Before diving into the full feature of My Little Pony: Equestria Girls – Rainbow Rocks, fans were treated to a series of animated shorts that set the stage for the musical mayhem. These shorts, acting as prequels, offered glimpses into the lives of our favorite characters at Canterlot High and their burgeoning band, the Rainbooms. Let’s explore each of these mini-episodes and see how they tune up the excitement for Rainbow Rocks, keeping in mind this review is based on the novelization order, not the release dates.
Perfect Day for Fun
(Based on chapter 1)
(Aired June 19, 2014)
“The six friends hang out at Canterlot High’s outdoor carnival together.”
This short is a burst of pure fun, showcasing the Canterlot High carnival. It’s a bit quirky in its placement within the novelization, as the Rainbooms perform even though the carnival is supposedly before their formation. Perhaps it’s a glimpse into Pony Twilight’s imagination. The song is undeniably catchy, and the visual of Spike, in puppy form, outdoing Applejack in a strength test is genuinely humorous. The sheer number of characters packed into the carnival scene is also impressive, making Canterlot High feel like a vibrant and populated place.
Many characters at the Canterlot High carnival in Perfect Day for Fun, a My Little Pony Equestria Girls Rainbow Rocks prequel short.
Guitar Centered
(Based on chapters 2 and 3)
(Aired April 4, 2014)
“Rainbow Dash and Trixie get into an argument over an electric guitar in a music store, and face each other in a “shred-off”. Though Rainbow wins, she decides to keep the guitar that won her the shred-off and leaves Trixie with an unaffordable guitar as her prize.”
“Guitar Centered” amps up the energy with a classic rivalry. Rainbow Dash and Trixie lock horns – or should we say hooves? – over a striking electric guitar in a music store. The ensuing “shred-off” is a highlight, demonstrating Rainbow Dash’s guitar prowess. It’s a funny moment when Pinkie Pie suggests Rainbow try the tuba, reminiscent of Patrick Star’s musical inquiries. The short is full of playful humor and gives Trixie a chance to shine, even if she is outplayed by Rainbow Dash’s guitar skills.
Music to My Ears
(Based on chapters 4, 7, and 15)
(Aired March 27, 2014)
“DJ Pon-3 struts to her own beat on her way to Canterlot High, only to have her headphones confiscated by Principal Celestia when she gets there.”
This short strikes a chord with its focus on Vinyl Scratch, or DJ Pon-3, a fan-favorite background character. It’s a treat for Vinyl Scratch enthusiasts, showcasing her unique personality and how she moves to her own rhythm. The short cleverly uses music to drive the narrative, minimizing dialogue and showing how music shapes her world. It’s a testament to visual storytelling and the power of music to communicate, even without words, except for a brief line from Mrs. Cake.
A Case for the Bass
(Based on chapters 5 and 6)
(Aired May 24, 2014)
“Applejack tries to buy back her bass guitar after Granny Smith accidentally sells it to the Flim Flam brothers. When the brothers doubt her ownership and refuse to return it, Applejack proves herself by expertly playing the bass.”
“A Case for the Bass” puts Applejack and her musical talent in the spotlight. When Granny Smith inadvertently sells Applejack’s beloved bass guitar to the Flim Flam brothers, Applejack must step in to reclaim it. The Flim Flam brothers, in their human forms, are as delightfully shifty as ever. Applejack’s bass playing becomes her proof of ownership, culminating in a performance that literally messes up the brothers’ hair. It’s a fun showcase of Applejack’s skills with her guitar-like bass and her determination.
Applejack confidently plays her bass guitar in A Case for the Bass, a short from My Little Pony Equestria Girls Rainbow Rocks, highlighting her musical talent.
Hamstocalypse Now
(Based on chapters 8 and 9)
(Aired April 11, 2014)
“Fluttershy and Rarity get into trouble when hamsters run loose while they try to clean their home at the animal shelter. Fluttershy manages to corral the hamsters by hypnotizing them with her tambourine music.”
“Hamstocalypse Now” introduces chaos in the form of escaped hamsters at an animal shelter, with Fluttershy and Rarity caught in the furry frenzy. Rarity’s fashion-focused approach to animal care humorously clashes with the practical needs of the situation. Fluttershy, in a Pied Piper-esque moment, uses her tambourine music to hypnotize and control the hamsters. It’s a whimsical and slightly absurd scenario, reminding us of Fluttershy’s unique connection with animals, even hamsters.
Pinkie on the One
(Based on chapters 10, 11, and 12)
(Aired April 25, 2014)
“Annoyed by Pinkie Pie’s constant drumming antics, Rainbow Dash finds an outlet for Pinkie’s energy by making her their band’s drummer.”
Pinkie Pie’s boundless energy takes center stage in “Pinkie on the One.” Her incessant drumming, even with kitchen utensils, becomes both a nuisance and an inspiration. The short highlights Pinkie’s chaotic creativity and Rainbow Dash’s exasperated yet ultimately clever solution: making Pinkie the band’s drummer. The cookie batter mishap and glitter explosion are classic Pinkie Pie moments, showcasing her zany personality and infectious enthusiasm.
Pinkie Pie with pony ears popping out in Pinkie on the One, a My Little Pony Equestria Girls Rainbow Rocks short focused on her drumming energy.
Player Piano
(Based on chapters 13 and 14)
(Aired May 10, 2014)
“Rarity turns to the Diamond Dog boys for help moving her grand piano across campus in time for band practice with her friends. After she arrives late, she agrees to take up playing the more portable keytar instead.”
Rarity’s dramatic flair and impracticality are on full display in “Player Piano.” Her decision to move a grand piano across campus for band practice leads to predictable chaos. Enlisting the Diamond Dogs (or Diamond Boys in their human form) for help is a humorous touch, especially given their history with Rarity. The short playfully contrasts Rarity’s fashion sense with her common sense and culminates in her adopting a more sensible keytar.
Shake Your Tail
(Based on chapters 16 and 17)
(Aired June 6, 2014)
“Twilight Sparkle and her friends try to come up with a theme for an upcoming school party.”
“Shake Your Tail” serves as a vibrant musical finale to the shorts. It’s essentially a music video showcasing Twilight Sparkle (in her pony form, within the Equestria Girls world) and the Rainbooms brainstorming themes for a school party. Pinkie Pie’s tiki mask appearance is an unexpected and funny visual. The song is upbeat and catchy, encapsulating the fun and musical spirit of Rainbow Rocks and the prequel shorts.
The Sonic Rainbooms band, including Applejack with her guitar, sing in Shake Your Tail, the final My Little Pony Equestria Girls Rainbow Rocks prequel short.
Final Thoughts
Overall, each of these Rainbow Rocks prequel shorts is a delightful and entertaining appetizer for the main feature. They are all uniquely amusing and fun in their own way, successfully building anticipation for Rainbow Rocks. While Sunset Shimmer’s absence is noticeable, and the lack of horns on Rarity and Twilight in their human forms remains a minor point of contention, these shorts are thoroughly enjoyable and rewatchable. They leave you wanting more of these mini-adventures within the Equestria Girls world. It’s a wonder why similar shorts haven’t been created for the main series!
Rating: 9 out of 10
