The Princess and the Frog DVD Review

04-May-2010

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Set in the backdrop of the romantic heyday of the French Quarter of New Orleans and the birth of jazz, Tiana (voiced by Anika Noni Rose) is a hardworking waitress inspired by her beloved father, pursuing her dream of opening her own restaurant.

With this dream close to a reality, Tiana's world is turned upside down when Prince Naveen (Bruno Campos) pays New Orleans a royal visit. Broke and in search of romance, and a wealthy wife, the Prince is instead seduced by the town's evil voodoo magician, Dr. Facilier (Keith David).

Dr. Facilier's evil plan is to fleece Big Daddy (John Goodman), and sets in motion a series of events by transforming the Prince into a frog, and having the Prince's servant take his place in proposing marriage to Big Daddy's daughter Charlotte (Jennifer Cody).

The now "frog Prince" mistakes the beautiful Tiana for true royalty, as an accident leaves her wearing Charlotte's clothes. Promising her enough money to fulfil her dream on the proviso that she agrees to kiss him to break the spell, a hilarious twist of fate occurs with the spell being far from broken: Tiana herself turns into a small, green frog!

The pair must now travel into the mystical bayous of Louisiana in search of Mama Odie (Jennifer Lewis) , a friendly, blind and powerful voodoo magician who has the power to reverse the curse and turn them back to their true form.

With the help of a music-loving, guitar playing alligator named Louis and a love-struck firefly to light the way called Ray, a magical adventure begins that sets the scene for the founding of the first Disney Princess in 11 years.

Inspired by the book The Frog Princess by E.D. Baker, The Princess and the Frog comes to life with an exceptional jazz score, amazing hand-drawn animation, and an all-star voice cast that also includes Terrence Howard and Oprah Winfrey.

The Princess and the Frog also comes to DVD and Blu-ray with exceptional bonus features including deleted scenes, audio commentary, games and activities.

Review

5 / 5. We absolutely loved this movie!!! It was fun, funny, action-packed; full of amazing songs and jazzy, toe-tapping music (making you want to dance out of your chair!) and we love that the princess/heroine is African-American! That's a first and we love it! Such a good message for children.

Get it

Released to Disney DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Value Pack on 16 June 2010.
94 minutes; rated 'G'.