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

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Rating: 4.0/5.0

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.

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.

Beauty and the Beast 3D
Photo credit: Disney

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.

Beauty and the Beast 3D
Photo credit: Disney

The 3D is a complete afterthought when watching the film. In fact, the only noticeable moments of 3D in the film come at the beginning prologue, the musical number “Be Our Guest,” and the ballroom dance during the song “Beauty and the Beast.” And the brilliance of these scenes does not come from the 3D, but from the already existing artwork and animated sequences created by the film’s original animators. The bright colors and exciting dance of silverware, plates, and champagne bottles in “Be Our Guest” is the fun of this musical sequence and the 3D does little to enhance what is already magical. The only time the 3D was worthwhile was during the end credits, where original artist sketches of all the characters in the film had deep dimension on top of an all-black credit screen. The reality of it is “Beauty and the Beast” was already a lovely film that had originally been made with 2D animation. Why would I need that 2D animation to be seen in 3D?

While it is a bit upsetting that this film is only available in 3D, and that re-releasing the film in 3D is obviously a way for Disney to make a quick buck, I can’t lie and act like I didn’t enjoy watching this film on the big screen again. The musical numbers are still fun, the story is still heart-warming, and the nostalgia from seeing this film in a theater again was worth the price of admission. It is nice to know that young adults, young parents, and older parents have the chance to go back to the theater and see this film again, but even nicer to know that this film is now available for a new generation to see on the big screen. If you are a young parent who saw “Beauty and the Beast” in theaters when you were young, what better way to share it with your child than in the movie theater? Even if the 3D adds nothing to the film and you have to pay a little more because of it, don’t miss your chance to see “Beauty and the Beast 3D” while this classic film is still available on the silver screen.

“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.

By TIM MARTENS Staff Writer HollywoodChicago.com tim@hollywoodchicago.com