My Journey Through IMDB's Top #250

Rating: 8/10 (16 May 2018)

Title - 'Beauty and The Beast'
Date Released (UK) - 9 October 1992
Average Rating at Time of Review - 8.0
Position in IMDB's Top 250 at Time of Review - #250
Directed By - Gary Trousdale & Kirk Wise
Starring - Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson & Jesse Corti
Plot - A young woman whose father has been imprisoned by a terrifying beast offers herself in his place - unaware that her captor is actually a prince, physically altered by a magic spell.
As a child, I never got around to watching classic animated Disney movies such as 'Snow White', 'The Little Mermaid' and the rest. Over time, I have even trying to rectify this.
However 'Beauty and The Beast' was one I'd never intended on watching. I saw the 2017 version of the film and by all accounts that was essentially a shot-for-shot remake. When speaking to people about that film, there were a few opinions that it was made as a money-grab and people should just watch the original. I, on the other hand, was all for the remake as it allows a new generation to enjoy this story.
Upon watching this version, it would appear that the naysayers of the 'Beauty and The Beast' remake were correct. Despite being a shot-for-shot retelling of the tale, the new version is missing a lot of the magic that this film retains - and that's exactly how it should be in a film where enchantresses and magical roses are integral to the plot.
PROS:

The Animation - The animation in this film is incredible, especially for its time. There were a few background animations that's weren't entirely smooth when there was a lot happening at once, but when two characters are on screen together it looks great. Those scenes, in animated form, really add to that magic I was just talking about.
The Cinematography - The colour scheme in this film is used to great effect and is capable of telling a story by itself. Someone with no clue pertaining to the plot could watch this movie on mute and still understand the characters intentions and development.
The Music - I strongly advise against watching it on mute, however. When watching musicals, I usually find there's one song that doesn't work or one song that I'd skip over if I was listening to the soundtrack. That is not the case here and, given that the soundtrack takes up 25 minutes of the film, that is quite an achievement. Every song feels like it has a purpose in the film be it: telling a part of the story (via outside characters watching the two protagonists), shedding light on a characters intentions or simply adding to the magic feel of the film. Every song is excellently performed and the animation allows for all kinds of possibilities when putting them on screen.

CONS:

The Beast - Not The Beast himself, but rather his character development. It very much exists but it feels very rushed. One moment The Beast is taking Belle prisoner and the next he is in love with her, with not much time allowed to show that love grow besides one song covering the course of a day. This is a Disney film however and despite the agelessness of the story, it is targeted at children, so it is understandable why they did this. That does not make up for the lack of emotional investment in their relationship though.
The Ending - Here is a great story about loving what's inside and not judging a book by its cover and that's a message that people young and old can take away from this film. That message is kind of dampened at the end however, when The Beast turns into a handsome prince. Again, I understand why this was done and I enjoyed seeing characters like Mrs. Potts, Chip and the other enchanted items return to their human forms - I just feel that 'Shrek' delivered this message in a more memorable way

Watching this film has been an important experience that I'm glad to have had. It has shown me the difference that animation can have on a story, so much so that it made me realise what the newer version could have and should have been. This 'Beauty and The Beast' feels a lot more magical, is definitely more fun and I am far more likely to watch it again thanks to its beautiful soundtrack and engaging animation.
I believe that if any generation wants to experience this tale, this is the telling they should choose.
"If it's not Baroque, don't fix it!" - Cogsworth