Beauty and the Beast Description:
The timeless tale of Belle, the beautiful and
intelligent girl kept prisoner in the castle of a mysterious beast
who must somehow win her love if he is to regain his princely
form. Features the voices of Robby Benson, Angela Lansbury and
David Ogden Stiers. Academy Award Nominations: 6, including Best
Picture, Best Song ("Be Our Guest"), Best Song
("Belle"). Academy Awards: Best Song ("Beauty and
the Beast").
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is a contemporary retelling
of the classic French fairy tale. Once upon a time, there was a
handsome but heartless prince, whose selfishness caused an
enchantress to turn him into a hideous beast. He had only one hope
for freedom: winning a woman's love despite his ugliness. The
years passed; the Beast remained alone. Then one day, Maurice, a
poor inventor, accidentally stumbled upon the Beast's lair. The
angry Beast instantly swore to kill him -- until he saw Belle,
Maurice's lovely daughter, who had come to to the palace to fight
for her father's life. The Beast promised not to harm Maurice on
one condition: Belle must stay with him. And so began Belle's
lesson in the true meaning of beauty... a lesson that would bring
her love and happiness ever after.
Theatrical release: Nov. 22, 1991. BEAUTY AND
THE BEAST is the 30th full-length animated feature from Walt
Disney Pictures. The CAV laserdisc is letterboxed, and also
includes a short documentary, "The Making of Beauty and the
Beast." Both laserdisc formats are available only for a
limited time. Lyricist and Executive Producer Howard Ashman died
of AIDS in March 1991, before the film opened. "Beauty and
the Beast" is dedicated to him. Shot in Technicolor. Rated
BBFC U. This film is currently on moratorium.
"...Fresh and altogether triumphant....[A]
mixture of elaborate, painstaking technique and perfect
simplicity..."
"...Clever....Great funny songs..."
"...Wised-up as well as traditional, with a
striking and detailed look and a strong storyline, it is sure to
charm a wide audience both now and for a long time to
come..."
