The Beast's dislike of Christmas is assumed by the audience to be simple 'Scrooge'-ism. As the story unfolds, we discover a deeper, more personal rationale for his aversion.

The addition of new characters - Forte (voiced by Tim Curry) and Fife (Paul Reubens - aka Pee-Wee Herman) - gives the story room to expand.

Ultimately, though, this one is strictly for the real fans - or at least, completists! :)


Not as Enchanting as the Original, But Fun Just the Same   November 11, 2003
 13 out of 13 found this review helpful

Belle has just been saved from the wolves by the Beast. As a way to show her appreciation, Belle decides that the castle will celebrate Christmas, even though the Beast has forbidden it. Surely it will bring hope and joy back to everyone in the castle, right?

But Forte, the former court composer, is against the idea. The current pipe organ has become used to being the Beast's confidant and advisor and is threatened by the idea of Beast falling in love and the spell being broken. Enlisting the aid of Fife, he tries everything he can think of to ruin Christmas and drive Belle and the Beast further apart.

Overall, I'm not too impressed with most of the Disney straight to video sequels. But this one is entertaining. The storyline is engaging, even if the ending is obvious from the start. The idea of setting the "sequel" in the middle of the original movie is wonderful, and helps develop all the characters. Yet the wrap around part shows us the human characters again and how things have changed. All the original voices are back, except for Bradley Pierce as Chip, who is replaced by Haley Joel Osment. In an effort to appeal to kids, the main target for this movie, Chip has a larger role in this one, but it really helps advance the story as well.

As with most Disney animated sequels there are two major flaws. The animation isn't as good as the original, although it certainly works to tell the story. Also, with the exception of "As Long As There's Christmas," the songs are immediately forgettable and actually take away from the enjoyment of the movie. Also, clocking in at just over an hour, it's pretty short.

The picture and sound on this DVD are fantastic. For a special edition, this DVD is short on extras, but the number they have are fitting the movie. There is an interesting making of documentary, but the rest of the features are for kids to enjoy.

If you go into this movie not expecting the brilliance of the original, you'll be entertained. And it will get you in the holiday spirit. What more can you really ask for?


enchanted christmas   October 26, 2003
 3 out of 6 found this review helpful

Anyone over the age of thirteen will probably be disappointed with this spin-off from the famous movie. However, my daughter age 5 is a little less discerning, and is indeed enchanted by the film. For that reason it is well worth the money. We all get different things out of movies, and so it should be. If your children loved Beauty and The Beast then they will love this. If it is not as good as the original which spawned it, so be it. I don't suppose your youngsters will agree with you. Buy it, let them enjoy it, they can develop their own sense of taste and discernment later.


No Where Near As Good As The Original!   September 6, 2003
 3 out of 7 found this review helpful

I have to say that this sequel to the original is no good whatso ever and if you liked and enjoyed the first then i must warn you to stay away from this one. The storyline is rubbish and this film is far from enchanted. I suppose at least they managed to get the same actors and actoresses to do the voices, otherwise, i don't think that it would have made it onto DVD. Ok, this film will still entertain the kids for hours but i would rather let the original entertain them for twice as long. Please, please, please, if you liked the original half as much as i did then you will stay away from this film as much as possible.


Very good...   April 9, 2002
 6 out of 8 found this review helpful

Unlike so many sequels to Disney classics, 'The Enchanted Christmas' manages to capture the magic of the original production and even add to it. Perfect for the holiday season, this DVD is a must have for all kids collections.