The Barracuda and I saw this when it came out, not without some trepidation on my part, this being my favorite fairy tale...but it was Superbowl Sunday, and there wasn't much else happening, so we thought what the heck, we'll just do it...and we were so glad we did.

If you haven't seen this one, get it right away. Good animation, a wonderful retelling of the story (and true to all the most important parts, even as a rewrite), great songs, a bad guy you love to hate...wow. Even the musical numbers (which can get kinda silly in animated movies) were fabulous.

Yes, I really do think they borrowed heavily from McKinley's wonderful novel-length retelling of the story, Beauty...especially when he gives her THE LIBRARY. What a gift! my favorite part, of course.

Mr. Otter and I make sure to see this one once a year at least, we love it so much. And the dvd has a song and some character development that was cut out of the movie (why? it was great!), so you get a bonus. Run, don't walk, to the store and just pick one up, you'll watch it over and over and over...