Film Review: ‘Beauty and the Beast 3D’ Brings Magic to New Generation in Unnecessary Dimension

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CHICAGO – It is a tale as old as time, and a film almost as old as I am. After the success that Disney had bringing “The Lion King” back to theaters this past September, it is no surprise that they have decided to bring four more films back to the theaters, starting with the classic tale “Beauty and the Beast,” which was first released in November of 1991. And while it is exciting to see these films again on a large screen with surround sound, I can’t help but wish the third dimension could have been kept out of this one.

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 4.0/5.0
Rating: 4.0/5.0

The classic story of a young girl who is forced to live with a beast-man in a giant castle as a trade for her father’s life, the story of “Beauty and the Beast,” is one of the most brilliant ever seen in a Disney film. The film brings up lessons of inner beauty, true love, and compassion, all within an animated musical with catchy numbers and beautiful imagery. But who am I to talk? If you have never seen this classic Disney film, all you need to know is it is one of only three animated films that has ever been nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, and the only one to be nominated when the awards were nominating only five films (“Up” and “Toy Story 3” were both nominated in years with ten nominees). The film has led to tons of merchandise, several spin-offs, multiple video games, and even a Broadway musical.

StarRead Tim Martens’ full review of “Beauty and the Beast 3D” in our reviews section.

With all that being said, why wouldn’t you want to see this film again (or perhaps for the first time) on the big screen? Quite simply, there is no reason you shouldn’t want to, but it is frustrating that you have to pay a little more and wear glasses. I could get in a tizzy here and complain that I had to fork over an extra few bucks, or that you do so knowing it’s a cheap way for Disney to make more money, but the fact is this is an opportunity that does not often come around. “Beauty and the Beast” was one of the first movies I ever saw in theaters, back when I was two years old. Now, twenty years later, I was struck by the realization that not only the little kindergarten kids sitting around me hadn’t seen this film on a big screen before, but even freshmen in college. And right from the opening notes and intro sequence, a feeling of nostalgia and youth rushed over me as I watched this beautiful film on a big screen again for the first time in two decades.

So, how does the film look in 2012? Well, most importantly, the film does not seem dated. This could be a credit to the people at Disney for reworking and restoring this film and making it perfect for a digital copy, but the original artists and filmmakers are really to credit here. The images of the French countryside are still lush and gorgeous and the atmosphere and look of the castle and forest are as gothic and terrifying as ever. It is such a shame that you have to watch it under tinted glasses.

StarContinue reading for Tim Martens’ full “Beauty and the Beast 3D” review.

“Beauty and the Beast 3D” stars the voices of Paige O’Hara, Robby Benson, and Angela Lansbury. It was directed by Gary Trousdale & Kirk Wise. The original film was released on November 22nd, 1991 and the 3D version was wide released on January 13th, 2012.

Beauty and the Beast 3D
Beauty and the Beast 3D
Photo credit: Disney

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