The Film
Most hard-core animation fans probably remember the release of Beauty And The Beast. After all, it was just a mere 25 years ago. It was also the first animated film to get a Best Picture nomination, as well as the first animated Disney film to be adapted into a Broadway musical.
That's probably because the tale is a timeless classic. It features the brave Belle (voiced by Paige O'Hara), who swaps spots with her father to become imprisoned by "the Beast" (Robby Benson). Well, it's got to be better than marrying the vain, pushy Gaston (Richard White). However, after spending time with the mysterious creature, as well as his talking clock (David Ogden Stiers), candlestick (Jerry Orbach), teapot (Angela Lansbury), and tiny teacup (Bradley Michael Pierce), she finds herself enchanted. You will too.
Want to know more about this movie? Be our guest -- and read my Beauty and the Beast: Diamond Edition Blu-ray Review or Chris Chiarella's Beauty and the Beast Blu-ray 3D Review.
The Picture
There are three versions of Beauty And The Beast on this one Blu-ray. Really, you can't go wrong with any of them. Disney has dropped the 3D version for this set, but the previously released Theatrical and Special Extended editions are here, as well as a brand-new Sing-Along Edition. All three are stellar, demo-quality versions of the film, with detailed imagery and gorgeous colors popping throughout the 1.78:1 transfer.
The Sound
Disney has picked up the previously released DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track for all three versions of the film. Why not? It doesn't have one flaw. The dialogue is crystal-clear, atmospheric effects swirl throughout the surrounds, and the music fills the room with the type of magic you can only get from Disney. It should be noted, however, that the new Sing-Along Edition is only available in English.
The Extras
Disney included three versions of the film on one disc, but it should be noted that only the Theatrical and Special Extended versions allow you to access the Bonus Features and audio settings during the film. If you want to tap into any of those things during the Sing-Along Edition, you have to go back to the main menu. It's sort of strange too, since the Bonus Features menu does have a Song Selection option, a Sing-Along exclusive that offers instant access to each individual song in the film.
Otherwise, fans will be happy to know that besides the commentary track (an exclusive on the Extended version), all of the extras included are brand new. There's a snippet about the actual recording of the film, a burst of "25 Fun Facts," and over 11 minutes on Paige O'Hara, who voices Belle. "Menken & Friends: 25 Years of Musical Inspiration" talks to past and future Disney composers, including Alan Menken, Stephen Schwartz, Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. There's also 11 minutes about how Disney tried to get the movie made (more than once), with clips of Walt himself. And finally, fans will want to check out the peek at the upcoming live-action version of Beauty And The Beast. At 84 seconds, it's literally just a peek of Emma Watson and Dan Stevens at a table read and director Bill Condon talking up the film, mixed in with a few behind-the-scenes shots.
Wondering where all of the extras are? They went digital! Disney is making all of the classic bonus features available through Disney Movies Anywhere, so don't lose that Digital Copy code! This includes tons of behind the scenes goodies, deleted scenes, music videos, and even an "original work-in-progress" version of the film. It's basically everything from the Diamond and Platinum Editions, so you won't be grumbling about what's missing here.
Final Thoughts
Need another copy of Beauty And The Beast? Be our guest! Of course, if you already have the 2010 Diamond Edition, it's probably not necessary to upgrade. That said, unless you want a 3D version of the movie, this 25th anniversary edition has everything a fan could possibly want.
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