Beauty and the Beast (Blu-ray + DVD, with Blu-ray Packaging)

Some would put forward an argument that Beauty and the Beast is the finest Disney animated movie to date. And, in truth, it’s a tricky one to fight. Not only was this the first animated film to be rewarded with a Best Picture Oscar nomination, it remains a quite brilliant piece of filmmaking, that’s utterly endured the test of time.

There’s plenty that sets Beauty and the Beast apart from most, too. Take the exquisite characterisation, the ultra-tight script or the confident direction, for starters. Then throw in some astounding strong songs and music, from Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, and put at the heart of it all a love story utterly worth rooting for from start to finish. It’s a mesmeric film at best, not least in the rightly-famed ballroom sequence, and it’s very much Disney at the absolute height of its powers.

Fortunately, the Blu-ray is a flat-out love letter to the film. Packed with fascinating extra features, offering something for viewers of all ages, it’s a insightful look behind the film, and offers the kind of quality supplements you can’t help but wish all films could match. Add in the 1080p picture presentation, and Beauty and the Beast on Blu-ray adds up to an unmissable family treat. An outstanding package. --Jon Foster