ELENA OF AVALOR: REALM OF THE JAQUINS – A DVD Review by John Strange
When I get DVD's to review I not always familiar with the TV show or film. With Disney offerings rarely fail to entertain me. My latest DVD, Elena of Avalor: Realm of the Jaquins, was a nice way to spend an afternoon. However, unlike most DVD's of this type, the offering is not a full season.
The episodes on the disk are episode 22 from the first season (Realm of the Jaquins) and episodes 3 (Three Jaquins and a Princess) and 8 (Shapeshifters) from season 2. There is no real connection between the three episodes that I can see. That doesn't mean that they are not fun to watch, just that I can determine no reasons for this particular selection other than in all three Princess Elena Castillo Flores (Aimee Carrero) is fighting to save her kingdom.
The episode I enjoyed the most was the first one (Realm of the Jaquins). In that episode we meet Quita Moz (Cheech Marin), possibly the last of the sunbirds who is also an oracle. Like the other two episodes the Princess must find a way to save the day.
These episodes have an excellent cast of voice actors including Jane Fonda as Shuriki, Lou Diamond Phillips as Victor Delgado, and Yvette Nicole Brown as Luna. The animation is good. The music in each episode (this series is as much a musical series as a science fiction/fantasy series) is excellent.
These episodes and the series will enthrall young girls more than young boys. It is very female-centric. This is not a bad thing, it is simply that the music and storylines will resonate more with the young ladies. What little boys will enjoys are the Jaquins, flying jaguar-like intelligent creatures who are from another realm, Vallestrella. Members of the race train to be the protectors of the people of Avalor.
In addition to the episodes we are given ten bonus shorts that give us a better view of the world of Avalor and of the powers that the princess can wield via the royal scepter.
I enjoyed the contents of the disk. I can confidently say that your daughters will love the stories. I think that most of your sons will, too. As adults, you will enjoy the stories but the music and songs will be what you enjoy the most, as I did.
Creator/Executive Producer::
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Craig Gerber
Cast:
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Aimee Carrero as Elena; Jane Fonda as Shuriki; Lou Diamond Phillips as Victor Delgado; Cheech Marin as Quita Moz; Noël Wells as Marimonda; Carlos Alazraqui as Skylar; Yvette Nicole Brown as Luna; and Chris Parnell as Migs
Episodes:
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Realm of the Jaquins (44-minute episode)
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Three Jaquins and a Princess
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Shapeshifters
Bonus Features:
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10 Bonus Shorts:
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Adventures in Vallestrella – Flight of the Butterfrog
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Adventures in Vallestrella – Sleeping Sunbird
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Adventures in Vallestrella – Fast Food
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Adventures in Vallestrella – Peabunny Boogie
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Adventures in Vallestrella – Human Nature
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Scepter Training with Zuzo – The Heist
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Scepter Training with Zuzo – Royal Treasury Escape
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Scepter Training with Zuzo – Nothing But Blaze
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Scepter Training with Zuzo – Stoway
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Scepter Training with Zuzo – Don’t Be Our Guest
Specifications:
Runtime:
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Approx. 90 minutes (not including bonus)
Studio:
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Disney Channel
Release Date:
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08/07/2018
Region:
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A/1 (U.S. and Canada only)
MPAA Rating:
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TV-Y (US)
Selig Rating:
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BRAND NEW
Selig Rating Scale:
BRAND NEW: Should add to your DVD collection at any cost
SALE ITEM: Worth owning, but try to catch it a sale
SECOND HAND: Plan to get it, but wait to buy it used
RENTAL: Worth taking a look at, but not owning
COASTER: Pick it up at a garage sale and use it for drinks
PULL!: Makes a great Trap Shooting target
