Hornet Rating:

Starring the voice talents of Paige O?Hara, Robby Benson, Richard White, Jerry Orbach, David Odgen Stiers and Angela Lansbury

Directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise

Produced by Don Hahn

Written by Roger Allers, Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, and Linda Woolverton

Available on Disney DVD and Home Video

90 mins.

Rated G

Today?s generation of college students is young enough to be able to claim that they grew up watching Disney?s “Beauty and the Beast.” But being adults at the stage we are in gives us no less reason to cherish the masterpiece as we did 11 years ago.

Originally released in theaters Nov. 1991, the Disney version tells the tale of a beautiful but outcast villager, a mean-spirited young man transformed into a beast and the enchanted destiny they share.

Featuring the memorable title song, as well as “Be Our Guest,” this remastered version contains another cheery number, “Human Again.”

The reason for the revisit of “Beauty and the Beast” was brought up somewhat loosely in 1997, when the original “Star Wars” trilogy was re-released in remastered form. Creative juices flowed and, in addition to the added musical number, the entire film was digitally scanned frame-by-frame for restoration and release on the gargantuous IMAX big screen format.

While the new theatrical version is a wonder on its own, the DVD offers a comparable experience. Three versions are available. The first two are remastered: 1) the original theatrical version, 2) the new special edition from the IMAX release, and 3) the “work in progress” version. The last one is how the film was presented on its world premiere, which was in the form of animated pencil sketches and storyboards.

Very simply, here?s how each fares: 1) gotta love the original, 2) “Human Again” and a little scene where Belle reads the Beast “Romeo and Juliet,” are more than charming enough to make it worth watching the entire length with these inclusions, and 3) only worth watching for fans who literally watch this movie countless times to this day.

This two-disc set features a commentary by directors Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale, producer Don Hahn and composer Alan Menken running through the extended version of the film. It?s lively and informative enough to keep the attention of even the average moviegoer, as they mention bits of info about the special edition, converse about cast and crew and throw in some occasional humor here and there. Also included is a “sing-along” version that presents the lyrics of the songs over the course of the film (a tech plus for the singer in all of us).

Disc two houses most of the special features and is packed adequately; because who wants to sift through four hours of behind-the-scenes material?

The power of “Beauty and the Beast” lies in the essence of the story, and it is captured by the featurettes and short clips divided amongst three sections. “Cogsworth & Lumiere?s Library” contains the full version of “The Making of Beauty and the Beast” (which runs at about 52 mins.) and highly-detailed access to the production of the film, including animation, marketing and script development, all for the hardcore Disney fan.

“Mrs. Potts? Engaging Treats” contains a shorter version of the “Making” video (about half the length), a cute little personality game and the music video for the title song (as done by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson).

And finally, “Chip?s Fun and Games” includes a featurette on the film, an interactive game and a music video by teeny-bopper wannabe Jump 5; for the kiddies, strictly.

Disney certainly took great care in crafting this DVD release of “Beauty and the Beast.” If you?re a fan (and who isn?t), run, don?t walk, to pick up a copy.

After the holidays, this one will go the way of fellow Disney masterpieces and disappear from store shelves until another generation surfaces to experience this modern classic.