Disney's: Beauty and the Beast Originally released in 1991,
this was the first animated feature ever nominated for a Best
Picture Oscar. But even more important than that -- we loved
it. Ten years later, I loved it all over again.
Rich in blues and violet, this
fairy tale sings to all members of the audience. Little kids
will be enchanted; older folks will enjoy the tongue and cheek
lyrics (and they'll also be enchanted).
Though only paint, these characters
have a wide range of expression and emotion. The Beast toggles
between brooding brute and tenderhearted love-struck fool.
He's a rich character that will endear you, perhaps even deeper
than the self-sacrificing, yet strong-willed Belle. Of course,
your family will just love the talking furniture:
Belle, "But that's impossible."
Wardrobe, "I know ... but, here we are."
And then there's Gaston ... the
cleft-chinned anti-hero, the perfect butt of the joke, the
manly man with a Dudley Do-Rite voice. "No one takes
cheap shots like Gaston, persecutes old crackpots like Gaston.
What a guy - Gaston!"
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Entirely captivating from beginning
to end, save for the "Be our guest" musical montage
that feels rather bland to me. The new song "Human Again," originally recorded, but left out of the first release, has
been animated and inserted here.
And then of course, that magical
ballroom dance scene! I'm not ashamed to admit that it choked
me up just a bit.
As for the adaptation to bigger
screen, "Beauty and the Beast" plays just fine.
I'd anticipated excess graininess or insanely uncomfortable
close ups or action shots slightly unbearable for such a humongous
image. Yet, none of these problems existed, nor did the duration
overwhelm. Just a bigger Beauty and a larger Beast.
Copyright (C) 2001.
Ross Anthony, currently based in Los Angeles, has scripted
and shot documentaries, music videos, and shorts in 35 countries
across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. For more reviews
visit: RossAnthony.com
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