Join Crown Princess Elena as she soars through a hidden gateway into Vallestrella, the mysterious, dazzling domain of the jaquins. On the way there, she accidentally releases a mythical forest sprite that could endanger Avalor! Now Elena must find the jaquins’ magical, legendary Sunbird Oracle to save the kingdom! Bring home Elena of Avalor: Realm of the Jacquins on Disney DVD August 7th, which includes 10 bonus shorts.

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I received Elena of Avalor: Realm of the Jacquins on DVD from Disney to write a review. It is certainly full of learning and adventures. SPOILERS BELOW!

Realm of the Jaquins starts with Elena boasting that she has learned everything she needs to know in order to run a kingdom. And like all episodes of Elena of Avalor, she breaks into a toe tapping song explaining everything she has learned. Of course, a boast like that can’t go unchallenged, and Elena is put through a few tests to see if what she has learned is enough, and if she is capable of learning more.

The tests begin as soon as Elena enters the Realm of the Jacquins and meets King Verago. Though both are rulers, they are very different in the way they rule and what they believe. Elena believes in second chances while King Verago believes that rules are rules and need to be followed to prevent horrible things from happening. King Verago uses the example of Shuriki and the battle they had to fight to defend and save Avalor many years ago. This falls flat for Elena who is thinking onny of her friend.

However, both rulers face a villain named Marimonda with magical powers to harness that of nature and destroy buildings, towers, and castles. To save Avalor Elena and King Verago fight her alone with their own plans, which fail miserably. Learning from their mistakes King Verago and Elena come together with a plan and execute it with perfect precision, saving Avalor and her people.

It is awesome to see a show that lets children (and adults) know that there is always more to learn and always room to grow. Even a king of 50 years has things to learn. And a princess who has been ruling for only one year has much to learn from a seasoned king. We never know everything and we are sure to be tested every step of the way. But we can learn from those around us and from experiences as they come. I LOVE THIS MESSAGE! 5 STARS!

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Disclosure: SKGaleana receives products in order to conduct reviews. Unless noted otherwise, no monetary compensation was provided. I only share and recommend products or services I think will be a good fit for my readers. All the opinions are 100% my own. In exchange for referrals, some posts may contain affiliate links that I may receive commission for payment. (See more here)
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More about Elena of Avalor: Realm of the Jacquins:
Synopsis: Join Crown Princess Elena as she soars through a hidden gateway into Vallestrella, the mysterious, dazzling domain of the jaquins. On the way there, she accidentally releases a mythical forest sprite that could endanger Avalor! Now Elena must find the jaquins’ magical, legendary Sunbird Oracle to save the kingdom!

Voice Cast: 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

Creator/Executive Producer: Craig Gerber

Co-Executive Producer/Story Editor: Silvia Olivas

Episodes:

Realm of the Jaquins Parts 1 & 2 (44-minute episode)

Three Jaquins and a Princess

Shapeshifters

Bonus Features: 10 Bonus Shorts-

Adventures in Vallestrella – Flight of the Butterfrog

Adventures in Vallestrella – Sleeping Sunbird

Adventures in Vallestrella – Fast Food

Adventures in Vallestrella – Peabunny Boogie

Adventures in Vallestrella – Human Nature

Scepter Training with Zuzo – The Heist

Scepter Training with Zuzo – Royal Treasury Escape

Scepter Training with Zuzo – Nothing But Blaze

Scepter Training with Zuzo – Stoway

Scepter Training with Zuzo – Don’t Be Our Guest

Lucasfilm’s “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” directed by Academy Award®–winning filmmaker Ron Howard—the creator of unforgettable films, such as “A Beautiful Mind,” “Apollo 13,” “Parenthood” and “Splash”—is an action-packed journey that explores Han’s first encounters with future friend and copilot Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) and notorious gambler Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover).

The film takes viewers on a ride showing Han’s adventure-filled past alongside fellow street thief Qi’ra (Emilia Clarke) and career criminal Beckett (Woody Harrelson). “Solo: A Star Wars Story” bonus material takes fans behind the scenes with the star-studded cast and screenwriters Jonathan Kasdan & Lawrence Kasdan (writer of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi). Special features include a revealing feature on Chewie and his enduring friendship with Han; a close-up look at the original version of the Millennium Falcon and Han’s first time piloting the infamous ship; the creation of the film’s otherworldly settings and pulse-pounding action sequences; and eight never-before-seen deleted and extended scenes.

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Watch instantly on Sept. 14th as the Millennium Falcon sets course digitally in HD and 4K Ultra HD and on Movies Anywhere, and bring the adventure home on Blu-ray 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand on Sept. 25. Check out the trailer below:

More about Solo: A Star Wars Story:

BURBANK, Calif. (July 18, 2018) — Lucasfilm’s “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” directed by Academy Award®–winning filmmaker Ron Howard—the creator of unforgettable films, such as “A Beautiful Mind,” “Apollo 13,” “Parenthood” and “Splash”—took moviegoers on this summer’s wildest ride with the most beloved scoundrel in the galaxy, Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich). The action-packed journey explores Han’s first encounters with future friend and copilot Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) and notorious gambler Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover), as well as his adventure-filled past alongside fellow street thief Qi’ra (Emilia Clarke) and career criminal Beckett (Woody Harrelson). Watch instantly on Sept. 14th as the Millennium Falcon sets course digitally in HD and 4K Ultra HD and on Movies Anywhere, and bring the adventure home on Blu-ray 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand on Sept. 25.

“Solo: A Star Wars Story” bonus content takes fans behind the scenes to experience compelling discussions with the star-studded cast and screenwriters Jonathan Kasdan & Lawrence Kasdan (writer of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi); a revealing feature on Chewie and his enduring friendship with Han; a close-up look at the original version of the Millennium Falcon and Han’s first time piloting the infamous ship; the creation of the film’s otherworldly settings and pulse-pounding action sequences; and eight never-before-seen deleted and extended scenes.

DIGITAL AND BLU-RAY BONUS MATERIAL (may vary by retailer):

Solo: The Director & Cast Roundtable
Sit down with director Ron Howard and the stars for an intimate and entertaining discussion of the film’s making.

Team Chewie
See what it takes to bring your favorite Wookiee to life in this lighthearted look behind the scenes.

Kasdan on Kasdan
Iconic Star Wars screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan and son Jonathan share what it was like to write the movie’s script together.

Remaking the Millennium Falcon
Track the transformation of the most famous ship in the galaxy, from Lando’s swank and impeccable pride and joy to Han’s stripped-down hot-rod freighter with “special modifications.”

Escape from Corellia
Get behind the wheel for the making of this high-octane chase through the streets of Corellia.

The Train Heist
Explore the challenges and thrills of creating this action-packed sequence, including its remote location and spectacular effects.

Becoming a Droid: L3-37
Meet the newest droid—and the talented actor who helps bring her to life.

Scoundrels, Droids, Creatures and Cards: Welcome to Fort Ypso
Take an in-depth tour of the rough-and-tumble bar where strangers mix and gamblers risk all in the legendary card game, Sabaac.

Into the Maelstrom: The Kessel Run
Join Han and Chewie at the controls of the Millennium Falcon to see how this legendary moment in Star Wars history unfolds.

Deleted Scenes:

Proxima’s Den

Corellian Foot Chase

Han Solo: Imperial Cadet

The Battle of Mimban: Extended

Han Versus Chewie: Extended

Snowball Fight!

Meet Dryden: Extended

Coaxium Double-Cross

The Millenium Falcon: From Page to Park – An exclusive look at the history of the most famous ship in the galaxy, its origin and development, and how it will translate in one of the most anticipated expansions in Disneyland’s history.

Directed by Ron Howard, the fun-filled galactic heist movie stars Alden Ehrenreich (“Hail, Caesar!,” “Tetro”), Woody Harrelson (“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” “The Messenger”), Emilia Clarke (“Me Before You,” “Game of Thrones”), Donald Glover (“Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “The Martian”), Thandie Newton (“Gringo,” “Crash”), Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“Fleabag,” “Killing Eve”) and Paul Bettany (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Master and Commander”). Joonas Suotamo (Star Wars: The Last Jedi) returns to play Chewbacca.

Written by Jonathan Kasdan & Lawrence Kasdan, “Solo: A Star Wars Story” is produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Shearmur and Simon Emanuel. Lawrence Kasdan, Jason McGatlin, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller are executive producers.

To create the unique look of the film, some of the industry’s top talent was recruited, including Academy Award® nominee Bradford Young (“Arrival”), director of photography; two-time Academy Award–winning editor Pietro Scalia (“Alien: Covenant”); Dominic Tuohy (“The Mummy”), special effects supervisor; Rob Bredow (“Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”), visual effects supervisor; and John Powell (“Jason Bourne”), score composed and adapted by.

They are joined by returning Star Wars veteran crew members: Neil Lamont, production designer; Neal Scanlan, special creature effects; David Crossman and Glyn Dillon, costume designers; Jamie Wilkinson, prop master; Lisa Tomblin-Fitzpatrick, hair designer; and Amanda Knight, makeup designer.

The legendary John Williams is credited with the “Han Solo Theme” and original Star Wars music.

Watch Solo: A Star Wars Story instantly on Sept. 14th digitally in HD and 4K Ultra HD and on Movies Anywhere, and bring the adventure home on Blu-ray 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand on Sept. 25.

The fourth season of “Star Wars Rebels” delivers all 15 action-packed episodes plus exclusive, never-before-seen bonus extras on the Blu-ray and episode recaps on the DVD. The series, which won last year’s Saturn Award for Best Animated TV Series, draws to an epic conclusion in a dramatic final conflict, drawing connections to the entire Star Wars saga. Star Wars Rebels: The Complete Fourth Season arrives on Blu-ray and DVD July 31st.

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Thanks to Disney, I got a chance to watch this Blu-Ray and I ended up binge watching the whole season over a weekend…plus all the amazing extras. For those wondering if they should buy the season 4, read on.

SPOILER BELOW!

In an amazing final season, Disney manages to tie up several lose strings that fans have been questioning as the series continued. Will Sabine change her colors again? Is Ahsoka still alive? What happens to Thrawn? Where does this faction lead in the rebellion? What happens to Arihnda Pryce? And what is so special about Ezra and Lothal? Don’t worry, I will not give any of these answers away, but I can excitedly say all questions are basically answered from certain points of view.

I have to give Disney their props. Lately, the theme for a number of TV series is leaving everything on cliffhangers, answer no questions, and hope your show is renewed. Thankfully, Disney knew ahead of time that they would no longer be producing future seasons of Star Wars Rebels and gave fans a fitting end…for the most part. They do leave us with one final question: Where is Ezra? However, I am guessing it may be answered in other star wars shows. After all, nothing is gone forever, even Clone Wars is returning soon.

The Blu-Ray features all 15 wonderful episodes that aired on Disney XD. So I got to enjoy the highs and the lows when it came to the Ghost team. Still crying over a few choices the writers made. I get Death is a common place for war, but after Kanan’s death, I hurt right along with Hera. I think that proves just how amazing the creators were with Rebels. The animated series can really connect with the audience leading down the path of their choices, their love, their fears, and their hurt. FYI: if you haven’t watched the series yet…It’s time to do so.

Not only is the whole season on the Blu-Ray but there are also several extras to dive into the world of the Rebels. They include:

Six Audio Commentaries – Featuring Dave Filoni (Executive Producer)

Ghosts of Legend – As paths come together, we explore the journey of the Ghost crew with some of the talented people who brought them to life.

Force of Rebellion – Executive Producer Dave Filoni shares insights into the Force and its importance across the Star Wars saga.

Kevin Kiner: The Rebel Symphony – Go behind the scenes with composer Kevin Kiner to discover what inspired some of the most iconic music in the series.

Rebels Recon – Go behind the scenes with the cast and crew in 8 entertaining and information-packed episode recaps!

I love the Star Wars Rebels Series and give this collection 5 Stars. It is a must for Star Wars fans.

More about Star Wars Rebels Season 4:

Synopsis:
Join the GHOST crew as it prepares for its biggest mission yet in STAR WARS REBELS: SEASON THREE! The story of the GHOST crew is far from over. While Sabine confronts new challenges on her home world of Mandalore, Ezra’s growing power as both a Jedi and a rebel leader helps the rebellion acquire new resources and recruits for the fight ahead. However, the Imperial effort to eliminate the rebellion is now being led by the coldly analytical Grand Admiral Thrawn, whose strategic, tactical and cultural insights make him a threat unlike any they have faced before. From Amazon.com

Disc Specifications:
Release Date: July 31, 2018
Format: Blu-ray (2-Disc) & DVD (3-Disc)
Rating: US: TVY7-FV, Bonus Material Not Rated CE: PG, CF: G (Bonus Material Not Rated
Run Time: Approximately 353 minutes
Closed Captioned: Yes
Aspect Ratio: 1:78:1 (Widescreen)
Audio: English & French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 2.0 Dolby Digital
Languages/Subtitles: English, French, & Spanish

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Disclosure: SKGaleana receives products in order to conduct reviews. Unless noted otherwise, no monetary compensation was provided. I only share and recommend products or services I think will be a good fit for my readers. All the opinions are 100% my own. In exchange for referrals, some posts may contain affiliate links that I may receive commission for payment. (See more here)
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On July 13th, an all new Dwayne Johnson film will arrive in theaters! This time, instead of rescuing his family from the San Andres earthquake, he will be saving his family from the worlds tallest building, which just so happens to catch fire once they move in. At least it isn’t a giant rampaging Gorilla, although, this may prove more difficult to manage.

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Synopsis:
Global superstar Dwayne Johnson leads the cast of Legendary’s Skyscraper as former FBI Hostage Rescue Team leader and U.S. war veteran Will Sawyer, who now assesses security for skyscrapers. On assignment in Hong Kong he finds the tallest, safest building in the world, The Pearl, suddenly ablaze, and he’s been framed for it. A wanted man on the run, Will must find those responsible, clear his name and somehow rescue his family who is trapped inside the building…above the fire line.

Written and directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber (Central Intelligence, We’re the Millers), the 3D action-thriller is produced by Beau Flynn (Rampage, San Andreas), Johnson, Thurber and Hiram Garcia (Rampage, San Andreas, Jumanji).

Skyscraper’s executive producers are Dany Garcia (Baywatch, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle), Wendy Jacobson (Rampage, San Andreas), Eric McLeod (Kong: Skull Island, Pirates of the Caribbean series) and Eric Hedayat (The Great Wall, Real Steel). The film is released worldwide by Universal Pictures.

Learn more on the official Skyscraper website: https://www.skyscrapermovie.com/

Explore The Pearl:

TRA-LA-LAAAA!

Get ready for a world of pranks, super villains, and your favorite underwear-wielding superhero in the Netflix original series DreamWorks The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants premiering July 13. George Beard and Harold Hutchins are two best buds who share a love of comic books and practical jokes – and a strong dislike for their cranky, fun-hating school principal, Mr. Krupp.

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When their over-the-top pranks get out of hand, the boys unleash their creative superpowers by transforming Krupp into the bumbling, briefs-baring superhero, Captain Underpants! The future of Jerome Horwitz Elementary is always in jeopardy, and it’s up to two prank-loving fourth graders and one goofy caped crusader to save it. What could possibly go wrong?

From Peabody Award and Emmy-winning executive producer Peter Hastings, the series is based on the epic novels by Dav Pilkey that have sold more than 70 million copies worldwide. Pilkey himself has praised the show saying “I binge-watched all of the episodes in one afternoon…I couldn’t help myself. Peter Hastings has totally captured the craziness and heart of the Captain Underpants multiverse and I hope everybody will love the show as much as I do. Kids have been asking for more Captain Underpants books for years, and to me it feels like we are getting brand-new books— except they’re animated!”

DreamWorks The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants stars both established and emerging voice talent including Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings, “Stranger Things”, The Goonies) as the series’ narrator, Nat Faxon (“Ben and Kate”, “Married”) as Captain Underpants/Mr. Krupp, as well as young actors Jay Gragnani and Ramone Hamilton who voice best pals, George Beard and Harold Hutchins. The lively cast comes together to bring Pilkey’s classic, fun-filled creation to life.

Check out the Opening Credits for The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants and get ready for a truly bingeful season!

More about The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants:

Executive Producer Peter Hastings

CAST:
Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings, “Stranger Things”) as The Narrator
Nat Faxon (“Ben and Kate”, “Married”) as Captain Underpants/Mr. Krupp
Jay Gragnani (“Bubble Guppies”) as George Beard
Ramone Hamilton (“Will & Grace”) as Harold Hutchins
David Koechner (Anchorman) as Mr. Meaner
Tress MacNeille (“The Simpsons”, “VeggieTales in the House”) as Ms. Hurd
Laraine Newman (“DreamWorks Trollhunters”)as Ms. Tara Ribble
Stephen Root (“Barry”, “King of the Hill”) as Mr. Morty Fyde
Jorge Diaz (“Elena of Avalor”) as Melvin Sneedly
Mindy Sterling (Austin Powers) as Melvin’s mom
Erica Lutrell (“Salvation”, “Steven Universe”) as Erica Wang
Dayci Brookshire (“Home Adventures with Tip & Oh”) as Jessica Gordon
Evan Kishiyama (“Mickey and the Roadster Racers”) as Steve “Gooch” Yamaguchi