Beauty and the Beast [25th Anniversary Edition] [Includes Digital Copy] [Blu-ray/DVD] [1991]

It’s been 25 years since this wonderful Disney Animated film found its way to viewers and forever captured their hearts. Since then, there have been dozens of other animated classics, but none leave the impression that Beauty and the Beast does. With its humor, spectacular animation, character design, story and adventures, this story is truly one of, if not, the best that Disney Studios’ has ever made. Beauty and the Beast has many different genres, the main one being romance. Along with that is a sense of adventure and excitement. The film also has its share of exciting scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat almost the entire time, even if you saw it many times before. It begins when Belle (Paige O’Hara), a young girl in a village, has to rescue her father from a big and scary Beast living in a dark castle. Belle then has to stay in the castle for the rest of her life to free her father. It turns out that the Beast is, in fact a prince, under a dark and magical curse. This curse makes him a horrible Beast and the only way to break it is to find a girl that will fall in love with him. The Beast and Belle start bonding and falling in love. Beauty and the Beast is an extraordinary masterpiece for many of the reasons I mentioned, but what impresses me the most is the animation. Despite its now 25 years old and way before the first computer animation, there are scenes in the film where it incorporates 3D like effects and looks almost exactly like today’s computer animation. To think that it was actually drawn by hand is spectacular and astonishing. On top of that, the voice over work is simply phenomenal, from singing to talking, each emotion and role is played ideally. Speaking of music, the songs in this animated classic are fantastically done from the beat to the lyrics, to the actual voiceover artists singing the songs, to very well-orchestrated scenes. The DVD also comes with several very cool bonus features. The most exciting to me is the sneak peak of the 2017 live action version of Beauty and the Beast with Emma Watson and Dan Stevens. It shows the cast reading lines, some special effects and even several sets. If that is not enough to spark viewers’ curiosity, there are also many facts about Beauty and the Beast as well as some footage of the actual recording booths where the original cast recorded their lines. I also enjoyed the part when it talks about how Walt Disney never really got to do this story, even though he wanted to, and thus in 1991, his creative team did it to honor his wishes. My favorite scene is when Belle goes down to eat dinner in the castle for the first time. In this castle, all the servants are magically turned into utilities. Just to name a few, there are talking clocks, teapots, knives, a stove, wardrobes, candles and more. They all do a big musical number with the classic song, “Be my Guest”, which sounds spectacular and the animated musical number has many parts that are just hysterical. Despite some violent scenes, it is still perfect for kids. I recommend it for ages 5 to 18. Younger kids may find the Beast scary or may not enjoy the more intense scenes. I give Beauty and the Beast 5 out of 5 stars for absolutely phenomenal animation, an exciting and detailed story, beautiful songs and emotional voiceover work. Here’s to another 25 years with a new generation! Reviewed by Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic. For more reviews by youth, visit kidsfirst dot org

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 first annimated film 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.

Another of my favorite films. I watched this one dozens of times on VHS and instantly fell in love with the warm colors and smooth visual/scene changes, but the loud audio sections were always a bit feedback-y and hard to listen to--especially the last climactic chorus at the end just before the credits. I then got the DVD and was disappointed, because the visual was too crisp and lost the VHS color warmth and smoothness. Now I got the Bluray, and I am nearly stunned by the positives: In almost all cases, the visual elements have both the sharpness and color clarity of digital while keeping the VHS color warmth and smoothness I grew to love, and the audio has zero feedback--even that climactic chorus at the end just before the credits. The only thing that I could detect that still isn't as good as VHS is one of my very favorite scenes, where Belle walks out of the town (at the beginning) and sings "I want much more than this provincial life," and the camera does a 360 around her while she does her own 360 in the opposite direction; this scene has always been my benchmark in comparing VHS vs digital, because VHS does it so smoothly, while even this Bluray gets close but still doesn't quite hit the mark because its super-clarity just barely makes that scene not as smooth as VHS, and that lack of smoothness is just noticeable enough to be annoying. Perhaps 4k would fix it? In any case, since VHS has gone the way of the dodo and we all have to live with digital, I strongly recommend at least the Bluray version of this film (i.e., not DVD).

Beauty and the Beast is, simply put, one of the finest animated feautres ever to come out of Disney or any other studio! Beauty and the Beast was the first animated feature to recieve an academy Award nomination for 'Best Picture' and, in my opinion, it should have won! Beauty and the Beast concerns a Prince curssed with a monsterous appearance (the Beast) and Belle (the Beauty, also one of my favorite Disney Princesses) who becomes his prisoner. What follows is a magnificently executed and emotionally powerful tale of love and redemption. Beauty and the Beast also introduces us to Lumirere and Cogsworth and other great characters. The quality of animation is astounding and still holds up today. Very fluid and natural looking, and the HD transfer makes it look even better. The music, both the score and the songs, are top notch. The score could be played in some of the world's best symphony halls and the songs are all Broadway worthy. There's not a single note or lyric that is not outstanding anywhere. The extras detail the making of the movie and the history of Disney animation. Interesting and informative. The Blu-Ray transfer is astounding. Everything is in clear focus and sharply defined. This is yet another in a long line of flawless HD trnasfers from Disney. If anyone from Disney Home Entertainment is reading this, I just have to say keep up the good work! If you are a Disney fan, this Blu-Ray is a must have! Beauty and the Beast is another timeless classic from Disney and is one of the most moving films ever made. Adults can enjoy as well as children, making this perfect family entertainment.

I am a DVD person Have been for 10 years now My review below from the 2002 DVD Platinum Edition Disney should be ashamed of themselves that they think everyone is going Blu Ray Machines & discs WAY MORE EXPENSIVE. In 2010 Disney did the same thing they did in 2009 with the Diamond edition of Snow White Blu ray pack in October & WE DO NOT CARE ABOUT OUR CUSTOMERS regular DVD package Tuesday before Thanksgiving. I hope that Disney LOST A LOT OF SALES BECAUSE OF THIS. I KNOW I AM NOT HAPPY 2 days to go out & buy it before the sale is over for release. Since I am a DVD NOT blu/ray person this version is MUCH BETTER than the blu/ray combo pack/Diamond Edition released October 2010. As with the 2002 DVD package there are 3 version of the films, disc 1 and has commentary. Disc 2 the extras. MUCH BETTER THAN BLU/RAY WHERE YOU COULD NOT WATCH EXTRAS WITHOUT THE BLU/RAY PLAYER. You can see I am venting about Disney releasing this title on 2 different days. MAKES NO SENSE & AS STATED ABOVE I HOPE DISNEY LOST SALES DUE TO THIS 2 DIFFERENT DAYS OF RELEASE. ON THE FILM A true classic & beloved film!! Excellent story, characters & music. The first animated film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. Like many other Disney films, it was such a shame the category of Best Animated Film was not done for this year. Never get tired of watching the film. I do enjoy the DVD version of the film. I always enjoy making of & behind the scenes segments.

The Blu-ray edition of this timeless classic was worth the wait. The digital restoration is simply amazing. It looks as if motion enhancing was incorporated into the film especially during the musicals. There are three versions of the film on the first Blu-ray disc and also on the DVD (included as the third disc): a special extended edition, an original theatrical release, and an original theatrical release with story reel picture-in-picture. There are plenty of special features including a music video by Jordin Sparks, a sing-along mode, alternate-opening and deleted scenes, extra audio commentaries, etc.; and on the second Blu-ray disc, there are games, features from the classic DVD version, etc. There's only one flaw with the motion enhancing. Because the lines are so thinly drawn for this film, and because Blu-ray allows for the viewing of such higher detail, the lines surrounding the characters seem to be playing "catch up" with their movements. Some textures may also look a bit grainier than others (e.g. the textures that are not moving). These don't ruin movie, but they are noticeable. However, I can't give this product less than five stars, not only because I can't give it 4.5 stars..., but because the colors in the film are very crisp, the sound is outstanding, and there are plenty of special features available.

5 rating for the FILM ONLY NOT THE PACKAGE I am a DVD person Have been for 10 years now My review below from the 2002 DVD Platinum Edition IF YOU ARE A DVD PERSON LIKE ME GET THIS VERSION IF YOU CAN FIND IT. Disney should be ashamed of themselves that they think everyone is going Blu Ray Machines & discs WAY MORE EXPENSIVE. Here the regular DVD has the 3 versions of the film (like the 2002 DVD did) & NO EXTRAS. All the extras I want to see are on the blu ray In 2010 Disney did the same thing they did in 2009 with the Diamond edition of Snow White Blu ray pack in October & WE DO NOT CARE ABOUT OUR CUSTOMERS regular DVD package Tuesday before Thanksgiving. I hope that Disney LOST A LOT OF SALES BECAUSE OF THIS. I KNOW I AM NOT HAPPY ON THE FILM A true classic & beloved film!! Excellent story, characters &music. The first animated film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. Like many other Disney films, it was such a shame the category of Best Animated Film was not done for this year. Never get tired of watching the film. I do enjoy the DVD version of the film. I always enjoy making of &behind the scenes segments.

I watched this when I was a child thousands of times. Beauty and the Beast is my childhood! It was my favorite Disney film and nothing matched its greatness until Disney started releasing their newer films like Moana and Zootopia. Beauty and the Beast is still my favorite classic though. The animation in this film is breathtaking, just gorgeous. I wish Disney would go back to 2D. You start to miss the old signature animation style when you watch a masterpiece such as this one. All of the music is memorable, every single song threatens to get stuck in your head for days. The lesson I took from this film when I was a kid was that no matter what you look like on the outside, it's what's on the inside that counts and that love can change how you view the world as well as those around you. I'm glad they released this on Blu-ray because I only ever had it on VHS. If I may add, the slipcover is beautiful as well and I'm a fan of the new cover. Get this fantastic film before it goes back into the vault!