Timeless tale rejuvenated
Walt Disney's 1991 instant classic, 'Beauty and the Beast', is not
only the finest animated movie ever made, but deserves a prominent
position on any list of all-time greats.
A scene from ‘Beauty and the Beast’ |
Although not the highest grossing Disney production, nor the
best-remembered by most kids (those honors go to 'The Lion King'),
'Beauty and the Beast' nevertheless earned the most enthusiastic notices
ever by the critics and was recognized with a Best Picture Oscar
nomination.
The studio knew early in development that it had a winner. In an
unprecedented move, Disney screened a 70 percent complete work print to
a packed auditorium at the 1991 New York Film Festival months before the
movie was finished. The astounding reception helped to build a sense of
anticipation that was unrivaled since the days of 'Snow White and the
Seven Dwarves'.
'Irresistible' is an apt description of this film, because every
frame is imbued with a magic that is rare for any motion picture,
animated or otherwise. In the past, I have been known to criticize
Disney from time-to-time, but not on this occasion.
'Beauty and the Beast' is a triumph of artistry - a rare movie where
all of the elements gel perfectly. It has set the standard for today's
animated motion picture, improving upon 'The Little Mermaid' and
establishing a level that no subsequent animated film has equaled.
The movie will begin screening at Superior 3D, Majestic Cineplex from
March 9. It is a CEL release. |