Wezzo's DVD Reviews > Beauty and the Beast: SE
Wezzo's DVD Reviews > Movies > Beauty and the Beast: Special Edition
Beauty and the Beast: Special Edition
Main Feature:
I'm sure for most of you reading this, there's no need for a detailed explanation. The tale is one that every child and adult knows - well, probably - and the Disney animated version is loved by many a person.
Just in case you're not an adult or child (or teenager, whatever), here's a short description, stolen from the back of the DVD case due to laziness:
"If he could learn to love another, then the spell would be broken...
A tale as old as time, true as it can be. Barely even friends, then somebody bends, unexpxectedly. Just a little change, to say the least. Neither one prepared, both a little scared. Beauty and the Beast."
"..this unforgettable tale of book-loving Belle and the Beast she teaches to love."
That should be enough explanation on my part.
Anyhoo, the film is simply wonderful; one of the best Disney films ever. The songs are excellent and catchy, the characters are loveable and stunningly animated, and the tale is simply timeless and is made perfect through Walt's magic. One of the best animated films of all-time. 10/10
Packaging:
The two-disc set is in a lovely shiny slipcase, and is in a concertina design once pulled out. open the flaps once and you will find two leaflets atop a beautifully designed cover, mostly scarlet red, with some text and screenshots. Open both of the flaps again, and the discs are presented either side of a stunning center picture of Beauty and the Beast. One leaflet is ,erely promotional junk, but the other is a chapter index and menu and extra/bonus material guide, with an introduction by Dan Hahn the producer, and some behind the scenes information. Some brilliant packaging by Disney. 9/10
Audio:
DD 5.1 English or Spanish on the film (Disc 1) - beautiful, makes the music sound brilliant. The extras (Disc 2) are merely DD2.0, but it still sounds great. 8/10
Video:
1.85:1 Widescreen.. lovely. The animation is crystal clear, stunning considering the film is over ten years old. No grain or edge enhancement is noticeable either - and no compression issues. How the film should look. 9/10
Price:
Around £20 for two discs? Not too shabby. Maybe even £15 if you look around... 9/10
Extras:
Wow, what an extras-packed set! Each extra has a mark out of 10 by its side:
Disc One:
Three Versions Of The Film - 10/10 obviously
Audio Commentary - 10/10, very entertaining
Maurice's Invention Workshop Game - 5/10, meh
Sing Along Track - 7/10, neat idea
Disc Two:
Break The Spell Game - 5/10, a fair game
Origins of Beauty and the Beast - Brilliant documentary, 10/10
Bringing The Story To The Screen - 10/10
Early Presentation Reel and Introduction - 9/10
Finding The Story - 10/10
Alternate Version - 10/10
Deleted Song - 10/10
Musical Magic - 10/10
Introduction To "Human Again" - 7/10
Alternate Score - 8/10
The Stage Is Set - 10/10
Concept Art and Design Gallery - 8/10
Layouts and Backgrounds Gallery - 8/10
Strength of Character - 8/10
Vocal Heroes: The Voice Cast - 10/10, excellent
Character Galleries - 9/10
Animation - 10/10
A Transformation - 10/10
Pencil Version: The Transformation and Introduction - 8/10
Animation Tests - 10/10
Animating Computers - 10/10
Camera Move Test and Intro - 10/10
A High Profile Preview - 9/10
Release and Reaction - 10/10
Awards - 8/10
Howard Ashman - 9/10
Trailers and TV Spots - 10/10
Original Release and Large Format Release Public Galleries - 8/10
Beauty and the Beast Music Video and Introduction - 7/10
Broadway Bound - 10/10
Broadway Musical Publicity - 10/10
Broadway Costume Design Gallery - 9/10
The Making Of Beauty and the Beast - 10/10, excellent
The Story Behind The Story - 10/10, outstanding
Mrs. Potts' Personality Profile Game - 4/10
Chip's Musical Challenge - 4/10
Disney's Animation Magic - 10/10, great featurette
10/10
Overall:
One of the greatest movies of all time on one of the greatest discs of all-time. 10/10
Family-Friendly Rating:
All, no objectionable content at all.
~Wesley Mead, aka Wezzo
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