Beauty And The Beast: Diamond Edition Discussion Oct. 5th!

[ajmrowland]

Let us all pray. *bows head*

[Escapay]

Hi, would you mind updating/posting the list of special features that were available in the Platinum edition in the format you use in your quick DVD guide.

Thanks

Here ya go:

Beauty and the Beast (1991/2001): Platinum Edition – October 1, 2002

Disc One: Beauty and the Beast - Feature Films & Special Features

Technical Specifications:
1.85:1 Widescreen
5.1 Dolby Digital: English (1), French (2)
2.0 Dolby Surround: Commentary (3)
Subtitles: English (1), English Sing-Along (2)
21 Chapters (Theatrical Release/Work-In-Progress)
22 Chapters (Special Edition)

Feature Film(s): (1:31:06 / 1:24:17 / 1:24:17)
-Beauty and the Beast - 1991 film, directed by Kirk Wise & Gary Trousdale. Presented in three versions:
--2001 "IMAX Special Edition" (1:31:06)
--1991 "Original Theatrical Release" (1:24:17)
--1991 "Work in Progress" (1:24:17)

Special Features: (
-Feature Commentary: IMAX Special Edition - producer Don Hahn and directors Kirk Wise & Gary Trousdale, pre-recorded comments by composer Alan Menken. (1:31:06)

-Disney Song Selection

-Break the Spell

Disc Two: Beauty and the Beast - Special Features

Technical Specifications:
1.33:1 Fullscreen
2.0 Dolby Surround
16:9 Interactive Menus with Background Music

Lumiere & Cogsworth: (1:46:51 - video 1:36:42, audio 10:09)
-Tale as Old as Time: The Making of Beauty and the Beast - a documentary produced in 2002 that looks at the making of the film. Featuring interviews with Don Hahn, Paula Sigman, John Canemaker, Michael Eisner, Roy E. Disney, Robert Osborne, Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise, Linda Woolverton, Brenda Chapman, Roger Allers, Chris Sanders, Pete Schneider, Alan Menken, Celine Dion, Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Angela Lansbury (1991), David Ogden Stiers, Jerry Orbach, Ed Ghertner, Lisa Keene, Vera Lanpher, Glen Keane, Nik Ranieri, Andreas Deja, Will Finn, Dick Cook, and Thomas Schumacher. (51:01)
--Introduction (1:03)
--Origins of Beauty and the Beast (1:29) - also in Mrs. Potts
--Bringing the Story to the Screen (2:14) - also in Mrs. Potts
--Finding the Story (2:42) - also in Mrs. Potts
--Musical Magic (2:41) - also in Mrs. Potts
--Strength of Character (3:57) - also in Mrs. Potts
--Vocal Heroes (5:01)
--The Stage is Set (3:11)
--Animation (6:48 ) - also in Mrs. Potts
--Animating With Computers (2:38 )
--A High Profile Preview (1:45)
--Release & Reaction (1:45) - also in Mrs. Potts
--Awards (1:11)
--Howard Ashman In Memoriam (3:30)
--Broadway Bound (3:28 )
--The Special Edition (3:07)
--Happily Ever After (2:33) - also in Mrs. Potts
--End Credits (1:58 )

-Early Presentation Reel (2:52)
--Introduction: Don Hahn (0:38 )
--Early Presentation Reel (2:14)

-Alternate Version: "Be Our Guest" (4:55)
--Introduction: Don Hahn (1:13)
--Alternate Version: "Be Our Guest" (3:42)

-Deleted Song: "Human Again" (7:44)
--Introduction: Don Hahn (0:47) - Story Section
--Introduction: Alan Menken (0:42) - Music Section
--Deleted Song: Human Again" (6:57)

-Alternate Score: The Transformation (2:03)
--Introduction: Alan Menken (0:24)
--Alternate Score: The Transformation (1:39)

-Character Design Gallery (275 Stills - 35 with commentary - 8:45 total runtime)
--Belle (30 Stills - 4 with commentary - 1:20 total runtime)
--Beast (43 Stills - 5 with commentary - 1:16 total runtime)
--Lumiere (17 Stills - 2 with commentary - 0:24 total runtime)
--Mrs. Potts & Chip (20 Stills - 4 with commentary - 0:55 total runtime)
--Cogsworth (17 Stills - 2 with commentary - 0:27 total runtime)
--Gaston & LeFou (48 Stills - 7 with commentary - 1:29 total runtime)
--Maurice & Philippe (36 Stills - 3 with commentary - 0:48 total runtime)
--Townspeople (22 Stills - 3 with commentary - 0:43 total runtime)
--Other Enchanted Objects (41 Stills - 5 with commentary - 1:23 total runtime)

-Concept Art & Design Gallery (72 Stills)

-Layouts & Backgrounds Gallery (67 Stills)

-Animation Tests, Roughs, & Clean Ups (4:55)

-The Transformation: Pencil Version (5:25)
--Introduction: Don Hahn (1:05)
--The Transformation: Pencil Version (4:20)

-A Transformation: Glen Keane (3:14)

-Camera Move Test (2:07)
--Introduction: Don Hahn (0:40)
--Camera Move Test (1:27)

-Trailers & TV Spots (7:16)
--Introduction: Don Hahn (0:36)
--Original Theatrical Trailer (1:58 )
--Large Format Trailer (2:34)
--TV Spot #1 (0:32)
--TV Spot #2 (0:32)
--TV Spot #3 (0:32)
--TV Spot #4 (0:32)

-Original Release Publicity Gallery (14 Stills - 3 with commentary - 0:47 total runtime)

-Large Format Publicity Gallery (12 Stills - 2 with commentary - 0:37 total runtime)

-Music Video: "Beauty and the Beast" - Celine Dion & Peabo Bryson (4:28 ) - also in Mrs. Potts
--Introduction: Celine Dion (0:25)
--Music Video (4:03)

-Broadway Musical Publicity Gallery (34 Stills)

-Broadway Costume Design Gallery (9 Stills)

Mrs. Potts: (59:40)
-The Making of Beauty And The Beast (29:35, 11 chapters)
--Introduction: Celine Dion (1:24)
--Origins of Beauty and the Beast (1:29) - also in Mrs. Potts
--Bringing the Story to the Screen (2:14) - also in Mrs. Potts
--Finding the Story (2:42) - also in Mrs. Potts
--Musical Magic (2:41) - also in Mrs. Potts
--Strength of Character (3:57) - also in Mrs. Potts
--Animation (6:48 ) - also in Mrs. Potts
--Release & Reaction (1:45)
--Happily Ever After (2:33) - also in Mrs. Potts
--Closing: Celine Dion (0:34)
--End Credits (1:58 )

-The Story Behind The Story (25:37 NTSC, 23:19 PAL - individual runtimes derived from BBFC listings)
--Introduction: Celine Dion (1:37)
--Cinderella: Paige O'Hara (2:28 )
--The Lion King: James Earl Jones (3:26)
--Pocahontas: David Ogden Stiers (3:02)
--The Jungle Book: Robby Benson (2:43)
--Sleeping Beauty: Jodi Benson (2:31)
--Mulan: Ming-Na (2:42)
--The Hunchback of Notre Dame: Angela Lansbury (2:32)
--End Credits: Celine Dion (2:18 )

-Music Video: "Beauty and the Beast" - Celine Dion & Peabo Bryson (4:28 )
--Introduction: Celine Dion (0:25)
--Music Video (4:03)

-Mrs. Potts’ Personality Profile Game

Chip: (14:23 + Jump 5)
-Disney’s Animation Magic (14:23)

-Music Video: "Beauty and the Beast" - Jump 5

-Chip's Musical Challenge

Break the Spell:
-Continuation from Disc One

Magic Mirror:
-Disc Two Index

[DisneyJedi]

The original theatrical aspect ratio for Beauty and the Beast is 1.85:1, but the full negative aspect ratio is 1.66:1, like all the other Disney films that were made with CAPS (The Rescuers Down Under, Aladdin, The Lion King, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, etc.).

Now why can't they just release BatB in 1.66:1, like they did with Aladdin, Lion King or any other animated classics?

[jpanimation]

Now why can't they just release BatB in 1.66:1, like they did with Aladdin, Lion King or any other animated classics?

They did, on Laserdisc

The reason for BatB and Hunchback being presented in 1:85:1, instead of the 1:66:1 that they were animated in, is it being the preferred framing of the directors. Thats how they had them framed in theaters and thats how they want them presented here. What really gets me is the press release for the Diamond Edition stating the aspect ratio as being 1:78:1. Now thats neither the full 1:66:1 framing of the negative or the directors' preferred 1:85:1 framing. Did they compromise like on The Little Mermaid or is this an error? We'll see.

I personally don't like matting in animation, as you can always add bars over the animation if you want the OAR, but you can't get the animation back if they don't provide it in the first place.

[KubrickFan]

Now why can't they just release BatB in 1.66:1, like they did with Aladdin, Lion King or any other animated classics?

They did, on Laserdisc

The reason for BatB and Hunchback being presented in 1:85:1, instead of the 1:66:1 that they were animated in, is it being the preferred framing of the directors. Thats how they had them framed in theaters and thats how they want them presented here. What really gets me is the press release for the Diamond Edition stating the aspect ratio as being 1:78:1. Now thats neither the full 1:66:1 framing of the negative or the directors' preferred 1:85:1 framing. Did they compromise like on The Little Mermaid or is this an error? We'll see.

I personally don't like matting in animation, as you can always add bars over the animation if you want the OAR, but you can't get the animation back if they don't provide it in the first place.

They went with 1.78:1 because it's the perfect compromise. It doesn't add pillarboxing the directors don't want, and it fills the screens completely (that apparently every consumer wants). You can already prepare for the other CAPS movies to be in 1.78:1 too, because I'm sure that's going to happen.

[toonaspie]

Escapay, am I right to read that they're putting TWO documentaries on this BluRay?

That's awesome!!!!

[The_Iceflash]

I'd like to see someone make some art work for possible BATB collector's editions and steel cases.

[Goliath]

The original theatrical aspect ratio for Beauty and the Beast is 1.85:1, but the full negative aspect ratio is 1.66:1, like all the other Disney films that were made with CAPS (The Rescuers Down Under, Aladdin, The Lion King, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, etc.).

What does that mean? What is a "full negative aspect ratio" and why does it differ from the original theatrical aspect ratio?

[AlwaysOAR]

Now why can't they just release BatB in 1.66:1, like they did with Aladdin, Lion King or any other animated classics?

They did, on Laserdisc

The reason for BatB and Hunchback being presented in 1:85:1, instead of the 1:66:1 that they were animated in, is it being the preferred framing of the directors. Thats how they had them framed in theaters and thats how they want them presented here. What really gets me is the press release for the Diamond Edition stating the aspect ratio as being 1:78:1. Now thats neither the full 1:66:1 framing of the negative or the directors' preferred 1:85:1 framing. Did they compromise like on The Little Mermaid or is this an error? We'll see.

Yeah, if the press release is accurate, it's going to be like the Little Mermaid, Toy Story 1 & 2, Finding Nemo, etc. I don't look at it as a compromise though. The theatrical ratio(s) should be presented first and foremost on any release, with the animated ratio along with it. This false ratio Disney keeps trying to push I don't agree with in the least. It's basically them wanting to fill the 16:9 TV screen, regardless of the original theatrical ratio.

[AlwaysOAR]

The original theatrical aspect ratio for Beauty and the Beast is 1.85:1, but the full negative aspect ratio is 1.66:1, like all the other Disney films that were made with CAPS (The Rescuers Down Under, Aladdin, The Lion King, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, etc.).

What does that mean? What is a "full negative aspect ratio" and why does it differ from the original theatrical aspect ratio?

It's the ratio the film was animated in, with the action taking place in the framed ratio the film was projected in the theatre. Most of the animated classics from the 60's through early 80's were animated at the academy(1.33:1) ratio, but framed and projected in theatres at the 1.75:1 ratio. With the CAPS films, they were animated at 1.66:1, but framed and projected at 1.85:1. Really, both theatrical and animated ratios should be on any DVD/Blu release, as that would satisfy just about everybody on the theatrical vs. animated ratio debate.


Scott

[AlwaysOAR]

They went with 1.78:1 because it's the perfect compromise. It doesn't add pillarboxing the directors don't want, and it fills the screens completely (that apparently every consumer wants).

Not this consumer...

You can already prepare for the other CAPS movies to be in 1.78:1 too, because I'm sure that's going to happen.

Unfortunately, you're probably right. Which means I won't be buying till they get it right. Just my opinion/preference.


Scott

[ajmrowland]

too bad. I dont think it's really worth denying myself some of my favorite films because of a slight exaggeration.

Tell me, what do you think of the decision James Cameron made to put Avatar on blu-ray with the 1.78 ratio closer to IMAX than the theatrical ratio? I dont really like it.

[AlwaysOAR]

too bad. I dont think it's really worth denying myself some of my favorite films because of a slight exaggeration.

Tell me, what do you think of the decision James Cameron made to put Avatar on blu-ray with the 1.78 ratio closer to IMAX than the theatrical ratio? I dont really like it.

Me neither. You should be given the option on DVD/Blu of the traditional theatrical ratio and the IMAX ratio, it should be an easy thing to do.

In regards to BATB, as well as Toy Story 1 & 2, Finding Nemo, etc., whether the discrepency between the theatrical ratio and the ratio put on DVD/Blu of a particular title is .05 or .5 is besides the point, for me anyway. The theatrical ratio(s) should be presented first and foremost on DVD/Blu, not some false ratio so everyone's 16:9 TV can be filled.



Scott

[Want2beBelle]

thank you escapy, i hope the transfer is up to par can't wait for the blu-ray!

[DisneyJedi]

Tell me, what do you think of the decision James Cameron made to put Avatar on blu-ray with the 1.78 ratio closer to IMAX than the theatrical ratio? I dont really like it.

Sounds okay. To be fair, I wouldn't know, because I never saw it in 2.35:1.

[CampbellzSoup]

Why are we so petty when it comes to this movie I don't undesrtand...

[Goliath]

Why are we so petty when it comes to this movie I don't undesrtand...

I thought we were petty about every movie...

[Escapay]

thank you escapy

You're welcome!

If only BBFC would pass more supplements. Alas, it's the weekend, will have to wait and check again on Monday.

Escapay, am I right to read that they're putting TWO documentaries on this BluRay?

That's awesome!!!!

You read right. "Composing a Classic" is confirmed via the BBFC listing, but I heard straight from the horse's mouth (Don Hahn) that there will a new 45-minute documentary (and among the interviewees is Howard Ashman's sister) and more material from the non-musical Purdum version.

Honestly, all they need to do now is include the 1991 TV Special and all the old DVD material and I'll be a happy camper.

albert

[KubrickFan]

They went with 1.78:1 because it's the perfect compromise. It doesn't add pillarboxing the directors don't want, and it fills the screens completely (that apparently every consumer wants).

Not this consumer...

You can already prepare for the other CAPS movies to be in 1.78:1 too, because I'm sure that's going to happen.

Unfortunately, you're probably right. Which means I won't be buying till they get it right. Just my opinion/preference.


Scott

So, let me get this straight, you don't own The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Lion King and many other titles just because they differ slightly from the theatrical aspect ratio? The difference between 1.85:1 and 1.78:1 is really too small to complain about. As long as the colors look the way they do in the trailers, and we get the original cut (surely Disney wouldn't be that stupid, would they?), I'm happy.

[Atlantica]

For DVD only customers, do you think the DVD release will be of the same quality as Snow White's '2 Disc DVD' was ? (There was no 'Special' in the tagline). Or will the ammount of Bonus Features slide even further into obscurity ?

The UK website is still only showing the old Platinum trailer, and mentions no new release either ?!