Along with the stellar blu-ray3d release of "THE LION KING," BUENA VISTA/DISNEY is releasing "BEAUTY AND THE BEAST" in blu-ray3d October 4, 2011.  “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” is a great film by any standards, and it proves that DISNEY is capable of producing masterpieces that will certainly stand the test of time. “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” is certainly as good, if not better than anything the studio has ever done before or since.  It has something for everyone, and while thoroughly entertaining, still offers its share of values and morality in an empathic way.  Belle is introduced from the beginning, as not only being beautiful, but extremely intelligent as well. It’s not often that young viewers find a beautiful bookwork, but that’s what Belle is!  She can’t find enough books to read, as explained in one of the film’s many great songs.  Her father, an eccentric inventor, ends up becoming a prisoner within the castle of a beast. Belle, the loving daughter, determined to save her father, goes to the castle to take his place.  In spite of the beast’s gloomy existence, there’s some wonderful magic within the castle, and DISNEY uses its magical animators to bring life to otherwise stationary objects, such as cups, saucers and spoons!  They all come to life with remarkable personality, and it’s wonderful to watch!  We find out that the curse which turned the man into a beast also transformed people into these objects.  The animation is dazzling, and this was one of DISNEY’S first efforts involving computer animation, but still mainly made up of hand-drawn craftsmanship.  One can’t watch the ballroom dancing sequence without being amazed at the detail achieved within it.  Still, it’s the great script and memorable, magnificent songs which help make “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” such a timeless classic.

As wonderful as the story is, the music is just as memorable! The Menken score and Ashman lyrics are on par with the best musical collaborations of Oscar and Hammerstein. It's actually hard to get the theme song out of one's head, for some time after revisiting the film! But, there are many other great tunes one will be singing or at least humming to thereafter as well.

As the 2d version of the film has already been available on blu-ray, and the new "blu-ray3d" being released following the newly post-conversion 3d theatrical run, one must ask if the 3d is worthwhile or just a way to make more money for the studio?

Thus far, the blu-ray3d version of "BEAUTY AND THE BEAST" is the "best" blu-ray3d release available!!!  Scene after scene provides dazzling immersive effects, with characters and even background objects surrounding, leaping towards, or swirling around the viewer with a precision never realized before in 3d. It's astounding! Detail ranks up with the best blu-ray releases available. Colors are wonderfully vibrant in every single scene. Sure, they look great on the 2d blu-ray, but the depth of 3d does so much more for the viewer! Anyone wondering how good 3d can look when perfectly executed needs to see this blu-ray3d presentation. While some of the better recent blu-ray 3d releases tend to benefit from the sense of depth, rather than simply relying on things transcending the screen outward, "BEAUTY AND THE BEAST" incorporates both with a majesty one hopes future releases from the studio can hold themselves up to!

BUENA VISTA/DISNEY has provided a DTS-HD MA 7.1 mix. As the film offers a grand score, the music will transform any viewing area into a palace by virtue of the wonderfully conceived sound design. Music, voices, and effects pan around the audience with precision and flair, making this lossy mix one of the best listening experiences anyone could hope for. As wonderfully handled as the bass is, even subtle effects are sure to dazzle as well! Dialogue is flawlessly presented and balanced. Easily one of the best lossy mixes available!

There are loads of extras included within the blu-ray3d 5 disc edition.

Along with the theatrical cut, the longer(by 7 minutes)extended edition is offered.

A picture-in-picture option offers unfinished animation and storyboards to be viewed along with the theatrical version.

A Sing along track will provide extra entertainment for the kiddies likely to love the music.

An audio commentary offers insight into the animation process as well as the story and entire production process. But, "yes," it gets a bit dry after the first 30 minutes.

Deleted scenes and some other featurettes are offered in full HD.

An extensive Documentary is offered in full HD, and it's fantastic!!! Really, don't miss this one!

Of course, there are BD-LIVE extras and much more!