Rating: 
Summary: call me biased, but...
Review: I was eight years old when Beauty and the Beast first came out, and I must say, I prefer the old video version to this new DVD. I watched the DVD the other night while I was babysitting. There's a song in it called "Human Again" that wasn't in the first release. I could see why they cut it. Except for the kind of touching little scene with Belle and the Beast reading, that corny song was unnecessary. Also, I dunno if this was due to the TV or not, but the colors seemed too rich, too bright (i tried adjusting the TV, but the colors still didn't look right). I remember the colors being much softer, not so intense. The DVD version of the movie looked too much like a TV cartoon rather than feature film animation. I did like the sound, though. Unless you're a huge fan of the movie and want to see the extras included in the DVD, I suggest searching for the old release of the video (that is in good condition) in a used video store.
Rating: 
Summary: Disney's Finest film!!!!!
Review: This is my favorite Disney film and I'm so pleased to own it on dvd. Made during Disney's "rebirth" in the late 80's and early nineties, this film was released to both critical and popular acclaim. After receiving 6 Oscar nominations and winning for best song, the film continued to be a favorite among many. Last year, Disney re-released the film on IMAX, a visual treat and now they are giving us three editions in this edition! This dvd is filled with lots of goodies, including games, commentaries, videos as well as the special edition shown in IMAX, the original edition and the "work in progress" that was shown at the New York film festival before the premiere of the film. The story of Belle, a young woman who dreams of adventure in her life is beautifully animated and filled with great songs that stay with you long after you've seen the film. All the characters are lots of fun and the film pretty well embodies all you could ask in a film---romance, adventure, musical numbers, and a good villain! This is a guaranteed good time for little ones and those of us adults who love a great animated film. A great gift for a friend, a little one, or yourself! This is a great two dvd set. You'll love it!
Rating:
Summary: WOW!!! Excellent DVD!
Review: I would have to say that the Beauty and the Beast DVD is an awesome and "well-worth-it" buy. I wasn't really expecting much from this DVD. I just thought: "oh what the heck, I'll buy it even though I already have the VHS version". But boy, was in for a great surprise!! I loved the original version that came out in 1991, and I still love it today even though I'm a bit older, but this DVD takes the cake! This DVD is magnificent. You can really tell that Disney spent a lot of time, effort, and $MONEY$ into making this DVD. Don't let the fact that it's a "cartoon" fool you. THis DVD comes jam packed with behind the scene footage, directors comments, games, music videos, etc. I'm telling you, there is SOO much on this DVD!! I'm still discovering new things on it! Some of the great features on this DVD is the afore-mentioned directors comments in the background that you can switch over to, if you want. Also, this DVD movie can be viewed in it's entirety in French! Since I'm trying to work on my french, I found this feature especially wonderful. I don't want to give away any more surprises, but TRUST me, this DVD makes a GREAT gift for the young and the old! I would DEFINITELY buy it or order it if you haven't already.
Rating:
Summary: Beauty And The Beast DVD Review
Review: What can I say about Beauty And The Beast? It's an excellent, well animated, beautiful, great movie. In my opinion, I think it's the best animated film ever made. You can laugh, sing along, and I always cry a little at the end. Beauty and The Beast ain't no kiddie flick, not by far. It's a film that everyone can enjoy, and I feel that it is required viewing for all children. The DVD is nothing less than amazing, with enough extras to keep you busy for days. There's not one, not two, but THREE versions of the film in this DVD set! Movie: The story stars out with an introduction about how the Beast came to be. The viewer is then shifted to an 18th century French village where Belle is tired on "this poor prevential town." When her father is held captive by the beast, she takes his places. Throughout the course of the story, Belle and The Beast start to fall in love with each other. If The Beast can o learn to love another, and also earn their love, he'll become human again. If only Gaston, who wants to marry Belle, weren't always in the way. An excellent movie that everyone will love! Excellent! (5/5) DVD: Picture: Really very good. The new Imax print is used on all three versions of the film. It took some getting used to, but overall, a worthwhile visual experience. (4.5/5) Sound: This disc has really great sound. Surrounds are occassionally put to use with music, and some surround effects. Surround sound is required to get the full picture. Overall, a great sound experience. THX approved. (5/5) Features: There are three versions of the film on disc one. There's the original theatrical version, the special edition, and a work in progress version. On disc 2 there's several making of's, games, music videos, trailers, storyboards, and much much more!! (5/5) Overall: Excellent movie gets an awesome DVD treatment. One of the best DVD's I've ever had the pleasure of viewing. Highly reccommended! (5/5)
Rating:
Summary: Buy this DVD set, you WON¿T regret it!
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: A great film with LOTS of extras!
Review: Once again, Disney has released a classic animated movie on DVD, with a virtual feast of extras. You get THREE versions of the movie, plus a second disk with games, sneak-peaks, lots of behind-the-scenes interviews and production extras, some interesting history of the "Beauty and the Beast" story, etc. Definitely one to add to your holiday shopping list!
Rating:
Summary: Tale as old as time
Review: "Beauty and the Beast" has rarely been retold in a manner that breaks the mold and gives the leads dimension. But Disney's production of the classic fairy tale, one of the last truly great Disney movies, was an outstanding feature that attracted the attention of adults and kids alike. And now the movie has been rereleased with a second DVD and some deleted material that viewers have never seen before. Bookish Belle (Paige O'Hara) is something of an oddity in her village -- viewed as a dreamy weirdo by the villagers, and viewed with possessive intent by the arrogant hunk Gaston (Richard White). Belle is, unsurprisingly, completely uninterested in Gaston -- something that makes him even more determined to marry her. But Belle's life changes when her inventor father Maurice (Rex Everhart) becomes lost in a sinister forest on his way to a fair. He finds shelter in a giant, seemingly abandoned castle -- only to be dragged off to a cell by an enormous, shadowy figure. Belle finds her way to the castle, and locates Maurice. But the enormous, savage Beast that rules the castle will only release Maurice if Belle agrees to stay in the castle -- forever. (We learn at the beginning that a spell of true love will turn the Beast back into a human being -- but the time limit is approaching) Belle agrees, and Maurice is sent back to the village. He frantically tries to gain help from the other villagers, but they laugh and dismiss him as crazy. At the castle, which is populated by intelligent furniture such as lovesick candlelabra Lumiere (Jerry Orbach), teapot Mrs. Potts (Angela Lansbury), and fretful clock Cogsworth (David Ogden Stiers), Belle is growing to love the Beast, and the Beast is becoming more gentle. But Gaston's jealousy and the village's fear threatens Belle and the Beast both... The additions to this DVD make it worth buying even if you already have a copy. A musical sequence never before seen has been picked up from the cutting-room floor and pasted back where it originally was: "Human Again," a charming upbeat song and dance number (if what the animate object characters do can be called "dancing") that will rank up with "Be Our Guest" and "Belle" as a favorite. Moreover, the film has been digitally remastered, giving it a fresh, bright look -- most noticeable during the dance scene. The second DVD contains plenty of good stuff. In the "Mrs. Potts" section there is a personality checker, where viewers can see who they most resemble; also intriguing interviews with several Disney voice-actors, including Celine Dion, James Earl Jones, Paige O'Hara, Angela Lansbury and more. Behind everyone's favorite clock-and-candle duo is a virtual gallery; behind Chip is some behind-the-scenes revelations about how the movie was made and a cute music game. Music videos (Celine Dion-haters better steer clear) and a very difficult "Spell Adventure Game," that may challenge even die-hard fans who thought they could do it all. And for more insights into the movie, there is an "audio commentary" that can be switched on as the film plays. Be sure to check out the extras on the first disc, as the hardest game on the second hinges on information in the first. Qualitywise, the film is outstandingly charming. There's romance, presented in a charmingly realistic manner; humor, ranging from the Beast's new hairstyle ("You look so... so..." "Stupid.") to Cogsworth's hysterical blathering. Character development is at its best here: Belle is a gal with a brain and her own mind, who isn't afraid to dream while keeping her feet on the ground when she needs to. The Beast initially will get no sympathy, but his gradual transformation from a blustering bully to a vulnerable sweetie. Gaston will elicit nothing but scorn; bumbling but good-hearted Maurice will charm viewers. And the "animate objects" are equally entertaining, bickering and conspiring and frantically trying to pair Belle and the Beast so that they can be "Human Again." This "tale as old as time" is perhaps even more entrancing than before, seen at a more-than-full length with plenty of extras. A delightful story and a great movie.
Rating:
Summary: Hours of Enchanted Fun
Review: BEAUTY & THE BEAST is truly a classic film. The story is timeless, yet relevant (recognizing love & inner beauty, and learning to love unconditionally with "no strings attached"). The musical score is superb, and as this special edition DVD describes, it's launched an excellent Broadway musical. The characters are adorable and interesting, and the villains are despicable. When Belle falls in love with the Beast, it's fun to see how they help each other grow -- Belle gains courage as the Beast gains compassion. This platinum edition DVD continues Disney's recent trend of including everything you could ever ask for along with the film, which in this case is truly amazing. There are three versions of the movie included on this 2 disc set; one is the original theatrical release, another is the version which was first shown at the 1991 New York Film Festival (the work-in-progress edition), and the third is the amazing special edition which includes an all-new yet perfectly integrated "Human Again" scene. There are also several games and activities for children on this disc, including a really fun one in which you answer questions and are matched up with which character you are most similar to. I also loved the musical game with Chip, which is good fun even for small children (it just involves matching musical notes). Grown-ups will love the Broadway musical featurette, the video with Celine Dion & Peabo Bryson, and all kinds of great "making of" shorts and documentaries which are simply too numerous to mention here! I was very pleased to see a special section of seven Disney stories which describes the "story behind the story" of things like Cinderella and the Lion King. I really love seeing the historical summary of these ancient tales, which also include a fresh and fun film summary of the story that children enjoy, too! I highly recommend this DVD to any fan of musicals, Disney animation movies, or children at heart. It's truly a tale as old as time, which warms the heart and brightens one's day! -- Cynthia Sue Larson
author of "Karen Kimball & the Dream Weaver's Web"
Rating: 
Summary: Super job
Review: A very well done DVD for a Disney movie that's just not one of my favourites. Much appreciated, though.
Rating:
Summary: One of Disney's best
Review: There are a lot of good things to say about this wonderful movie, but the songs have to be at the top of any list. Almost every song is among Disney's very best. The only exception, "Human Again", is one that was re-inserted for this edition, having been cut for theatrical release -- it's not a bad song; it's just not up to the amazing standard of the others. The arrangements are operatic in their complexity and the lyrics are flawless: by turns witty, moving and engaging. "Be Our Guest" has got to be most dazzling single performance in a Disney picture; the title song won an Oscar; and "Gaston" would have been the best song in almost any other movie. The story is one of the good old fairy tales, going back beyond Perrault to the 16th century and probably before. Belle's father is trapped in an enchanted castle by a monstrous beast, who is really a handsome prince cursed by a good sorceress because of his evil temper. Belle offers herself in her father's place, and you can guess the rest. The story is well-done; the cast is uniformly excellent, though Angela Lansbury stands out with a terrific characterization of Mrs. Potts, the teapot. The reproduction is beautiful. There is also a set of extra features on the second DVD. My seven-year-old daughter went through the "Mrs. Potts' Personality Test" in a few minutes and was delighted to discover she resembles Belle more than she does Mrs. Potts or the maid. She also enjoyed a musical memory game with Chip, the teacup. There's another game, though, which was a bit of a failure -- "Maurice's Invention Workshop Game". You have to get a code from a game on disk 1, which isn't that hard to do, though it took a bit of fiddling around. Then we got into the game and got up to a point where we had to dodge candlesticks, and found that no matter what we did, we bumped into a candlestick and lost. Oh, well. But the movie was so good we hardly cared. Highly recommended.
|
