The more I watch “My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic” the more I am getting drawn in to it’s world of whimsy, friendship, magic, and fun. While largely appealing (and geared) towards girls, the way it is written has generated a much broader appeal. Sure many of the characters are fairly stereotypical, but there are nuances and depth to be found. I like how they don’t necessarily feel like a caricature, and their interaction with each other feel true.
Now we get another DVD release of the series – Princess Twilight Sparkle. Here we get five episodes that heavily feature the character Twilight Sparkle (or Twilight as she is usually referred to) including the two parter which sees her getting crowned as a princess.
What bothers me is this is a random sampling of episodes. Shout Factory does have a second season set of the series on the way, but it will be available only through Amazon. Other retail outlets will have to content themselves with offering the likes of this. Here’s the episode list:
Games Ponies Play
Magical Mystery Cure
Mmmystery On The Friendship Express
Magic Duel
Lesson Zero
It is interesting the first two episodes on this DVD were the last ones to be broadcast. Twilight Sparkle actually becomes Princess Twilight Sparkle as a result. Then we go back in time, not only to earlier in the season but to the previous season as well. My daughter is 7 years old and loves this show. Her brothers, ages 9 and 5 don’t like to admit it, but they like watching the series too – at least the new episodes.
The latest season just ended a couple of months ago. so this is a decent way to refresh yourself on some important events in the mythology of “My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic” while navigating the repeats as they air until the next season comes along.
Some of the lessons (either inherently or subversively) presented on this DVD include handling stress, humiliation and apologizing, learning and more. No, it’s not an educational show, but there’s a decent moral center to it which I like. It’s one of the few programs I don’t feel guilty about letting my (almost 3 year old) toddler watch occasionally.
If you’re not familiar with the goings on of Twilight Sparkle and her storyline, you might be confused upon watching this DVD. For fans, however, this DVD is a must own (at least until the 3rd season set arrives) because it does in many ways put a major capper on what was part of the show’s premise.
Bonus features are pretty scant, with a sing-along to one of the songs from the episode Magical Mystery Cure. Just one song? There were like 6 of them in the episode. And a print out coloring page. More pages could and should have been included.
Fans of the show will certainly want this DVD. More casual viewers or those needing an introduction to “My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic” will want to start with a different DVD, then move on to this one.