I watch this every year at Christmas, and I never grow tired of it. It is not as good as the wonderful original, but is actually one of the better DTV efforts, along with The King of Thieves. It is nowhere near as bad as some people have said, and one commentator gave it a low score solely on its continuity errors. Of course it has some, then again, so does every single movie in existence, even the original Beauty and the Beast. It is true that some of the animation falls a little flat,(most of it though is crisp, clean and smooth) especially with the dark backgrounds, but I liked the fact that it is darker than the original, and not at all mean spirited. Mostly the animation isn't bad at all, but I do think the computer animation stuck out like a sore thumb. The songs are well above average, and the score by Rachel Portman is beautiful. My favourite song is As long As There's Christmas, and Stories is charming. The other songs aren't as memorable, but bring a great character to the original storyline, about Belle (who was slightly changed) trying to bring Christmas to the Beast, and overcoming the many obstacles including the pipe organ Forte. The voice overs were generally very good indeed. Fife is a tad annoying, but totally bearable. Lumiere and Cogsworth are funny here, and I really admire the late Jerry Orbach. Haley Joel Osment was cute as Chip, and Angela Lansbury makes a welcome return as Mrs Potts, as well as Belle and the Beast. The real treat is in the newcomers though. Bernadette Peters is wonderful as the reluctant Angelique, and Tim Curry does an exceptional Annie-nominated voice over as Forte, song included. A perfect Christmas treat for Disney fans. 7/10 Bethany Cox

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.

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.