Quick Review: Beauty and the Beast (1991)

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

BY CHRISTOPHER HASKELL
MARCH 9, 2013

Having grown up with the film, not only does it hold up, but the remastering of this animated feature film is jaw-dropping, bringing a sleekness and polished look to this 90’s Disney film that makes it feel like it was released ten years later than it was. Belle is one of my favorite princesses, as she sets a beautiful example for little girls who admire her. The Beast and his reactions are often humorous, and his staff of furniture and utensils steal the show.

With two of the best Disney musical numbers to date, specifically “Beauty and the Beast” and “Be Out Guest,” the film ranks as one of my all-time favorite animated Disney films. Certain aspects of the film have tarnished as I’ve grown up with this film, including the chaotic plot points like the Beast’s age before the spell and the period throughout the film. However, minor gripes aside, “Beauty and the Beast” is a near-perfect film in general and will hopefully continue to entertain for generations to come.

RELEASE DATE
November 22, 1991

DIRECTOR
Gary Trousdale
Kirk Wise

WRITTEN BY
Linda Woolverton
Brenda Chapman (story by)
Chris Sanders (story by)
Burny Mattinson (story by)
Kevin Harkey (story by)
Brian Pimental (story by)
Bruce Woodside (story by)
Joe Ranft (story by)
Tom Ellery (story by)
Kelly Asbury (story by)
Robert Lence (story by)

BASED ON
“Beauty and the Beast”
by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont

STUDIO
Walt Disney Pictures

G

ANIMATION
FAMILY
FANTASY
MUSICAL
ROMANCE
84 minutes