BUENA VISTA has released the direct-to-video sequel to “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST”, 
“BEAUTY AND THE BEAST:ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS”.   One might expect that with a
studio putting out so many “direct-to-video” sequels, many of them would bomb.
Surprisingly, for the most part, they’ve been enjoyable.  Sure, they don’t
always have much to do with the original, or even follow any logic, but for the
most part, the animation has been fine and the storylines, decent.

In “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST:ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS”, logic is again thrown out the
window, because when we last left the “beast”, he’d been transformed into a
charming prince, but in the sequel, he’s a beast again!  Still, the animation is
delightful, and all of the characters and their voices have returned for this
film, making it even more enjoyable.

The entire film only runs a little more than an hour, and will leave the younger
audiences wanting more, and “more” is the operative word here, with yet another
sequel to be released soon!
The image is presented in full-frame, and it looks outstanding!  Colors are
vibrant, and the backgrounds are superior to many animated programs out there.
Contrast is also impressive.

BUENA VISTA has included a DTS 5.1 mix along with the Dolby Digital 5.1 mix as
an option.  Both mixes are excellent, with numerous directional and ambient
effects.  However, the DTS mix has better bass control and slightly more
definition.  The music, while not as memorable as in the first film, is still
quite good.

BUENA VISTA has gone overboard to make this a “special edition”.
First off, there’s a new “Behind the scenes” featurette. It’s a little
complicated for youngsters to use, but it’s worthwhile, offering an extended
branching of “making-of” segments.  Included within these are interviews with
the various voice talents from the film, and a look at the film’s scoring.
There are also “two” “ENCHANTED ENVIRONMENTS”, offering to minute segments of
animated fireplaces for those wanting the holiday feel, without real burning
cinders in the house.  There are three audio options: 1)music only, 2)effects
only, 3) both combined.
“FORTE’S CHALLENGE” is a game in which the player follows musical notes, and
upon correct completion is awarded with a nice animated celebration.
Additionally, there is also a music video, an option to “sing along with the
movie” lyrics and a “Sneak preview” segment.