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Rating:  -
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.
Rating: -
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.
Rating: -
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!
Rating: -
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!!!!!
Rating:  -
Please be warned that if you have little ones, they may be really, really frightened by the character Forté, the pipe organ. In fact, I was rather shocked that Disney made his character as sinister as they did. Yes, there is always a "villain" in their movies, but in this case, I think it was overdone -- he was just too scary. It is supposed to be a Christmas movie, after all, which in my mind means light, fluffy and fun :)
On the positive side, the storyline is quite nice and production quality is outstanding (surprising for a part 2-type movie -- ie. The Return of Jafar was crappy compared to Aladdin), but I personally won't be playing it again for my kids for a few years, it's simply not appropriate.
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