Search - Beauty and the Beast [Special Edition] on DVD

MPAA Rating: G Content Advisory: Child Classic Movie Release: 1991 DVD Release: 10/08/2002 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: English, French SwapaDVD Credits: 2 Number of Discs: 2 Run Time: 1 hrs 30 mins Studio: Walt Disney Video Members Wishing: 600 Genres: Fantasy, Children's/Family, Children's Fantasy, Musical Fantasy, Animated Musical, Fairy Tales & Legends See Also: La Bella Y La Bestia (Beauty and The Beast) [Special Collection]

Beauty and the Beast is widely considered the best animated Disney feature of the studio's 1980s/1990s renewal of the form. Based on the classic French fairy tale, it tells the story of Belle (voiced by Paige O'Hara), an intelligent young woman scorned by her townspeople for being a bookworm, weary of fighting off the advances of the arrogant Gaston (Richard White), and dreaming of escape. When her father gets lost in the woods and captured by the forbidding Beast (Robby Benson), a once-handsome prince turned into a monster by a witch, Belle goes off to rescue him. Taken with her, the Beast agrees to release Belle's father if she agrees to stay with him forever. Initially repulsed, Belle soon finds much to appreciate in the Beast's hidden, tender nature. The Beast's servants -- a clock (David Ogden Stiers), a teapot (Angela Lansbury), and a candlestick (Jerry Orbach) -- see Belle as their salvation: if the Beast and a woman fall in love before his 21st birthday, he will be free from the curse. The songs are first-class, the tale is told with sincerity but not sentimentality, and the characters of Belle and the Beast, complex individuals who defy stereotyping and change over the course of the story, are more three-dimensional than in most live-action movies. The eye-popping animation is beautifully rendered, and Beauty and the Beast certainly deserves its place amongst Disney's animated classics. In 2002, a special 89-minute edition of the film was released in IMAX theaters with the addition of a newly animated song, ""Human Again."" ~ Don Kaye, All Movie Guide

Paige O'Hara - Belle
Robby Benson - Beast
Jerry Orbach - Lumiere
Angela Lansbury - Mrs. Potts
Richard White - Gaston
David Ogden Stiers - Cogsworth/Narrator

The debate may go on forever as to which is the best Disney film, but there is little question that Beauty and the Beast would go right to the top of the list. After the outstanding DVD of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs comes this two-disc set, and for the most part it is an amazing accomplishment. The first disc contains three versions of the film, the theatrical edition, the special edition shown on large-screen theaters, and the work-print, shown at the 1991 New York Film Festival. Each is in 1.85:1 anamorphic video, and they have never looked so good. Colors are vivid in all respects, and motion never shows any breakdown. It really is amazing with so much on the first disc, that it can look as good as it does. Animation has never looked better. The new 5.1 English Dolby Digital track is primarily centered up front with next to no surrounds, which is a shame. A wider expanse of the auditory elements would have taken this film to a new level. Still, it's a small complaint as the track is easy on the ears in all respects.

Along with the movie, this disc contains a commentary track from producer Don Hahn, directors Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale, and composer Alan Menken. This is a wonderful track with a wry sense of humor, interesting tidbits on the productions, and a great overall feeling of accomplishment. Finally there is a game that starts on this disc, but continues on the second disc. And that is where the rest of the supplements can be found. The highlight would have to be a 50-minute documentary on all aspects of the production, including story development, production design, the release and awards, the Broadway musical, and much more. Strangely enough , this documentary is repeated again in a different section. This disc includes plenty, with a section called "The Story Behind the Story," in which hosts tell about other Disney films, a "Mrs. Potts Personality Profile Game," music videos for the song "Beauty and the Beast" performed by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson and a pop version by pop singers Jump5, and much more. While in some ways these extras may not be up to par with some of the best special editions, no doubt there will be little complaint about what has been offered. Disney has done it again, and leaves one anticipating the next in their Platinum Edition series. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide