Beauty and the Beast : Best Version of the DVD?

Best Version of the DVD?

I've been waiting for years for the DVD to hit a decent price again. I was able to purchase The Lion King before it got put back in "the vault" and I also have the same Aladdin DVD from around that time, but I was too late for BatB. Anyway, now that the 25th Anniversary Edition has been released I've been trying to review the different versions and purchase the best value.

I noticed that they are including all new features, however one review I read claims that you can access the old features on Disney Movies Anywhere. The features on The Lion King were my favorite part of the DVD experience. I imagine that would be similar for the BatB features from the first go around. Anyway I do not like the idea of going on the internet to have to access special features. That site most likely isn't going to exist forever. Are they downloadable? Can anyone tell me which DVD is the best to purchase? Has anyone purchased the 25th Anniversary DVD?

Re: Best Version of the DVD?

I personally think the 2011 Blu-Ray/DVD release is one of the crown jewels of all of the Disney home video releases. It houses a nearly four-hour making-of interactive documentary where you can select any aspect of the production process you want to watch. The colors are vibrant in 1080p resolution and the sound is clear with 7.1 surround sound. Some of the Platinum Edition bonus features were transferred onto the 2011 release, but unfortunately not all.

My few nitpicks were that the release does not have the actual "original theatrical cut" with the blue-and-white Walt Disney Pictures logo since Disney has opted to use their current CGI logo along with the Walt Disney Animation Studios logo. Also, the background at the very end of "Something There" was kept from the 2002 Special Edition version so it would segued into "Human Again", and it was never changed back.

The Blu-Ray packaging accompanies a DVD with the same content, but you can analyze the differences in home video releases on Disney Wiki: http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/Beauty_and_the_Beast_(video).

As for the 25th Anniversary Edition, from what I've read, it's not worth your money. The picture quality and sound is mostly the same, though it has higher encoding. There are a few new interesting bonus features, but again compared to the 2011 release, it's not much.


What we do in life, echoes in eternity.

Re: Best Version of the DVD?

Thank you very much for the detailed response and the link. Just to clarify, is this the DVD release that you are referring to? The 5 disc diamond edition? https://www.amazon.com/Beauty-Beast-Five-Disc-Combo/dp/B004WE01YA

If so it's much too expensive as is. I suppose I'll have to either wait or just settle for a lesser release. But it really looks like an amazing DVD experience. I'm not sure how much it was upon its release but it looks decently priced on Ebay...however you never know what condition these things truly are in until you get them which is why I only buy new. I appreciate your input and the link truly helps.


My few nitpicks were that the release does not have the actual "original theatrical cut" with the blue-and-white Walt Disney Pictures logo since Disney has opted to use their current CGI logo along with the Walt Disney Animation Studios logo. Also, the background at the very end of "Something There" was kept from the 2002 Special Edition version so it would segued into "Human Again", and it was never changed back.
This has been my frustration with the Batb DVD releases in general.

Re: Best Version of the DVD?

I was referring specifically to the 3-Disc Diamond Edition Blu-Ray combo pack, but the Blu-Ray 3D set has the same features nevertheless. And yeah, it's extremely pricey on Amazon thanks to the Disney Vault policy. Your best luck on getting a cheaper copy is through eBay.



What we do in life, echoes in eternity.

Re: Best Version of the DVD?

I see, thanks again.

Re: Best Version of the DVD?

I have that version, and yes I agree. That is the one you want. Awesome quality as well as some digital restoration. True colour, spectacular sound, and great quality. I'm sure it's available on eBay for all regions.

_________________________________
Steven Seagal Fan Club President

Re: Best Version of the DVD?

Thanks for your input.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Beauty-and-the-Beast-Blu-ray-DVD-2010-3-Disc-Set-Diamond-Edition-/272506938023?hash=item3f72ade2a7:m:ma5B-TmlbHSOQTKWkamtBXg
This is the one you're referring to? I never bought anything from ebay before so I just want to be sure.

Re: Best Version of the DVD?

Yes, that is the one. Just make sure that it plays in your region though. That DVD is region 1. Region 1 covers U.S., U.S. Territories, Canada, and Bermuda - are you in one of those countries?

_________________________________
Steven Seagal Fan Club President

Re: Best Version of the DVD?

Yes, I am in the U.S. Thanks so much for the info...I hadn't even thought to check the region.

ETA: I just realized I quoted rather than linked in the last response. Sorry about that.

Re: Best Version of the DVD?

No problem :)

So when you watch that version, let us know your feedback of it in this thread.

_________________________________
Steven Seagal Fan Club President

Re: Best Version of the DVD?

Will do.
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