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Loosely adapted on the 16th century French fairytale, this family musical fantasy was
released to critical and commercial success in November of 1991, eventually grossing $400
million in profit. Holding the impressive distinction of being the first animated feature
to be nominated for "Best Picture", this 84-minute G-rated adventure was arguably the high-water
mark for the so-called Disney Renaissance, receiving six Oscar nods in total. Paige O'Hara
lends her voice-talents to the lead heroine, Belle, a bookworm in a small French village
who becomes forcibly involved with a cursed Beast living in a rundown Castle played by
Robby Benson. Littered with a half-dozen memorable, catchy, and expertly animated musical numbers
- this picture is briskly paced as it bounces from scene to scene, introducing an array
of goofy, and enjoyable characters: from Jerry Orbach as Lumiere, the charming Frenchman
transformed into a candelabra, to Richard White as Gaston, your stereotypical Disney
villain, an egotistical hunter determined to marry Belle as a point of personal conquest.
Containing fewer celebrity voices than the usual Disney film, the talent here is still
impeccable and engaging: bringing to life their lines with excitement and honesty...
even if several of them unfortunately use singing-doubles. Although the genesis for
the entire story hinges on what amounts to a petty, and incredibly unjust punishment...
the "only true love will break the curse" plot is effective, even though it is as old
as time. A wonderfully simple, and enchanting story for children, that I myself loved as
kid - the story is the weak-point, as it only provides for a cursory glimpse at the romance
between Belle and the Beast. Understandably, it is short so kids won't get bored, I can't
help but feel like another 10 minutes during the second act could have really helped. Curiously,
the "Special Edition" added brand new content, but instead of character development, it focuses
on a whimsical new song. A climatic ballroom dancing sequence, set to the Academy Award-winning
original title-track is produced with at-the-time revolutionary computer technology resulting
in a breathtakingly beautiful and moving sequence that is the true centerpiece of the entire
film. From the upbeat dances to the intense fight sequences, the overall atmosphere is
perhaps a bit jumbled, but director Gary Trousdale does a fine job of transitioning them well
enough. This is a feel-good, well-animated story that the entire family can enjoy, even
if it never quite astonishes. "Beauty And The Beast", a "Beautiful, heartwarming story
that delights". Now let's see what you had to say about this picture in the YouTube comments.
The rate-o-matic now... a NINE and a NINE for "Beauty And The Beast". You applauded
the animation and the music... but held off from the top score for the exact same reasons
I did: Gaston is a one-note villain, and the story is perhaps too simply. You thought it
was AWESOME. A true Walt Disney classic I enjoyed as much today as I did 20 years ago,
I thought it was AWESOME as well.