Beauty and the Beast - The Enchanted Christmas (Special Edition)

Starring:Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers, Bernadette Peters, Tim Curry, Haley Joel Osment, Frank Welker, Jeff Bennett, Jim Cummings, Kath Soucie, Paul Reubens, Angela Lansbury, Lauren Mitchell, Sharon Scruggs, Kevin Dorsey, Rebecca Luker, Judith Blazer, Wilbur Pauley, Bill Cantos
Director: Andy Knight
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Obviously the Disney suits gave more than two figs about the legacy from the first Beast film, as they reassembled the former cast and spent some cash on production and tune-smithing for this straight-to-video effort. The events unfold between the time in the first film where Belle bartered herself to the Beast and her later return to the village to save her father. So the Beast's heart still hasn't been melted yet, and he's susceptible to the inky persuasions of Forte (Tim Curry), a malevolent pipe organ (and former music teacher to the prince). Belle is still trying to win over the Beast and decides that bringing Christmas to the castle will be the way to do it. Please control that gag reflex for this does work remarkably well, and though entirely unnecessary and certainly not a complement to the original, it doesn't tarnish its good name. --Keith Simanton

Customer Reviews:

Not-so-Enchanted.......2007-01-29

Doing a "prequel" to the Disney classic was a hard act to follow, and it shows. The animation here is competent but fails to dazzle like the original, the villain is too droll, and there are no memorable songs. Since computer-animated fare have taken over the theatre staples, Disney has turned toward the direct-to-video market, and unfortunately, knocked off some rather lame sequels to their classic animated films.
If you want a great film, then stick to the original "Beauty and the Beast". Better luck next time, guys!

Christmas Treat for Beauty and the Beast Fans - I Truly Believe.......2005-12-25

Those who watched Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" knew they were watching something special. The first Disney film ever to released on Platinum Edition DVD, that movie had a powerful and compelling story with a cast and musical numbers to match.

Set in the Beast's castle, back before the spell was broken, comes "Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas." Mrs. Potts takes readers back to this tale which begins on Christmas Eve. Christmas is coming and Belle couldn't be more excited. Little Chip is excited to hear the news of Christmas too, but when Belle starts planning a celebration, she's stopped in her tracks. It seems "the Master," Beast, has forbidden Christmas and the servants don't want to go along with her plan. Belle convinces them otherwise and even when the Beast rebels, she still goes ahead.

"Beauty and the Beast" is hard act to live up to and while this film isn't quite up to the same standard, it is still another great story and one I enjoyed watching. The original "Beauty and the Beast" featured a terrible villain, Gaston, and this film has one to match --- one that is perhaps even more terrifying. Forte was the musician in the castle and when the spell was placed on the castle, he was turned into a pipe organ. He now feels useful because his gloomy music seems to be the only thing that makes the Beast forget his hardships. So when he notices what's happening with Belle, he wants to put a stop to it and uses a little flute named Fife as his lackey. At first, Forte is a bit of a sympathetic character, for it's not hard not to sympathize with his worries of loneliness should the spell be broken. But when it seems like things are not going his way, Forte becomes truly horrifying.

As with "Beauty and the Beast," whose most memorable song matched its title, this film also has one song that stands out in particular --- "As Long As There's Christmas."

As long as there's Christmas, I truly believe / That hope is the greatest / Of the gifts we'll receive.

By the time you get done watching this video, you will have heard it four times --- twice sung by characters during the film and once during the closing credits, performed by Peabo Bryson ("Aladdin") and Roberta Flack. There is one final performance --- see below.

This special edition video release is close-captioned, recorded in SP mode and Hi-Fi stereo. Before the film starts, there are previews for other film, video and DVD releases, including Miramax's "Pinocchio" and Disney's "Lilo and Stitch" (which has been out for sometime now.) After the film, stay tuned for one more rendition of "As Long As There's Christmas," a pop version performed by PLAY.

This is a film worth adding to lineup of holiday specials. It really does capture the Christmas spirit and is essential viewing for "Beauty and the Beast" fans.

Way Above Average Sequel! Cool DVD........2005-10-12

This is a well above average sequel from the "Mouse house". The animation, while not quite up to the pedigree of the classic original, is pleasant enough to make for an enjoyable watch. The songs are also quite good. "As Long As There's Christmas" is without a doubt the best of them. "Don't Fall In Love" is not so good. Then again, considering it's sung by the villain of the piece, it's not supposed to sound good is it? The voice acting is excellent. That Disney was able to get all of the original voice talent back sets the sequel above average anyway. However, Paige, Robby, Angela, Jerry, and David are able to slip effortlessly back into their roles. The Special Edition DVD that I paid $30 for at B&N after placing it on a special order is a neat little package. Call me sappy, but I happen to like the poppy version of "As Long As There's Christmas" by Play. The "making of" featurette is cool, but not really what I would call in depth. The "Enchanted Environment" is a waste of disc space if you ask me. The video quality is awesome (1:33.1) full frame. I don't mind that though, because the movie was made that way. All in all, Beauty And The Beast: The Enchanted Christmas is a pleasant holiday movie that the whole family can enjoy. If you can find this DVD for a better price than I did I would say pick it up.

Good story and good songs!.......2005-08-06

One of my favourite Disney Movie! It's as good as the original one! I love the songs in this movie, they are so touching! When I'm watching the movie and listening the songs in it, I can hardly stop my tears!

The pipe organ RULES!!!!!.......2005-07-13

I have just read some of the reviews on this film and i cant believe all the pissin and moanin goin on fron some of you crybabies out there THIS MOVIE ROCKS!!!! and when you listen to it through a sorround sound system the bass will shatter windows!!! but i guess that would really scare the kiddies, anyway if your kids get scared like some of the lilly-livered parents than dont buy this film otherwise,buy it and CRANK IT UP!!!!!

Beauty and the Beast - The Enchanted Christmas

Average customer rating:

Not-so-Enchanted
Christmas Treat for Beauty and the Beast Fans - I Truly Believe
Way Above Average Sequel! Cool DVD.
Good story and good songs!
The pipe organ RULES!!!!!

Beauty and the Beast - The Enchanted Christmas
Starring: Paige O'Hara , Robby Benson , Jerry Orbach , David Ogden Stiers , and Bernadette Peters
Director: Andy Knight
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

3-6 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

7-9 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Fantasy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

All Disney Titles | Disney Home Entertainment | Stores | DVD | Video

Animated Movies | Disney Home Entertainment | Stores | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Beauty And The Beast - Belle's Magical World (Special Edition)
Beauty and the Beast (Disney Special Platinum Edition)
Cinderella II - Dreams Come True
The Little Mermaid II - Return to the Sea
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Disney Special Platinum Edition)

ASIN: 6305090602
Release Date: 1998-10-14