Beauty and the Beast (in 3D)

One thing one can expect from an animated feature is pure entertainment with an element of action, adventure, excitement, song and dance. I must say, this 3D special event presentation of "Beauty and the Beast" delivers these elements in spades.

Belle (Paige O'Hara) is a girl who is dissatisfied with life in a small French provincial village, while trying to fend off the misplaced "affections" of the narcissistic, conceited Gaston (Richard White), with incompetent help from flunky, Lefou (Jesse Corti). The Beast (Robby Benson) is a prince who was placed under a spell because of his inability to love. But along with his receiving the spell, his entire staff consisting of Luminere (Jerry Orbach), Cogsworth (David Ogden Stiers), Mrs. Potts (Angela Lansbury), Chip (Bradley Michael Pierce) and Wardrobe (Jo Anne Worley) also suffered from the same spell.

A wrong turn taken by Maurice (Rex Everhart), Belle's father, causes the two to meet in that instead of the Beast imprisoning Maurice, Belle agrees to take his place instead. Hal Smith puts in a good turn as Philippe.

This 1991 re-release was wonderfully directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise. It was equally well written by Linda Woolverton based on many that contributed to the story, Roger Allers being the story supervisor.

The real stars of this film were the music composer and lyricist: Alan Menken and Howard Ashman respectively.These guys were a great team, as talented as Lerner/Loewe, Rodgers/Hammerstein, etc. Their short resume proves it: "Little Shop of Horrors" '86, "The Little Mermaid" '89, "Aladdin" '92. Even after Ashman's demise, Menken went on to compose films like "Pocahontas" '95, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" '96, and "Tangled" '10. Their music was the type that once you heard it, it just stuck, extremely catchy. This is difficult to accomplish consistently.

This is a definite classic that is a great feel good film that anyone of any age can watch and be thoroughly entertained. And with the 3D process, it only makes this trip to the multiplex that much more fun.

Out of 4 stars: 4                        Rated: G                      84min.