Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Snow Princess (NR, 2008)

Following the approach of the television show closely, DORA THE EXPLORER: DORA SAVES THE SNOW PRINCESS has plucky bilingual heroine Dora (voiced by Caitlin Sanchez) and her animal pals reading a story about a little girl who is magically transformed into a snow princess. When a winter-hating witch locks the princess up in a castle, a snow fairy begs Dora to help him rescue her so that all of the snow doesn't melt. Dora, the Snow Fairy, and Dora's friends must outrun polar bears, repel an icy sea snake, and outwit the witch to restore the princess to her wintry kingdom. The DVD also includes two shorter Dora stories.

There's a reason preschoolers and their parents admire Dora and her magic backpack. The story is simple enough for youngest kids to follow along, and in her characteristic fashion Dora stops the action to invite viewers to participate in the fun. Whether she and Boots (Regan Mizrahi) are exhorting kids to lean left and right to help them guide a sled, or asking them to shout out "Swiper No Swiping!" when they see a sly fox, the show's creators do what they can to provide an interactive viewing experience.

The effortless switch between English and Spanish will also be appreciated in bilingual households and those trying to support young foreign language learners. And in both the main story and the two shorter features, good behaviors like cooperating and being kind are reinforced.

Studio: Paramount Pictures
Director: Allan Jacobsen, George S. Chialtas
Cast: Caitlin Sanchez, Matthew Gumley, Regan Mizrahi
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 93 minutes
Theatrical release: November 2, 2008
DVD release: November 3, 2008
MPAA Rating: NR