Presenting....Sofia The FIRST!

Review by: Joyce Kessel

On September 17, 2013 Disney Junior’s Popular TV Show “Sofia the First” released on DVD.  I love all things Disney and am aware of this newest Princess in training but this is the first time I have watched the show.  I loved the story, music and Sofia’s character.  She has all the qualities of a Disney Princess. 

Sofia the First is from the makers of Tangled and Wreck-it-Ralph.  Before the episodes begin, be sure to enjoy the previews for Disney’s Frozen out in theaters on Thanksgiving as well as Disney’s Little Mermaid Diamond Edition and the next Tinker Bell Movie: The Pirate Fairy.  I am so excited for all three!!!!

Special Guest Jasmine 

For those of you like me who are familiar with the newest Princess but not as familiar with the TV Series, “Sofia the First” is set in the storybook world of Enchancia and tells the story of Princess Sofia, an adventurous little girl who is learning how to adjust to royal life after her mom marries the king and she becomes a princess overnight.  Sofia quickly discovers that looking like a princess isn't all that difficult, but possessing the characteristics of a true princess – honesty, loyalty, courage, independence, compassion and grace – is what makes one truly royal.   

This Fairytale DVD includes 5 fun-filled episodes from the TV Series, including a special appearance by Princess Jasmine and a Sofia Dress Up Doll Kit.

Dress Up Doll Kit

Synopsis: Your favorite little princess-in-training returns for more music, majesty and magical fun, so get ready to have a ball with Sofia the First! Becoming royalty overnight is every girl’s dream, and Sofia is eager to prove she can be a true princess. Visit an enchanted circus, meet a pet dragon and soar through desert skies with Sofia and Amber on a magic carpet ride!  But when their high-flying adventure veers off course, it’s special guest Princess Jasmine to the rescue with inspiring advice about trying new things, staying strong and trusting yourself. Sparkling with extraordinary song unforgettable characters and thrilling surprises, Ready to Be A Princess opens the door to a whole new world of kindness, helping others and being the best you can be!

The first of the five episodes is titled: “ A Royal Mess”.   

In this episode, James, Sofia’s brother is excited as The Golden Wing Circus, grandest circus in the world, return to Enchancia, and they all sing with joy in the streets.  As they enter the Throne Room of the Castle to ask their father’s permission, James, still full of excitement,  is juggling and is reminded of the dangers of playing in the castle.  As his father leaves to get Sofia’s mother, he continues juggling and breaks the window.  Things gets worse from here when they try to fix it with magic.  Sofia covers for him and he is able to go to the Golden Wing Circus, but she is forbidden to go.  Will James go to the circus or tell the truth? Will Baileywick keep her secret?  Will Amber keep his secret?

Episode 2: The Shy Princess

Sofia attends art class and is paired up with a classmate to build their dream castle. Sofia is paired up with Princess Vivian and the other Princesses do not care for her because she is “strange”.  Sofia learns that is not strange but shy.  She finds beauty in her home and not a dark castle with gnomes and bats.   I like the songs and the message.  

This was my favorite episode. 

Episode 3: Blue Ribbon Bunny

Sofia visits the village fair for the first time as does Clover the Rabbit.  Sofia enters Clover the rabbit.  Since she has always dreamed of riding on the float she has to convince him to enter.  Can she and how will he do?  Clover has high self-esteem and thinks he is a blue ribbon bunny.  Will he win the blue ribbon and will her dreams come true?

Episode 4: The Princess Test

In this episode, Sofia learns a lesson more valuable that the lessons she would learn in the Princess training class.  Will this be enough to pass the test?  Will doing a good deed prevent her from taking the test and becoming a Princess?

Episode 5: Two to Tangu: 

During their first visit to Tangu, Sofia and Amber go on a magic carpet ride and they have trouble navigating their magic carpet, they fear that they may miss the party as they crash land because they cannot control their flying carpet. They get a special visit from Princess Jasmine who teaches them how to train their wild flying carpet.


As with most Disney stories, there are messages for all ages, some that we forget as adults and those that we can teach  younger children and reinforce in older children. 

The run time is approximately 110 minutes and is appropriate for all ages and genders.  Although girls may enjoy it more than boys.  The creator of Sofia the First, Craig Gerber is a Dad with two boys, who love hearing Sofia stories.

The DVD features languages and subtitles in English, French and Spanish.