Newly restored in high definition, you�ll see the modern animated classic spring to life in the format; the storybook settings, rich in previously unseen depth, pop out like, well, a pop-up storybook. From the golden fields of Belle�s farm to the deep shadows of the Beast�s castle, the film�s color palette has never appeared so lush. No question about it, this Beauty is quite a beauty.

All three versions of the award-winning film are included in the Diamond Edition. In addition to the original 1991 theatrical release, there is the �Special Edition� (first seen in large format venues in 2002). This extended version includes the restored musical sequence �Human Again� � which, sad to say, still sticks out like a sore thumb. The third option is the �work in progress� print that was screened, prior to the film�s official debut, at the New York Film Festival. Here it is conveniently presented as a �picture in picture� alongside the final film. Additionally, you can also add to your viewing pleasure with the audio commentary (carried over from the 2002 Beauty Platinum Edition DVD) and an optional �sing along� mode.

The new release also offers, for the first time on Blu-ray, Disney�s Fast Play. This enhanced �smart� feature tracks your viewing preferences and can also be manually customized. It�s so smart in fact, that it will �remember� what type of features you like to watch on the next, different Fast Play-enabled Disney Blu-ray you play. How? Disney magic, I guess �

More Blu-ray goodies can be found in the two-disc set�s bonus materials, almost all of which are new. Most notably among them is the epic �Beyond Beauty: The Untold Stories Behind the Making of Beauty and the Beast�, which takes full advantage of Blu-ray�s current technology to offer an in-depth and totally engrossing entertainment experience. This disc two interactive feature allows viewers to �delve deeper� into the behind the scenes secrets of the creation of Beauty with additional material, seamlessly bridging back and forth between the main documentary and its supplemental chapters.

In addition to the usual DVD bonuses (such as art galleries and deleted scenes), you�ll find within �Beyond Beauty� such unexpected treats as four of Walt�s rare Laugh-O-Gram cartoons, an in-depth examination of Disney�s fairy tale legacy, video interviews with the supervising animators about the creations of their characters, two Silly Symphony shorts, and even a brief history of the art of animation. However, the highlight is a bittersweet tribute to Beauty�s executive producer and Academy Award winning lyricist, the late great Howard Ashman. In addition to recent interviews with his sister Sarah Ashman-Gillespie and partner Bill Lauch, the touching profile includes family photos, Howard�s demo recordings of Beauty songs and video footage from his memorial service.