Stories From My Childhood, Vol. 4: Beauty & the Beast
Russia's Soyuzmultfilm Studios, one of the most remarkable animation  factories of the 20th century, is celebrated in this fourth volume from the PBS series, co-executive produced by Mikhail Baryshnikov. As with previous  volumes, this one collects several of Soyuzmultfilm's most dazzling  adaptations of European folklore, including a classic 1952 version of "Beauty  and the Beast" that is far closer to the original story than Disney's.  (Contemporary voicing is provided by Robert Loggia, Tim Curry, and Amy  Irving.) A wonderfully fun and painterly version of "The Nutcracker,"  including Tchaikovsky's music, is narrated by Shirley MacLaine. The  collection also includes a pair of adaptations of Pushkin stories, each  gorgeous to see and voiced by the likes of Jessica Lange, Timothy Dalton,  Gregory Hines, and Cathy Moriarty. Animation buffs will truly enjoy the  complexity and lushness of the Soyuzmultfilm style, while kids will  appreciate the terrific storytelling and exciting visuals. The DVD has  alternate French and Spanish soundtracks with different vocal casts.--Tom  Keogh