Proof That Disney CAN Make A Masterpiece Without Walt

This is, to me, the Best Disney movie ever made, and the weird thing is it isn't even one of those classics that Walt Disney made before his death back in the 60's. There's great voice-over work all around, great memorable characters and a nice adaptation of the classic tale.

Despite the fact that it is animation, this film isn't afraid to be dark too, especially in the beginning with the introduction of the Beast.

This 2 Disc set is actually a good DVD set too with some nice extras for adults and kids, including 3 Different versions of the movie and a nice audio commentary. I would rank this film right up there with the all-time Disney Classics like Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Fantasia, The Lion King, and Bambi.

So if you're in the mood to watch a great piece of animation with a moving love story with shades of tragedy and comedy all rolled up into one, check this one out. Watch it by yourself or with the whole family. This one is a modern classic.

DVD Features:
Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 5.1), French (Unknown Format)
Disney plans to discontinue this title on January 31, 2003. However, you may still place orders until inventory runs out
Disc 1:
High-Definition Transfer Using Digital Technology
3 Versions Of The Film
-Special Edition
-Original Theatrical Edition
-Work In Progress Edition
Audio Commentary
Sing-Along Track
Maurice's Invention Workshop Game
Disc 2:
The Story Behind The Story
Character Profile Game
Disney's Enchanted Environments
The Broadway Musical
Disney's Animation Magic
Chip's Musical Challenge Game
"Beauty And The Beast" Music Video By Jump 5
"Break The Spell" Adventure Game
The Story--Bringing The Story To The Screen, Early Presentation Reel
The Music--Alternate Score: The Transformation, Alternate Version: "Be Our Guest," Deleted Song: "Human Again," Beauty And The Beast Music Video, Original Demo Recordings With Introduction By Alan Menken
The Art--Designing Beauty And The Beast, Art & Design Gallery
The Characters--Character Galleries, Animating Beauty And The Beast
Pencil Version: The Transformation
Animation Tests
Setting The Stage
Layouts & Background Gallery
Tricks Of The Trade
Camera Move Test
Release & Reaction, Poster & Ad Design, Trailers & TV Spots, Large Format Trailer

Walt Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Special Edition DVD

An enduring classic living on in this Platinum Edition Disney DVD. This beloved movie is the winner of Golden Globe's Best Picture (Best Comedy or Musical) in 1991 and was the first animated feature to be nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award. The DVD is packed full of extras. The movie itself can be viewed in 3 different versions. Start with the Original Theatrical Release. The second version is the Special Edition which includes a new Musical Sequence called "Human Again." The neatest version is the Work-In-Progress edition. This is the version of the film as it was shown at the 1991 New York Film Festival. This version exposes the actual animation.

BONUS FEATURES INCLUDE:
~Behind-The-Scenes Footage
~DVD Games
~Story Behind the Story - Celebrities guide you through a glimps at the magic behind this film and other Disney Classics.
~Personality Profile - Find out which character you are most like.
~Music Video performed my Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson
~Original Art, Music Documentary, Voice Cast Featurette
... And so much more!

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
High-Definition Digital Presentation
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Original Theatrical Aspect Ratio of 1.85:1
Rated G for all audiences
Running Time approximately 90 minutes.

One Of The Best Disney Classics Just Got Better!

Belle is bored with life in her village. Her only escape is her books, and she longs to have an adventure of her own. When her father heads out to a fair, he gets lots, and Belle finds him in an enchanted castle. The objects are thrilled, because if she and their master, the Beast, fall in love, they will all be freed from the enchantment. But will Belle be able to see past the outward appearance? And what about the handsome bore back home who wants to marry Belle?
I feel in love with this movie the first time I saw it, and that love has only grown over the years. The story is the right mix of fun and uncertainty. Gaston was a wonderful addition to the mix because his story was the part I was most uncertain about the first time around. The artwork on the film catches your eye from the first shot of the castle, and doesn't let go. Beside the incredible background shots are wonderful drawings of the characters. I especially love the boyish excitement they manage to give the Beast in several scenes. Finally, there's the music. Every song adds to the story and is memorable in its own right.

This DVD is perfect for any fan of this movie. Disc 1 includes three versions of the film. The first is the "in progress" version shown to the New York film festival 6 weeks before the premier of the movie in 1991. While it's fun to have, I won't be watching it regularly. The second version is the original release. And finally comes the special edition, with the added scene and "Human Again." Ironically, this is probably my least favorite of the songs added to the Broadway version, but it does advance the story. And, there's always the option of watching the original version. Obviously, the version that you are supposed to watch is the special edition, as the audio commentary and sing along bonus features only work with this option. All three come in Dolby 5.1 sound, which sounds great.

The second disc features hours of bonus material. Most of it focuses on the making of this movie. Everything is covered, from original idea through characters and the Broadway version and special edition. Galleries show character designs over the course of the project. Also featured is the original treatments for "Human Again" and "Be Our Guest." Celebrity voices give background on the original story and Disney versions of classic tales. And there's a fun documentary as the stars of "Even Stevens" take a backstage look at all the work that goes into making a feature animated film.

This is the only film so far to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture. Watching the film, the reason is clear. This is something the entire family can enjoy. Don't miss your opportunity to catch this classic film.

beauty

Disney never ceases to amaze me with their eye-popping picturesque scenes, time defying graphics, and their beautiful musical scores. BEAUTY and the BEAST, is every bit as captivating as the original tale as old as time itself. Disney has established itself in the animated world to the point, this Disney beauty was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.

The luxurious film leaves their fan stunned with the vivid colors and surrealistically comes to life when the characters take on their 3-dimensional persona. We all know the fairytale: Once upon a time there was a dashingly handsome prince that had become more beastly, reclusive, and seethed with anger like a raging beast. When a hideously old woman came to him, he was repulsed by her ugliness and turned her away. The enchantress then used a charmed rose to cast a spell upon him. He was told he’d need to learn how to love another and be loved in return or he’d remain a beast forever. Now given this hairy situation, this might present a little bit of a problem for this prince. All his servants were turned into household items (teapots, teacups, candlesticks and clocks and the like) so they are ever hopeful he would learn to open his heart to love.

The beauty, Belle, this Disney bombshell puts Tinker Belle to shame. Her father has turned up missing and she ends up at the ransacked castle. She is an innocent, timid beauty that was able to see beyond the beastly appearance of the prince. She found his love for finer beauty, his passion for great music and first-rate literature. Slowly, she melted the black cold heart of the prince to the delight of his servants.

While they’re tumultuous relationship was developing, of course, there would have to be the troublemaker that is always trying to bust up a relationship. The town stud of a brute, Gaston wants Belle for his own. His own intention toward the beauty causes some sinister occurrences to take place.

This Disney classic has been deemed the best of all Disney films, and that is not an inappropriate statement. Beauty and the Beast is a Disney success in cinematic achievements: the entire film from the computer generated perfection, picturesque scenes, dynamic musical scores, and the enchanting tale itself, told in a whimsical voice. I am a huge fan of Disney’s out of this world, state of the art capabilities of animation. The character personalities and the atrociousness of the Beast are absolutely believable and nothing short of life-like. The high-arched windows, dazzling chandelier, and the splendid ballroom dances with special affects done with spanning the room in sweeping and swooping camera angles.

There is one critical point I have with the story of “Beauty and the Beast”, and that is: if the story was to show ‘beauty’ is only skin deep and one must find the good on the inside only. Belle fell in love with the “real” person inside the beast, therefore, why was it he’d need to transform back into a handsome prince in the end? Although, I’d hate to see their brood if he hadn’t. *Giggles* but, wasn’t that saying: beauty really is most important?

Beauty and the Beast offers scads of extras, which include THREE - yep, you heard me, THREE different versions of the movie itself. The 2002 “Special Edition”, “Human Again”, also the “Work In Progress” version which is a sensation of animation! Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson Music Video, Personally, I could listen to Celine’s melodious voice indefinitely. Never Be

In a far away land.......

Belle (voice by Paige O'Hara) is a strong willed girl, who just can't settle into the simple life of farming and childrearing, so beloved by those around her, particularly the handsome but arrogant Gaston (Richard White), who wants Belle to be his subjected and submissive wife. But when Belle falls into the hands of a Beast that lives in an enchanted castle (Robby Benson), she finds more adventure than she could have imagined. The Beast is gruff and short-tempered, and yet, there is something more...
I was lucky enough to get my hands on the Beauty and the Beast Platinum Edition, and boy am I happy! This DVD set contains no less than three version of the movie: the original theatrical release edition; the Work-In-Progress edition (shown at the 1991 New York Film Festival); and (my favorite) the Special Edition, which includes an all-new musical sequence called "Human Again." They worked this last piece in so well that when watching it I almost believed that it was part of the original movie! The movie itself is very well done, with an exciting story, wonderful music, and great animation. This is one of Disney's greatest movies!

And, that's not all of the extras! This DVD set has a Making Of (hosted by Celine Dion!), two music videos, two (!) games, various behind-the-scenes extras, and so much more! This is a great DVD set!

OK, this review has a lot of exclamation marks, but that is because I am so excited about this DVD set. This is a magnificent movie, turned into an outstanding DVD. I cannot recommend this item enough. BUY IT!