Beauty and the Beast

 Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

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This 1991 film, Belle is a woman who doesn't belong to the small town that her and her father moved into. After the success of his latest invention, Maurice (Belle's father), decides to take his invention to the faire. On his way, Maurice gets turned around and wanders into the Beast's castle where he is taken captive for trespassing. Belle finds her father in Beast's castle, and offers to take his place inside the castle. Over time, Belle begins to see a softer side to Beast and even begins to fall in love with Beast.

This film was directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise. I recently saw this new rendition in 3D. The remastering of the artistic visualizations, for the 2012 year, were amazing. The increased definition added an extra flare to the characters and to the background. The 3D technology both helped and hurt the remastering. The technique used sometimes caused an odd blending of the background, but it did bring out the subtle grandness of the artistry. However, hand drawn animation still remains better in 2D. Remastering the film is one thing, but placing it in 3D is shouting that Disney wants more money, and is jumping on the popular bandwagon. Anyway, the story itself is great. It took the classic idea from the other Disney classics, and changed it. For the first time the handsome prince, Gaston, is a conceited prick. Belle is not only odd, but as above average intelligence. The beast learns that beauty comes from within instead of visually. This was Disney's real first attempt at changing the commonplace place feel of their princess films. What made the story even more different was that magic was used more as a tool, and not solely used for villainy. It did a great job in creating a new vibe for Disney, and for creating family friendly entertainment that was fully enjoyable. Having it return to theaters for a second time is a great memory stroll for the older generation, and a way to bring in new audience's to an old film. The ending credits were amazing to watch having the hand drawn sketches appear behind the rolling credits was amazing to watch.

The voice acting was great for this film. The voice acting brought an elegant life to the characters. Paige O' Hara voiced the main character Belle.  She was great in this role creating the intelligence and heart behind Belle. Robby Benson voiced the character Beast. He gave the Beast heart, and this kept him from being too terrifying. It made audience's want Belle and Beast to have the happily ever after. Richard White voiced Gaston. He was great in making this character despicable. He was the perfect villain to for this film. Jerry Orbach, Lumiere, David Ogden Stiers, Cogsworth, and Angela Lansbury, Mrs. Potts, were a great secondary cast of characters. They gave this a more whimsical feel. Rex Everhart, Maurice, and Jesse Corti, Lefou, were great counterparts to the main character, Belle, and the main villain, Gaston. They gave the characters more definition.

I give this film a 5 out of 5 stars! It is still a treat to watch this great film on the big screen. The remastering turned out to add to the film's definition greatly. It's also a great family friendly film that everyone can easily enjoy.

Answer to last blog: Actor Christopher Llyod and director Robert Zemeckis also worked together on the film Back to the Future (as well as Who Framed Roger Rabbit).

Que: What other disney film did director's Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise direct together?

 Oliver & Company
The Lion King
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
The Rescuers Down Under