Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas

Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas is a musical animated film released in 1997. It stars Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Jerry Orbach, and David Ogden Stiers. The movie is a midquel to Disney's 1991 film Beauty and the Beast, uniquely setting itself within the timeline of the original film's events, precisely during Belle's stay in Beast's castle.

From the moment the opening titles roll onscreen, the enchantment begins. The character designs and magical animation techniques transport the audience back to the fairy tale that we fell in love with, in which Belle and Beast are essentially living together, and the spark of love has ignited their hearts. This time, there's the added magic of Christmas resonating through the castle, creating an atmosphere like no other.

Our beloved Belle, voiced by Paige O'Hara, shines once again as an intelligent and compassionate protagonist. She remains determined to see the good in Beast, despite his gruff exterior and is consistently striving to draw it out, characterizing the special bond they share. It's this very text that brings the added charm to Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas, and is evident in Belle's earnest efforts to bring Christmas cheer into the Beast's life.

Robby Benson portrays Beast, focusing on the character's growth. Though somewhat grudging and initially resistant, Beast gradually allows Belle's Christmas joy to penetrate his hard exterior. This tug-of-war over Belle's holiday exuberance forms a major part of the storyline.

The castle's enchanted inhabitants are again there to provide the comedic relief with the familiar faces of Lumiere (Jerry Orbach) and Cogsworth (David Ogden Stiers). These beloved characters continue to contribute their witty banter and playful antics, generating laughter and waves of nostalgia.

However, the film also introduces a new antagonist, a sinister and devious character with intentions that could throw a wrench in Belle's Christmas plans and celebrations. This new villain impeccably personifies the spirit of hatred and jealousy, offering an exciting sweet-sour mix to the storyline, preventing the movie from being overly saccharine.

The narrative progresses, revealing more about life in the castle during the enchanted Christmas season while also focusing on the individual journeys of Belle and Beast. It offers a fresh perspective and gives us another chance to dive deeper into their growing relationship, making it an intriguing watch to those who were enticed by the original story.

The music that accompanies the film is nothing short of marvelous. The original songs, each more magical than the last, resonate with the audience’s hearts, infusing them with the melody of love and the spirit of celebration. Making merry with the rhythm of the music and the joyous singing, Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas surely harmonizes the feeling of festivity and companionship.

Disney is known for adding a unique touch of magic in their films, and it is safe to say that Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas is no exception. The enchanting animation, filled with vibrant colors and meticulous details, further adds to the visual appeal of the film. The castle dressed for Christmas, under the blanket of snow, looks like a scene straight out of a storybook.

The overall takeaway? Though it takes place in the realm of an already established story, Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas feels like a fresh story in its own right. Catered more towards children, the film oozes the cheer of Christmas and enchantment of a fairy tale - presenting audiences with a valuable message and driving the spirit of love, unity, and festivity in an almost infectious way.

In sum, Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas is excellent holiday viewing, full of enchanting characters, captivating visuals, opulent animation, and vivacious music. Filled with warmth and charm, it's a delightful film that will captivate audiences of all ages, even those who would usually shy away from animated features. If you are a Disney fan, it will fill you up with nostalgia and if you're new to this magical world, you're in for a surprise. So prepare to dive back into this magical universe, this time with a cup of hot cocoa, a blanket of snow, and the spirit of Christmas.