Here’s a piece of animation history I picked up today that you all might find interesting.

This is the Laserdisc release of the work-in-progress “Beauty and the Beast” version originally shown at the 1991 New York Film festival. (If you’re unfamiliar with Laserdiscs, educate yourself via the link above.)

The film premiered at the festival 3 months before wide release and was only 70% complete at the time. It’s a a mix of final scenes, rough animation and storyboards. This was the first time Disney had ever shown an unfinished animated feature to the public. When the credits rolled it received a standing ovation. 

I didn’t even know they had released this version on home video until I found it in the Laserdisc bin at a Half Price Books. (The sign on the bin said “Laserdiscs: They’re from the future!)  I love finding stuff like this. Now I just need a Laserdisc player so I can watch the thing.

EDIT: Apparently this version is also on the most recent Blu-ray release as a special feature.