Certainly one of the greatest animated films of all time, “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” has been released as a special edition that is a “MUST HAVE” for any dvd collector! 

“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.  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.

BUENA VISTA HOME ENTERTAINMENT has gone all out for this release.  Not one, but “three” versions are included here.  The original theatrical version, a “Special Edition” with new material, and the “Work-in-progress” are all presented in great condition, with their correct 1.85:1 aspect ratio and 16:9 enhancement.  The “Special Edition” version is actually the “IMAX” version released theatrically in 2002, but now in letterboxed format.  There are some minor improvements in quality over the original theatrical version, as well as a wonderful new song, but the difference in quality between the two isn’t that substantial.  The “work-in-progress” version will probably only be of interest to animation purists wanting to examine the process from pencil sketch to completion.  About half of the film is in finished form, making it all the more annoying every time the brilliant colorful animation suddenly turns to incomplete, unfinished pencil sketches.

The color values on all three are spectacular!  “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” has vibrant, almost 3-dimensional animation to it, and it has never looked better than it does here. 

BUENA VISTA has presented the three versions with a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix.  Although the surrounds aren’t as aggressive as we’d expected them to be, they still provide some enjoyable effects, and figure prominently during most of the wonderful songs.  There are numerous directional effects focused towards the front soundstage, and this helps in making it substantially more detailed than the Dolby Surround sound on laserdisc. 

A commentary track featuring the film’s two directors as well as the film’s producer and composer, is included.  It’s only available on the “special edition” version, and well worth listening to.  We found it extremely entertaining, and the information regarding the film’s production, casting and more, kept us interested and may actually be appreciated by younger audiences. Other extras on the first disc include “Sneak Peeks” for upcoming films, including “TREASURE PLANET,” as well as subtitles for sing-alongs.

A 2^nd disc offers a variety of extras. There are a number of interviews with the film’s directors, much of it examining the enhancements of the “special edition.” 

There are various featurettes, some more interesting than others.  One about the “Work-in-progress” premiere at the 1991 New York Film Festival is just plain dull.  However, “HOWARD ASHMAN: IN MEMORIAM,” is extremely moving and worth viewing. 

The theatrical and tv trailers for the film’s original release and re-release are all here.  A great Music video with Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson is also offered and it looks and sounds great.

A featurette, “TRICKS OF THE TRADE,” examines how computers assisted in the elaborate animation process. 

“THE CHARACTERS” looks at how the terrific characters were developed as well as how voice talents were cast. 

“STORY”" offers a terrific featurette as well as an alternate version of the song “BE OUR GUEST” and more.  There are so many featurettes on this 2^nd disc, and so many of them brief, it would give away too much to examine every one here, but the majority are quite good and even re-watchable! 

There are tons of other goodies for the kids, as well as an interactive game and a tour of the DISNEY studio