Watch Kids' Reviews of
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: 25TH ANNIVERSARY

It's been 25 years since this wonderful Disney Animated film found its way to viewers and forever captured their hearts. Since then, there have been dozens of other animated classics, but none leave the impression that Beauty and the Beast does. With its humor, spectacular animation, character design, story and adventures, this story is truly one of, if not, the best that Disney Studios' has ever made.

Beauty and the Beast has many different genres, the main one being romance. Along with that is a sense of adventure and excitement. The film also has its share of exciting scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat almost the entire time, even if you saw it many times before.

It begins when Belle (Paige O'Hara), a young girl in a village, has to rescue her father from a big and scary Beast living in a dark castle. Belle then has to stay in the castle for the rest of her life to free her father. It turns out that the Beast is, in fact a prince, under a dark and magical curse. This curse makes him a horrible Beast and the only way to break it is to find a girl that will fall in love with him. The Beast and Belle start bonding and falling in love.

Beauty and the Beast is an extraordinary masterpiece for many of the reasons I mentioned, but what impresses me the most is the animation. Despite its now 25 years old and way before the first computer animation, there are scenes in the film where it incorporates 3D like effects and looks almost exactly like today's computer animation. To think that it was actually drawn by hand is spectacular and astonishing. On top of that, the voice over work is simply phenomenal, from singing to talking, each emotion and role is played ideally. Speaking of music, the songs in this animated classic are fantastically done from the beat to the lyrics, to the actual voiceover artists singing the songs, to very well-orchestrated scenes.

The DVD also comes with several very cool bonus features. The most exciting to me is the sneak peak of the 2017 live action version of Beauty and the Beast with Emma Watson and Dan Stevens. It shows the cast reading lines, some special effects and even several sets. If that is not enough to spark viewers' curiosity, there are also many facts about Beauty and the Beast as well as some footage of the actual recording booths where the original cast recorded their lines. I also enjoyed the part when it talks about how Walt Disney never really got to do this story, even though he wanted to, and thus in 1991, his creative team did it to honor his wishes.

My favorite scene is when Belle goes down to eat dinner in the castle for the first time. In this castle, all the servants are magically turned into utilities. Just to name a few, there are talking clocks, teapots, knives, a stove, wardrobes, candles and more. They all do a big musical number with the classic song, "Be my Guest", which sounds spectacular and the animated musical number has many parts that are just hysterical.

Despite some violent scenes, it is still perfect for kids. I recommend it for ages 5 to 18. Younger kids may find the Beast scary or may not enjoy the more intense scenes. I give Beauty and the Beast 5 out of 5 stars for absolutely phenomenal animation, an exciting and detailed story, beautiful songs and emotional voiceover work. Here's to another 25 years with a new generation!

Reviewed by Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

This is the classic tale of a brave girl and a gigantic scary beast is coming to your home on DVD and Blue Ray and its available right now.

I am so happy that Disney is bringing this film back. The music is spectacular and makes you want to sing. Lucky for you there are three different versions - the original that was shown in theaters, a sing along so you can be in the film in your own special way and a special edition. How cool is that? Also included are many bonus features such as 25 fun facts about the film and a reading section so you can be there with the cast and the crew. There are interviews with the music team who created the music and many other interesting and fun things to watch on this home entertainment version.

As for the talent in this film. The voice-overs are superb and well suited for their roles. Belle (Paige O'Hara) is my favorite character. Belle is a daring, caring girl who wants more in life than the same thing over and over again. She dreams about having an adventure and her wish comes true when she gets a giant adventure of her own. The Beast (Robby Benson) is one scary, mean creature. You wonder if he will continue to lash out at people or change his ways. There are also the evil villains. Gaston (Richard White) is so vain that he loves himself more than anyone else. He is just a big bully who gets what he wants, when he wants it. Last, there are the amazing enchanted pieces of furniture and silverware - Lumiere (Jerry Orbach), the charming and handsome candle stick holder, Cogsworth (David Ogden Stiers), the mean grouchy clock who wants to be boss and Mrs. Potts (Angela Lansbury) and Chip (Bradley Pierce) the adorable mother and son who are all too cute for words.

The animation is incredible and very detailed from the falling snow to the red rose, the dancing and the scenery. All are breath taking.

My favorite scene is when the furniture and silverware and all the other magical items in the castle fight the angry villagers to protect their home. I love this scene because not only it is original but it's very funny. I love all the unique and different ways the items fight off the villagers. It makes me laugh every time.

I recommend this film for ages 5 to 18. They will love the magic and the fun characters. Adults and older kids will love to see this film again or perhaps see it for the first time. There is just a bit of violence when Gaston has a perilous death and The Beast can be a bit too scary for really young children. This is a perfect Disney magical musical for the whole family. I give it 5 out of 5 enchanting red roses.

Reviewed by Morgan B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11.

This classic Disney animated film will always hold a place in our hearts. It's great to see it once again and relive the magic I experienced when I first watched it. I advise parents to be careful when showing it to kids under the age of five, some of whom might not be able to handle the more violent scenes. Certainly there are no blood and guts here but, for more sensitive kids, there may be some frightening stuff. The music is truly a joy to listen to, the voice over talent is as good as it gets and on the DVD/Blu-Ray or Digital HD version, there are some cool bonus features that make your viewing experience even better.

Be our guest at the enchanted 25th Anniversary celebration of Beauty and the Beast, universally acclaimed as one of Disney's finest animated features and now honored in the Walt Disney Signature Collection. Join brave, independent Belle on the adventure of a lifetime as she sets out to rescue her father and finds herself in the enchanted castle of a mysterious beast. Enjoy this timeless tale overflowing with unforgettable characters and Academy Award-winning music (Best Song, Best Score, 1991) It took more than 600 animators, artists and technicians three and a half years to complete the project. Beauty is the first animated Disney feature scripted by a woman, Linda Woolverton. The film marked the first time each animator was credited on screen specifically for the character he or she brought to life. Disney's animation department won a Scientific and Technical Academy Award for the design and development of the Computer Animated Production System used to make the film. The style of illustration was inspired by French painters Fragonard and Boucher.