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Last month's Talk Like a Pirate Day was a smashing success, I'd say. However, if ye be frothing for more pirate fare, Disney just released the new DVD, Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Jake Saves Bucky.
This is the same special that aired on Disney Junior back in September. It’s also the show's third DVD release, which includes the entire cute crew from the series. In case you couldn’t tell by the title, the 49-minute main feature finds the sweetest swashbucklers on the high seas looking to save their ship (that’s Bucky to you!) from the evil clutches of Captain Hook.
Jake and the Never Land Pirates doesn't quite have the same level of animation that you'd expect from Disney's theatrical efforts. However, it's on par with the rest of what the network has to offer.
Jake and the Never Land Pirates has been a flagship (and a pirate ship) show for Disney Junior, since the network launched in 2011. Shortly after the show's debut, it won over the target demo of 2-5-year-old boys. However, I can tell you that the show and this special will entice older kids as well, and I have my own 6-year-old focus group to prove it.
My son was absolutely glued to Jake Saves Bucky – and not just because it's filled with colorful imagery coming from the TV. Frankly, he's not much of a pirate guy, but he seems to love these sweet characters. He clapped during their successes and looked worried during some of the more perilous moments. I even saw him tearing up a bit when the crew was saying goodbye to their beloved Bucky. (Here's a little spoiler: That sadness is fleeting.)
Jake Saves Bucky is also a bit of a special treat, since it's longer than the average half-hour episode, has more songs, and includes a special appearance by the show's inspiration, Peter Pan. It also teaches a nice message about sportsmanship, fair play, and being a good pirate, of course.
The 2-disc set has a ton of extras, including four additional 24-minute episodes from the series' run and a "Pirate-oke" feature, which is basically the Jake and the Never Land Pirates version of karaoke. Depending on the age of your little one, the on-screen lyrics that accompanies each of the four songs may be a bit difficult to decipher. However, each ditty is very peppy and should spark a little living room dance party.
If that's not enough of a treasure, the set is also packaged with a blow-up sword. That little perk should keep your pirate-in-training swashbuckling well after the feature has ended. Enjoy!
Disney provided me with a copy of this DVD for review purposes.
