Beauty and the Beast: A Disney Remake Done Right

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Madalyn Johnson, Writer

Disney’s release of a live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast is a pretty risky move given the success of the original animated film that was released in 1991. But who better than Disney to take that risk? The company has proved themselves worthy of bringing classics closer to reality on film over the past few years. Fortunately for Disney and its dedicated audience, the release of this film was a great decision as opposed to an honest mistake. The live-action Beauty and the Beast is a magically breathtaking and unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.

The timeless story takes place in France around the 18th century. In the film, a conceited and selfish prince is cast under a spell by an enchantress, turning him into a beast and his servants into talking objects. Belle, on the other hand, is a young girl who is viewed as peculiar by the people in her village due to her deep interest in literature and her opposition to living a provincial life. After the Beast captures Belle’s father, she comes to his rescue and her life is changed forever. There, she soon discovers a charming, caring prince that is inside a beastly body.

The 2017 Beauty and the Beast without a doubt does the original animated film justice, making only very subtle changes to the plot, while adding two new songs. The performances, costumes, scenery, and music are all exquisite. Additionally, the chemistry between the two protagonists, Belle (Emma Watson) and the Beast (Dan Stevens), didn’t come across awkwardly, despite the fact that the Beast was digitally edited into the film while Belle was played by a real life actress.

Recently, Disney has consistently been transforming their own animated classics into live-action films. Before the release of the new Beauty and the Beast, remakes of Cinderella and Maleficent have hit theaters. These two films not only pleased audiences, but hit the jackpot at the box office, with Cinderella making $544 million and Maleficent making $759 million. Beauty and the Beast was expected to reach pretty high standards financially due to the fact it is a musical and a live-action film. The music in the movie also plays a crucial role in retelling what was presented in the original Beauty and the Beast. Additionally, Emma Watson, who is not known for singing, astonishes audiences with her voice, and the colorful musical numbers are anything but dull.

The film has already exceeded Disney’s expectations, grossing over $160 million dollars, the seventh highest box office revenue for an opening weekend. Overall, the reviews from critics have been positive as well. The New York Times says, “It looks good, moves gracefully and leaves a clean and invigorating aftertaste.” The Common Sense Media praises Watson, calling her “an ideal Belle in this wonderful remake that’s at once nostalgic and new, bringing life the musical for both kids and life-long adult fans.”

There’s no doubt that Beauty and the Beast is a true adaptation of one of the most beloved Disney films. Between the music, outstanding performances, and supportive reviews, Beauty and the Beast is a movie that fans old and new will love.

The magic of Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast can be brought to your home when it is released digitally, on DVD, and on Blu-Ray on June 6, 2017.