A vibrant, wholesome adventure that blends animation, imagination, and heartfelt lessons for young fans.
In 2021, Blue's Clues veterans Traci Paige Johnson and Jennifer Twomey created a new children's television show for Netflix called Gabby's Dollhouse. The premise behind the show is that Gabby can become an animated character and go on adventures with her friends, who are known as Gabby Cats. There have been 12 seasons of Gabby's Dollhouse that have included 81 episodes total, and this past September, a feature film premiered in theaters worldwide. After achieving both critical and box office success, Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie (Pawesome Edition) has now been released on Blu-ray and digital for purchase at your local retailer.
For those who are unfamiliar with the show and the movie, here is a synopsis of what you can expect: Gabby (Laila Lockhart Kraner; Black ish) and Grandma Gigi (Gloria Estefan; Music of the Heart)'s road trip takes an unexpected turn when Gabby's prized dollhouse ends up with eccentric cat lady Vera (Kristen Wiig; Wonder Woman 1984). Gabby then has to embark on an adventure to reunite the Gabby Cats and retrieve her beloved dollhouse before it's too late. Along the way, they help Vera find the love and joy she lost many years ago.
Lockhart Kraner, who reprises her role as Gabby for the film, has played the titillating character for all 81 episodes, so it is a no-brainer to cast her as the lead in the movie. As always, she does a great job as the preteen heading on adventures with her "friends". Estefan comes on board to play Gabby's grandmother, and Wiig joins the cast as the villain. Other veteran actors voice the various "cats" include Secunda Wood (Eyes of Wakanda) and Tara Strong (Batman: The Killing Joke). Together, they make for a fun-loving group of animated creatures that will delight audiences.
The story is thin, certainly nothing earth-shattering, but then again, that isn't what these shows/movies are all about. The easy-to-follow plot teaches young children important life lessons and morals that they can apply as they grow older.
The Blu-ray video quality has a 1080p resolution with a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, making the picture look incredibly sharp and clean. Of course, the color palette is second to none as vibrant colors pop off the screen with the intention of capturing even the youngest of observers' eyes. The animation is excellent and blends seamlessly with the live-action portions of the movie.
The Dolby TrueHD 7.1 audio is crisp and layered, offering a symphony of sounds that match the visuals beautifully. The songs ring true and will make the little ones want to get up and dance around. The combo pack comes with several extras that are simply the cherry on top of one's ice cream sundae. They include: a deleted scene ("Vera Meets Cakey Cat"), making-of featurettes ("Making the Meowvie!", "Pawsome Performances," "Meet the Clowder"), several interactive segments (like "Kitty Cat Surprise Snack Box," "Cakey's Pretzel Cabin"), and an audio commentary with the director and production team, as well as the Digital download.
As parents, we all know there are times when we need a few minutes to get something done, sit down and relax, or prepare lunch or dinner for our kids, while not being interrupted by them. And while we don't want the television to become their babysitter, it is nice to know they can watch something wholesome and fun that will also spark their imaginations.
Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie does all those things and more, and what a great present for the Gabby fan in your house to receive during this holiday season. Don't wait, or you may find they are all sold out.
Grade: B-
