sofia the First

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

She’s back for a brand new chapter in her life. Sofia, the girl from the village who became a princess overnight tackles new adventures in her new animated series Sofia the First: Royal Magic. The popular series Sofia the First (2012-2018) inspired several additional films, and now a brand new series on Disney Jr. and streaming on Disney+.

It’s her time to shine in this new series which focuses on Sofia at a new school. Miss Nettles opened The Charmswell School for Royal Magic. Little Sofia is anxious to begin her training in potions, charms, and sorcery. While her brother James and sister Amber stay at Royal Prep, Sofia embarks on new challenges.

The pilot not only introduces Sofia to her new school, but also new classmates and friends. The school is divided into three castles with four students in each, and the castles represent the founders of Royal Prep: Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, the fairies from Sleeping Beauty. Sofia is assigned to the Merryweather castle, along with her new classmates Layla, Zane, and Camila.

Sofia and her castle-mates vie for the selection of castle pets as they learn to work together to win the race for the first pick. Racing against the two other teams, Sofia and her friends must work out three different situations using their intelligence and their magic, as well as teamwork. While they go from one puzzle to another, their friendship grows and they learn to not only work together, but also trust each other.

And, yes, for all those who enjoyed the first series when Sofia met other Disney princesses, there is an appearance by one of them (no spoiler as to whom), who gives her more insight into the power of the Amulet of Avalor. The Amulet has magic that has served the little princess well in the past, and now Sofia is entrusted with the task of learning more about the powers is gives her and how to use them. She is told she must master the magic of the amulet.

The series promises more appearances by various Disney princesses. It is a fun show with plenty of new situations for Sofia and her new friends.

And watch for little Pepper, an adorable little puppercorn (puppy-unicorn)  who is always up for fun.

The original series still holds the record for the Top 3 cable TV telecasts for Girls 2-5 of all time and remains one of the most successful global preschool franchises for The Walt Disney Company. Sofia the First won the Annie Award in 2014 for Best General Audience Animated TV/Broadcast Production for Preschool Children.

For additional fun with Sofia, Sofia the First: Magical Friends is a new short-form series introducing viewers to Sofia’s new school and friends. It is available on Disney Jr., Disney+, and the Disney Jr. YouTube channel.

Sofia the First: Royal Magic premieres May 25, 2026 on Disney Jr. and streams the following day on Disney+. Abracadabra, this is definitely a cute show for fans of Sofia (reruns of the previous series and movies are available on various platforms) and also introduces new fans to the little princess and the wonders of Enchancia and magic and a lot of fun with this endearing young princess.  Move over Hogwarts. The Charmswell School is more fun, more colorful, and more entertaining!

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 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.

Bring home ‘Hoppers’ for a hoppin’ good time

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 


The Disney/Pixar film Hoppers is now available on digital platforms with plenty of bonus material. The story is filled with heart as one brave young girl sets out to help the animals in her beloved glade.

Mabel starts off in the film as a very young girl who has always tried to help animals, even going so far as to attempt to take them from her school and set them free.  The story then jumps to Mabel as a 19-year old and living with her grandmother who teaches her about the environment and how we are all connected – animals and humans.

When the devious mayor begins to build a beltway through the glade, Mabel steps into action. Hoping to stop the construction, she sets out to get a petition, however that does not go the way she wants. 

Then she accidentally discovers an experiment in the lab at her college. It involves transferring a human brain into a robotic animal and going out into the world to discover more about them. They call it “hopping.”

She says the experiment is just like Avatar, but her professor disagrees. Not wanting to waste any time saving the glade and the animals’ home, Mabel jumps right into the experiment, to the surprise of those in the lab. 

Now, as a robotic beaver, Mabel sets out to find all the animals that were displaced by the construction project. She knows that if she can get just one beaver to return to the glade, then other animals will follow.

Mabel first meets George, the mammal king who is a well-intentioned beaver. George sees her as just another beaver. When George and the other animals resign themselves to living away from their home, it is Mabel who spurs them on to regain their habitat. And she is victorious, for a while.

Discovering the true evilness inflicted on the animals by the mayor, Mable puts her heart and soul into stopping the construction and helping the animals. 

The friendship between Mabel and George is precious. And all the animals have interesting personalities and perspectives on life. The “pond rule” is that if an animal is captured by another animal, that’s just the way it is. He or she then becomes the other animal’s meal. That’s the circle of life, or as they say, the pond rule.

When push comes to shove, it is the animals who ultimately save the humans. 

This is a cute story with a young hero who sets a good example for others. Although there are scenes of animals’ demise, on the whole it is a very entertaining film.

The bonus features take viewers into the movie-making process with insights from the filmmakers.

“The Critter Diaries” is a featurette showing how the team researched the lives and physiology of the animals. They went to Yellowstone National Park where they were able to get up close with the animals and even into a deserted Beaver lodge! The folks at Pixar always do extensive research when making a film, and this time they had a great time exploring nature and the wild life of Yellowstone.

“Hopping In: The Making of Hoppers” delves into the process of creating the story, refining it, and ultimately bringing it to the public. 

“Meet King George” focuses on how George’s Superlodge was created. This was a daunting task but the final product was worth it.

“Beaverton Revealed” shows various easter eggs in the scenes which die-hard Pixar fans might have missed when viewing the film. 

Bloopers and several deleted scenes are also included. The scenes that did not make it into the final production are introduced by director Daniel Chong and editor Axel Geddes. Honestly, many of them are so cute that they could be in the film, however they did not make the cut.

Keep in mind bonus features may vary by product and retailer.

 

Hoppers is rated PG for action/peril, some scary images, and mild language. It is now available on digital platforms including Movies Anywhere, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. On June 2, 2026 it will be available on Blu-ray and DVD, as well as a 4K UHD set. 

 

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 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.

Bring Home ‘Zootopia 2’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The celebrated sequel to the 2016 hit  animated film Zootopia, Zootopia 2 (2025), is now available on digital platforms, complete with an abundance of bonus features.  The original cast (both animated and voice) return for another fun-filled adventure, featuring everyone’s favorite police team Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.

Now Judy and Nick once again team up to save the day, although it is touch and go throughout the film. 

Zootopia is a utopian world with animals of all kinds inhabiting the lands, with a weather wall dividing the various climates making each location comfortable for the different animals. The wall was thought to be the invention of the Lynxley family, but as Judy surmises, there is something amiss with the whole history.

When she meets Gary, a snake on a mission, all her previous ideas about reptiles are proven wrong. Reptiles were said to be dangerous to mammals, so they were exiled a long time ago. And the Lynxley family intends on keeping them away. But Gary knows a secret. His great grandmother was the original inventor of the weather walls, however the devious Lynxleys outsmarted her to take the honor.  Now Gary intends on proving that snakes and reptiles are not the evil ones. The evil culprits are the Lynxleys.

Once Judy figures out what is going on, she is hot on the trail, along with Gary, and Nick is close behind. They are out to obtain the proof of the original weather walls patent, which belonged to Gary’s family. Gary is a cute character, even for those viewers who are afraid of snakes, but let’s face it, animated snakes are not scary, at least Gary is not. He is loyal to those who are on his side, and will do anything to get the evidence and secure his family and all reptiles’ reputations.

Disney does sequels almost better than anyone and this is a prime example. Zootopia 2 is just as entertaining and delightful as the original.

Besides the fun story, the film has plenty of nods to other movies, as well as a scene where the Matterhorn from Disneyland is seen. As for the Easter Eggs, look for nods to The Little Mermaid, Star Wars, Ratatouille, Frozen, and more. The movie is rife with Easter Eggs.

Zootopia 2 is a pure delight from start to finish.

Bonus Features – on digital and Blu-ray/4kUHD/DVD

“The Zookeepers” is a feature the with Writer/Director Jared Bush and Director Byron Howard as they take viewers behind the scenes at Disney Animation. From the story room where the stories are fleshed out, to storyboarding the scenes, to the animation team, this was a long process. 

The ideas for the stories get bounced around then sent to the artists, then to the editing team for review. Viewers get an inside look at this process.

They explain it takes Disney Animation 3-5 years to make a feature film. And most times it is well worth the time and talent. This feature the is a cute and fun peek inside the animation building.

“A City of Stars” is a fun look at the way the voice talent “act” while supplying the voices of the characters. They are video recorded to help the animators bring their emotions to the screen.

“Everybody Can Draw” describes how one animating supervisor follows his or her character through the process to make the sure the character is seamless throughout the movie. And there is a little lesson on how to draw Nibbles.

“Zoo-prising Secrets” delves into the many Easter Eggs that pop up throughout the film. And there are a lot of them!

“Wilde Times in the Booth” is another cute look at the voice actors as they animate themselves and their moves are then animated and combined into their characters.

“The Treat Trolly” is really not about the movie. It is about how the people at Disney Animation are cared for with plenty of treats, thanks to Walt Disney.

A music video by Shakira and nine deleted scenes round out the bonus features. Actually, some of the deleted scenes would have worked in the film, but the powers that be thought otherwise. You be the judge.

Zootopia 2 is rated PG for some thematic elements, rude humor, and action.

It is now available on digital and will be available  on 4K Ultra HD™ Blu-ray™ and DVD beginning March 3, 2026.

There is no doubt Judy Hopps is an inspirational and lovable character. And add Nick Wilde and you get a cute team that are bound to return for a third adventure. Stay tuned.

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 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.

*Bonus features vary by product and retailer.

Images supplied courtesy Disney

 

‘The Emperor’s New Groove’ celebrates 25 years of entertainment

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Twenty-five years ago the animated story of Emperor Kuzco and the caring peasant Pacha became a beloved little film. They all return as The Emperor’s New Groove is now available on Digital as well as 4K UHD+Digital and Blu-ray discs.

Kuzco (voiced by David Spade) is a selfish, greedy, uncaring emperor. His devious assistant Yzma (Ertha Kitt) feels she would be a better leader and plots to kill Kuzco. Along with her loyal but bumbling – yet brawny – assistant Kronk (Patrick Warburton), they devise a plan to get rid of him. But things go awry and the potion that was supposed to kill Kuzco turns him into a llama. Kronk takes this llama to dispose of him but, in another misstep, he loses Kuzco. 

Kuzco is found by Pacha (John Goodman) who is kind-hearted but ambivalent about helping the emperor who was going to evict him and his family from their ancestral home. However, he is just too nice a guy to leave Kuzco to his own devices, knowing full well the emperor won’t survive without him.

The two are off on a wild journey to get Kuzco back to his palace to locate a potion that will return him to human form. Along the way, the duo face some pretty wild encounters. The banter between them is what makes this so cute. 

While they are on this crazy trek back to the palace, they discover more about each other and in a nice little twist, Kuzco faces his conscience, something he never had before, or never thought he had. He was a mean, ruthless emperor, and this journey brings out a different side of him.

With plenty of life lessons as well as humor and entertaining characters, this story is a fun film for all ages. And, having been around for 25 years, it is now available for a new generation to discover.

Pacha’s family is a highlight of the movie. His brave and cunning wife Chicha (Wendy Malick), along with his little kids add some additional fun to the story. 

With the digital download and a 4K UHD, the groovy tale of the emperor and his new friend, there is plenty to enjoy for fans of the classic film as well as those who have never seen it before.

It is time to discover – or rediscover – the fun of this entertaining story and all the characters as Kuzco gets a new groove and some new friends.

The Emperor’s New Groove is rated G.

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 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 provided courtesy Disney

‘Vampirina: Teenage Vampire’ comes to Disney Channel and Disney +

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Disney viewers probably remember the animated series Vampirina, which aired on Disney Junior for three years. Now this little vampire is growing up and in this live-action series, she faces plenty of challenges as she maneuvers through a new school with new friends.  Shhh…just don’t let them know exactly who she is!

“Vampirina: Teenage Vampire” tells the story of a tween vampire girl who leaves the safety of Transylvania to attend a performing arts boarding school. Living amongst humans for the first time, she pursues her passion for music while keeping her vampire identity a secret, something that’s made more challenging when her overprotective father charges an overzealous ghost to live with her at the school. Vampirina, or “Vee,” is an already beloved character from the popular book saga and the record-breaking Disney Jr. series. “Vampirina: Teenage Vampire” is the first live-action portrayal.

Vampirina: Teenage Vampire debuts on Disney Channel September 12, 2025, and will be available to stream on Disney + beginning October 15. 2025.

Check out the trailer below:

 

Francine Brokaw

Image supplied courtesy Disney

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.

‘Mufasa: The Lion King” is now available on digital and also 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

This “live action” prequel to the hit 2019 animated film The Lion King is filled with heart, spirit, and above all – family. Family is at the heart of this story. Mufasa: The Lion King tells the story of how Mufasa became the king of  Milele and how his family continues the Circle of Life.

Alert – sensitive viewers will most likely need to keep some tissues handy as there are many sentimental scenes and scenes of terror. Although this movie is filled with those scenes, it is an entertaining addition to the franchise.

The story begins with Simba’s daughter Kiara being looked after by Rafiki while Simba and Nala are away as she gives birth to a new cub. Left alone and wanting her parents, Rafiki distracts her with the story of her grandfather and how he came to Milele.

When Mufasa was a cub he was swept away by a great flood and washed far from his parents and home. He was rescued by cub from another tribe. Taka always wanted a brother but his father the king refused to acknowledge Mufasa as his son. So the queen cared for the little lost cub and brought him up to be strong and worthy. She also gave him courage to go out and look for his real family and follow the words of his mother.

Then a pride of outsiders, white lions who were outcasts from their own prides, attacked and the son of the king was killed. Soon Mufasa and Taka were sent away to start a new bloodline in Milele, with Taka being king. His father instructed him to fulfill his destiny and instructed Mufasa to take care of his son.

Along the way they meet Sarabi, a young lioness who, along with her protector Zazu, are wandering around after being separated from their pride. Mufasa takes them with him and Taka as they travel toward Milele. Joining them is a young Rafiki who is intent on finding Milele as well, as he is looking for his family too.

The story unfolds while Rafiki is telling this epic adventure to Kiera, Timon, and Pumba as they await the birth of Simba and Nala’s cub and their reunion with Kiera.

The visuals are beautiful in this “live action” story filled with heart, hope, and destiny. As Rafiki says, “The eye never forgets what the heart has seen.” 

Taka sees Mufasa as his brother. When he falls for Sarabi, he asks his brother for advice, which he gives him. Mufasa is supposed to look after Taka and does what he can for his “brother.” But when Sarabi shows more interest in Mufasa than Taka, Taka’s jealousy gets the better of him and he becomes a danger to them all.

As mentioned earlier, there are many scenes of terror and death. This is scary at times and emotional at other times. The ending is satisfying though.

Spoiler alert: They do make it to Milele, Sarabi and Mufasa get together, Taka’s betrayal is addressed and his name is changed to Scar due to the scar he received when he saw the error of his ways and saved Mufasa, and after the storytelling by Rafiki comes to an end, Kiera is reunited with her parents and introduced to her new baby brother.

The movie is filled with life-saving scenes, scenes of treachery, scenes of danger, and also scenes of love. Family is number one and the whole reason for making this movie.

Additional features include song selections, outtakes, a “making of” feature, and some fun Easter eggs which are called Ostrich eggs in this case.

Another brief bonus touches on the Lion Recovery Fund that helps protect lions in Africa.

There are several deleted scenes that were not completed and not included in the film however after watching them there are two that – in my opinion – should have been kept in: “What do you feel in there” includes Rafiki telling Mufasa “No matter how far you walk destiny will follow.” Another incomplete scene is about a dream Taka has about his father. 

The Lion King was a worldwide hit when it was produced in 2019 and there have been several films in this franchise. Mufasa: The Lion King brings everything together and full circle, filling in pieces of the whole story,  just like The Circle of LIfe. The movie is rated PG.

The movie is available on digital, DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K.

Fans of Mufasa, Simba, and the whole gang can also get the three-movie set that includes the original animated feature, the “live action” version and this new prequel.

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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

All images © 2024 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

New plush lovable emotions from ‘Inside Out 2’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

In the first film, Inside Out (2015), audiences were introduced to young Riley and four of the emotions that guided her through her days: Joy, Anger, Disgust, and Sadness. Joy and Sadness have become iconic Disney characters and even make an appearance in the new Pixar Fest parade at Disney California Adventure. In Inside Out 2 there are four new emotions that join the group as Riley enters puberty, with all the angst it entails: Embarrassment, Anxiety, Ennui, and Envy. It’s time to go shopping for all the new items featuring these new emotions.

The new plush emotions each portray their personalities and no matter which one you pick, they bring fun and enjoyment – to kids and adults. Each one is so cute they make a great combination for any bed or shelf with color and faces that depict what is going on inside them.  As we know, feelings are what make us human and emotions  are natural and part of life. 

Anxiety is an emotion that we all have at one time or another. Riley begins to have anxiety as she matures and joins the ranks of teenagers. This little character depicts the worry that frustrates us all. Just looking at this little gal is enough to make even the most stressed out person feel a little less emotional and during times of major stress could bring a little chuckle and smile, although the plush definitely shows the worry and nervousness that she represents. Yes, she is frantic, but she is also so darn cute.  Anxiety is about 10 inches tall.

 

 

Ennui. Well, what can we say about being blah? This guy definitely depicts apathy and malaise. Just looking at him brings out a feeling of melancholy. But even so, he is so cute you’ll just want to give him a hug to cheer him up. Kids will want to snap him out of his doldrums. At about 12 inches tall, he’s good for a kind word or a caring cuddle. He looks sad, so cheering him up might be a bit of a task, but well worth it. Come on, little guy. Let’s see a smile. Well, maybe tomorrow.

 

 

 

Envy is green, what else? She’s super adorable and her hair is soft and has a silky, velvety feel. It’s not hard to imagine her sitting on a little girl’s bed. She looks adoringly at everything around her. Even though she is green with envy, pun intended, she is the perfect companion and will be endeared by all. Just imagine a little girl asking her if she looks all right. And Envy will definitely reply, you’re gorgeous! Yep, that’s Envy all right. Little Envy is approximately 9 inches from feet to the tip of her head.

 

Teen age years are rife with embarrassment, and this plush says it all. He’s the largest of the plush assortment at approximately 16 inches high. With a red face and hoodie pulled up around it to hide, embarrassment is huggable and like the others will put a smile on faces as they feel the emotion he depicts. After all, haven’t we all wanted to hide ourselves and become invisible at one time or another? And there’s no hiding the blush on our cheeks when we do get self conscious. It’s a natural reaction. 

So, together or alone, these new plush make a fun addition to anyone’s collection. If you already have the first emotions, by all means, these new ones are cute companions and additions to your Disney plush collection.

Parents might think about getting them for their kids and whenever he or she is filled with Anxiety, it will be time to bring out the plush as a comfort tool. The same goes for Embarrassment and Ennui. And little Envy makes a great companion when your kid comes home and brags about someone else’s dress, new toy, or whatever. 

We all have these emotions at some point. They’re not always easy to deal with so the plush might be just what is needed to help you or someone out of a particular mood.

Puberty is a difficult time for both boys and girls, and in this new film Riley learns just how difficult it is to grow up. Yet even though these emotions make their first appearance around the time of puberty, they often remain for the rest of our lives. 

Kids will enjoy playing with them and letting their imaginations soar as they interact with these new plush emotions. And adults will definitely see themselves in the emotions and even remember times when they have gotten the best of them.  These plush are for ages 0+ and they are going to be enjoyed and loved by all ages. (available on Disney Store website beginning May 27, 2024)

MORE TO COME…
Besides these adorable plush dolls, there are books and other toys to accompany the new movie. After all, this is a Disney film and one thing Disney does better than other studios is their merchandising.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw has reviewed books, products, and all aspects of entertainment for over 30 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County.

‘Bluey’ special sneak peek of “The Sign”

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The lovable little Blue Heeler dog named Bluey lives with her Mom, Dad, and  little sister, Bingo. This adorable dog has an over abundance of energy and with all of that energy she manages to provide plenty of fun for her family and friends, not to mention viewers.

In January and February,2024 the Nielsen report listed Bluey as the number one most-streamed series across all audiences and the number one series for preschoolers and kids ages 2-11 in the U.S.

“The Sign,” is the first extended-length special of the hit series Bluey. It premieres April 14, 2024.  Check out the trailer below:

Bluey airs on Disney Junior, Disney Channel, and streams on Disney+. Kids – and families – will delight in  this new longer episode of the fun and fabulous Bluey.

Image: Courtesy Disney

‘The Art of Lightyear’ book review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

“To infinity and beyond.” We all know about Buzz Lightyear, at least when it comes to his time with Andy and then Bonnie. But we don’t know his backstory. With the feature film coming out soon, the accompanying book, The Art of Lightyear, takes readers into the story through production art and stories.

In the “Forward,” Executive Producer Andrew Stanton says this is a “book chock full of imagery made by some of the most talented artists today…” There is no doubt about that. The art is incredible not only for fans of the character and the upcoming film, but also for those who are intrigued by animation.

The book, as evident in the title, is dedicated to the art of the film. In the “Introduction,” Director Angus MacLane says, “I loved the story and the characters, but even more, I was drawn to the art and the design behind it.” He added this book “represents only a small fraction of the work produced by this extremely talented team of artists over a six-year period.”

Many of the pages are dedicated to the characters. Readers see the designs of the wardrobes, the colors, the facial expressions, and everything that went into defining the characters that made it into the film.

Another section looks at the settings, or as the chapter is called, “Environments.” Other planets had to be created and buildings and spaceships were all part of the imaginations of the filmmakers.

With sketches and digital art, the story and backstory of the film come alive through the pages of the book. In the film and in the book, fans are introduced to Sox, a robotic cat that accompanies Buzz on his mission. This little guy is sure to be a favorite for kids.

Unlike the Toy Story franchise, Buzz is voiced By Chris Evans in Lightyear.

The Art of Lightyear provides a great accompaniment to the film and fans of the Toy Story franchise. Exploring the visual elements of the film through great artwork, this book takes readers right into the creation of all aspects of this new animated story. Whether you are an aspiring animator, an animation fan, a fan of Disney and Pixar, or simply a fan of Buzz, this is a fun book to have around. It takes us into the heart of the film, to Sky Command, and “to infinity and beyond.”

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Chronicle Books (May 17, 2022)
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 176 pages

 

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. 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, from Sourced Media Books and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.