Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas MPAA Rating: G Entertainment: +3 Content: +3

In THE ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS, an animated movie made for video, the lovely Belle returns to her role as the village maiden. The action quickly flashes back to a time when she has been captured by the Beast but has not yet captured his heart. Belle attempts to bring the Beast and his castle a glorious Christmas celebration in hopes of making the Beast happy again. But there is one obstacle that stands in her way. The evil and twisted Forte, a pipe organ, tries to keep the Beast from spending any time with Belle. Forte warns him that Belle will only break his heart. He urges the Beast to look out only for himself and to love the only one who will not break his heart -- himself. Meanwhile, Forte encourages Belle to continue with the Christmas celebration even though the Beast forbids it. Then Forte tricks her into breaking her promise to the Beast not to leave the castle. Can Belle save Christmas and win the heart of the Beast? This enchanting tale re-creates the Beauty and the Beast story in such a way that kids and adults alike will fall in love with it once again.

The story is innocently told in such a way that young children will not only be protected from questionable content, but will also understand the virtues of honesty, love, and kindness toward others. When Belle is tricked by Forte into breaking her promise to the Beast, she learns how disappointing and painful broken promises can be. Forte teaches the Beast to love no one but himself, because others will break his heart. Fortunately, Fortes attempts fall on deaf ears, and the Beast continues to sadly long for Belles companionship. Children will easily see how silly Fortes advice is. The twisted Forte is never rewarded for his manipulating attributes and is even feared by his own side-kick. Christmas ornaments as well as all the characters dance around to music getting ready for Christmas. There are very few dark scenes in this video. Forte and his chambers where he lives is gothic and cold, but never truly evil. The Beast becomes angry on occasion, but never harmful towards others. Although the love and care Belle and the Beast have for each other, there is never anymore than hand holding between the two. The attire of the ladies in the video is modest. Children 5 and older will find this video simply enchanting.

Preview Reviewer: Jason Shepherd
Distributor: Buena Vista Pictures, 3900 W. Alameda Ave., Burbank, CA 91521