When, Disney announced their new Fairies line a few years ago, the highlight of which was to be a series of computer-generated animated movies, the Disney purists squawked and I jumped for joy. 😉  Okay, yes, I do consider myself to be a bit of a purist – please don’t mess with the Disneyland Hotel, please bring back the PeopleMover, and can’t we all just remember that it was started with a mouse?  But, I was okay with tweaking Tinker Bell’s classic character for a new generation, particularly if it meant all things Tinker Bell would soon be flooding the market.

Countless books and three movies later, I’m still a fan.  It’s okay with me that Tinker Bell talks, that she has a life outside of Peter Pan – I mean what woman doesn’t deserve that?! – and that she has a whole new cast of supporting characters.  The newest film in the series, Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue, delivers just as much heart-warming enjoyment as the rest.

The incorporation of new movie elements in the on-line world of Pixie Hollow

The incorporation of new movie elements in the on-line world of Pixie Hollow

I was a bit skeptical of bringing human characters into the new world of Pixie Hollow, but Disney created such an endearing child in Lizzie, Tinker Bell’s new human friend, that I just couldn’t resist her charm.  I like that the message is simple: everyone needs a friend, believe in your children, help your friends.  I love that Vidia – the notoriously “villainous” fairy – discovers that even she needs a friend, and that the audience is fully emerged in her transformation.

At the D23 Expo last year, John Lasseter talked about wanting to maintain a hand in the production of the Tinker Bell films, I was pleased to see his name role past in the credits of the new film as “Executive Producer.”  I was pleased to hear the passion in his voice about these movies and the heart-felt message behind them.  I think Disney has done a great job with this brand and I’m excited to see what comes next.  I hope that the on-line world of Pixie Hollow maintains a permanent niche in the world wide web of Disney.  I also hope that after the proposed fourth, and last, Fairies film is released that, at least, the book series will continue.

I urge the skeptics out there to spend a little time in the video world of Pixie Hollow and discover the lessons to be learned and the beauty to be enjoyed when they are there.  So, gather a pinch of faith, trust, and pixie dust, and take a chance on this beautiful series… I don’t think you will be disappointed.

© 2010, Rays of Disneyland. All rights reserved.

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