Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (1997)

Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

Best movie ever!

It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Belle and Adam are throwing a Christmas party for everybody. Chip is amazed as Mrs. Potts recounts how Christmas returned to the castle. The movie flashbacks to when Belle first arrived. Christmas is coming and Belle wants to set up but the Beast refuses. Maestro Forte manipulates the Beast stoking his anger at Christmas and Belle. Belle organizes the servants to decorate the castle. It is revealed that everybody was cursed when Adam refuses to give an old beggar lady shelter during a Christmas snowstorm.This is a straight to video movie following the classic. Many of the actors returned to contribute their voices. The animation is a little inferior and Forte's CGI is noticeably out of place. Forte's big climatic ending is good visual dramatic. There are a couple of nice new songs but nothing quite as catchy. This is a definite step down from the classic but is still better than most animated video of its time.

The thing that really hurts this sequel (other than the lackluster work from all the normally superb voice actors, and deflated story) is the fact that this is OBVIOUSLY an afterthought of a sequel. The main villain, as well as some additional characters, were not even mentioned in passing in the 1991 film. There is really no need for this movie at all.The only exceptional thing about this sequel is Tim Curry's excellent voice-over work, and the CGI imaging of his character, even if it is misplaced alongside the traditional animation. I'd say skip this altogether if you really enjoy the classic 1991 feature, as I do.

This is one of the many straight to video sequels that Disney produced in order to rake in more money from their films. Thankfully this is one of the better ones and only adds to the magic of the original film. If the film had had more depth and length it could have been a passable cinema release.One of the strengths of this film is that it reunites all of the original voice cast and contains all the warmth of the first film. The new songs are good if slightly overused. It remains a good film that never really gets the recognition it deserves. I am glad that it is now being packaged in a box-set with the original because the two really do compliment each other.

Based on reviews of fans, I had some anticipation that this film would be one of the better Disney sequels. But, I was very disappointed with this sequel. I must admit that this direct to video sequel had its good points. I really enjoyed the song, "Stories." First of all, it was nice for Belle to have a solo considering that many Disney heroines have solo songs in their movies. One can argue that the "Belle: Reprise" is a solo for Belle. But a reprise, technically, isn't an actual song. I did think "Stories" was the key highlight in this film. Not only that, bringing the back the original cast was a smart idea, considering that most Disney sequels don't have at least one key actor/actress from the original.However, the movie did have several bad points. I was disappointed about the storyline. People complained about the story being "too dark for Christmas." I must agree with that consensus. I don't think they portrayed the "true meaning of Christmas." I honestly thought they spent too much time on Forte. I have no doubts about that. The songs were okay but not good as the original. I must give an exception for Stories. That was the only song that stood out for me. The animation was obviously "sequel-ish quality". Aside from that, I was stunned with the scene of peril towards the end. The castle nearing collapsing? I thought Disney went too far! No need for an action/adventure twist to this sequel about Christmas.The bottom line: A 4 out 10 for this disappointing sequel.A word to the parents: If you plan to buy this for a young child, be cautious and watch the film with them. There are scenes of peril and several dark scenes featuring the malevolent pipe organ. If they get too scared, at least you'll be around to console them. There is some brief language in one of the songs. So, if you're concerned about children hearing bad language, handle the situation with good and reasonable thinking.