Beauty and the Beast: Another Dimension - A Review

[ShrunkenNed]

I must admit, I briefly struggled with the idea of reviewing a movie I'd seen so many times that the script is permanently engrained in my head. Reviewing a movie that had already left its impression of me, one that upon multiple viewings had become routine to watch, almost a sing along. I entertained the thought of instead just writing an article on one of the biggest driving forces behind the movie, the late Howard Ashman (that article isn't too far behind, I assure you).

So what changed my mind? Three things, essentially.

#1) The theater element. I realized that the way I've seen this movie most was in the comfort of my living room, in the company of one or two others. It had been a long time since I'd seen it in an actual movie theater with other moviegoers. Would the story still carry to a large audience? Would it make the experience more enjoyable to someone such as myself?

A Dance Worth Dancing Again...

#2) 3-D. I have to say, I'm not a 3-D apologist. In fact, generally speaking, I don't see the need for it. I see it more as a gimmick to get people in the seats of a theater, to make more money. Sure, it may make the movie feel richer, more in depth, but really, shouldn't story be enough? Without story, a 3-D movie can feel just as flat. Which brought about the question: How would I feel about seeing one of my all time favorite Disney movies in this format?

#3) Tangled Ever After. The new short that precedes the movie is brand new. Surely that would be reason to review!

As it turns out, all three elements played in favor of the experience.

Tangled Ever after follows the adventures of Maximus the horse and Pascal the chameleon on the wedding day of Rapunzel and Flynn Rid...err, um.... Eugene Fitzherbert. This highly entertaining short is chock full of fast-paced physical comedy (the bulk of it being sans dialogue), with great sight gags and a hilarious resolution. I dare not say too much about a five minute short or I'll give it away; needless to say, the entire theater was laughing non stop throughout. Can't wait to watch this little gem repeatedly when it becomes available on DVD.

The Gang's All Here!

Concerning the 3-D: As stated before, I am not, in general, a fan of 3-D. That being said, it worked wonderfully with Beauty and the Beast, especially the outdoor scenes. The best way I can even begin to describe it is: Multiplane camera on steroids. This rich depth is first experienced with the opening shot of The Beast's castle, as we emerge from the woods for a clearer picture, and it only enhances more from there. Not to say it doesn't work for the indoor scenes - it really does lend to those as well; most notably the ballroom scene. For those of you blessed enough to see Beauty and the Beast upon original release, remember the awe in seeing the sweeping shot of Belle and the Beast dance across the floor as the view descended from the chandelier? The computer animation seemed to fit so well in that scene, in seemed almost... three dimensional? Imagine that third dimension was truly added in, and the results are breathtaking to say the least.

As far as the audience experience goes? Pure magic. I was repeatedly reminded why these re-releases of Disney movies work. Perhaps some had never seen it. Perhaps some were reveling in the fact that they were able to share with a new generation the thrill of such an epic movie. Maybe some just love it that much. Whatever the case, we were laughing along, sometimes singing along, at points sitting slack-jawed at the beauty we were seeing on the screen. It's the way movies were meant to be experienced. When Belle sings, "I want adventure in the great wide somewhere..." it means a bit more not coming from a 35 inch screen, and even more experienced with other people. After repeated viewing, it became new again. Here's hoping other scheduled re-releases evoke the same feeling. (Disney, I'm still begging for a theatrical re-release of Peter Pan!)

Still The Most Beautiful Movie Poster Disney Ever Released!

If you have the chance, by all means, go see Beauty and the Beast. If you have reservations, some theaters are playing select showings in 2-D, but don't let the 3-D stop you. Enjoy it. Sing along. Laugh along. It's a tale as old as time, but a tale still worth telling.

[lpetiti]

Very good review. I saw it on Saturday and feel the same way you do about the film:-)

[crystaltink]

I went Friday night after work. This is my favorite Disney animated film, so going to see it was a no brainer. I did go see the Lion King in 3D a few months ago and felt the 3D wasn't worth what I had paid for. I'm not sure they did something different, but I noticed the 3D effects for Beauty & the Beast was a little more in your face. It didn't disappoint.

What else I REALLY loved? The Tangled short. HIL-ARIOUS!

[Disneygirl]

Loved it! The opening was so wonderful, I started to tear up.

[DisneyMan1]

I never got a chance to see it, but I really would like to see "Tangled Ever After" soon. Besides, I loved "Tangled" when I first saw it in theaters a few days after it opened. So, please, can anyone tell me if "Tangled Ever After" will be released on a DVD soon? Thanks.