My kids like “Sofia The First” because it ties in with a number of other Disney films. The world Sofia and her family inhabit is populated by the usual suspects of court life, subjects in the kingdom, royal visitors, etc. It’s all a decent look at what life “ever after” is like. While it isn’t necessarily their #1 go-to show, they do enjoy each new episode as it airs.
One of the things I find interesting about this series is how Sofia is a princess by marriage. Her mother marries the king, which in turn, makes Sofia a princess. Much of the series is about her learning to be a princess, navigating the royal culture as well as her friendships with other kids. Aiding her are Flora, Fauna and Merryweather, the three fairy godmothers from Sleeping Beauty at the Royal Prepatory Academy as well as her magical amulet which allows her to talk to animals and summon the help of other princesses. Of course there’s an antagonist, and that role comes in the form of Sofia’s step-sister, somebody coveting the amulet or other dangers.
Here, in the titular episode, we have Princess Ivy who enters the castle by way of a curse. This double-length episode really highlighted the relationship between step-sisters Amber and Sofia very well. Then there is the guest star Rapunzel, with Mandy Moore reprising the character from Tangled.
The special pack-in for this DVD is a color changing necklace, which is nice, but I would prefer more episodes. Only three other episodes are included. Granted, that’s a total running time that matches the previous DVDs but I still think this show is worth a more comprehensive and systematic release. “Princess Butterfly” is a Halloween episode from the first season, “The Emerald Key” is a great episode about truth and double identity, and “The Amulet Of Avalor” is from the first season and centers on Sofia losing her magical amulet.
“Sofia The First” is a show that has greater appeal than Disney might realize. Marketing only to young girls limits the show’s natural reach. I have young boys ranging in age of 4 to 11 in addition to my daughter who will watch because it is smartly written and has a great tie-in to the “Disney Universe” at large. It’s a fun show that may not be directly educational, but it still offers up plenty of quality viewing.