"Well, some people use their imagination."
A selfish young prince offended an enchantress and with his entire household, was placed under curse. He was transformed in a Beast (Benson), while his servants take the form of household objects, until he falls in love (the feeling must be mutual) and the spell is broken. After years of waiting they have completely lost hope.
In a nearby village, Belle (O'Hara) dreams of a new life with adventures like the ones in her books. She dreams of a great romance, but is pursued by Gaston (White) who limits her imagination. Her father, Maurice (Everhart) is an inventor, and sets off with his latest invention to find a better life. He ends up at the castle of the Beast, and is taken prisoner.
When he doesn't come home, Belle goes after him...and ends up offering to stay in her father's place. Belle is welcomed by the servants: Lumiere (Orbach) the candlestick, Cogsworth (Stiers) the clock, and Mrs. Potts (Lansbury) the teapot, who try to make her feel at home.
Reason I chose this film:
This film was part of the return to form for Disney movies. After decades of so-so films the late 80's - early 90's introduced some of the best stories / characters / songs. This is the first (and only) animated Disney film to be nominated for an Academy Award**, which is impressive. The story is incredible...and has a slew of full-developed characters. While I love Disney films (including the subpar ones), this is probably one of the best of the bunch.
The look and feel of the film is incredible, especially the transformation at the end (which I watched for a film class!). The voice talents were all Broadway stars, and bring an interesting dynamic to the film. The characters of Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Mrs. Potts manage to steal several scenes and add to the humor of the film. The focus is consistently on the main characters, but the castle inhabitants are the best part.
**EDIT** Many Disney animated films have been nominated and won in the category of Best Animated Film. Howe1ver, "Beauty & the Beast" was the first (and to my knowledge) only Disney film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Film. "Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs" received a "special" Academy Award, which consisted of one regular sized award and seven smaller sized awards. Thank you Amanda for telling me about this...you can find more info at imdb.
In a nearby village, Belle (O'Hara) dreams of a new life with adventures like the ones in her books. She dreams of a great romance, but is pursued by Gaston (White) who limits her imagination. Her father, Maurice (Everhart) is an inventor, and sets off with his latest invention to find a better life. He ends up at the castle of the Beast, and is taken prisoner.
Reason I chose this film:
This film was part of the return to form for Disney movies. After decades of so-so films the late 80's - early 90's introduced some of the best stories / characters / songs. This is the first (and only) animated Disney film to be nominated for an Academy Award**, which is impressive. The story is incredible...and has a slew of full-developed characters. While I love Disney films (including the subpar ones), this is probably one of the best of the bunch.
The look and feel of the film is incredible, especially the transformation at the end (which I watched for a film class!). The voice talents were all Broadway stars, and bring an interesting dynamic to the film. The characters of Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Mrs. Potts manage to steal several scenes and add to the humor of the film. The focus is consistently on the main characters, but the castle inhabitants are the best part.
**EDIT** Many Disney animated films have been nominated and won in the category of Best Animated Film. Howe1ver, "Beauty & the Beast" was the first (and to my knowledge) only Disney film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Film. "Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs" received a "special" Academy Award, which consisted of one regular sized award and seven smaller sized awards. Thank you Amanda for telling me about this...you can find more info at imdb.
Beauty & the Beast (1991) 84 minutes
Directors: Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise
Starring: Paige O'Hara as Belle
Robby Benson as Beast
Richard White as Gaston
Jerry Orbach as Lumiere
David Ogden Stiers as Cogsworth / Narrator
Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Potts
Bradley Pierce as Chip
Rex Everhart as Maurice
Jesse Corti as Lefou
Directors: Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise
Starring: Paige O'Hara as Belle
Robby Benson as Beast
Richard White as Gaston
Jerry Orbach as Lumiere
David Ogden Stiers as Cogsworth / Narrator
Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Potts
Bradley Pierce as Chip
Rex Everhart as Maurice
Jesse Corti as Lefou
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