The Second in the Nineties Golden Age

Rating: 8/10 (16 April 2007)

Film-Beauty and the Beast Rating-G Creator-Walt Disney Feature Animation Release Year-1991
With it's classic story, memorable characters, dramatic songs, and under toned villain, this film is one that absolutely deserves it's place in Disney's coveted "Platinum" line of DVDs. Now come along with me as I explore these three sections of the film-the Villain, the DVD, and instead of comic relief, the Music.
Gaston is the rude and conceited man who tries to get Belle to marry him through his achievements and looks, and as a child you wouldn't see that this man is the dramatic villain, until the final sequences. His song, "Let's Kill the Beast," truly captures his intentions, and to me, is what truly made this film nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.
The 2002 Platinum release of this title was dazzling. The disc offered three versions of the film, a beautiful making of feature, wonderful packaging, and of course, silly games for the kids. It's a DVD worth buying, yet maybe not buying to wait for it's upcoming new Platium release in the years to come.
And now for probably the best part of this film, the Broadway style music. Composing the film is Alan Menken, the genius behind "The Little Mermaid (1989)" who brings this film to stunning style musically, with it's basis of theatrical dramatic songs, and having the range to do the silly songs as well. And then of course, there is the glue between film and music, the lyricist for the film, the late Howard Ashman. His witty style doesn't dumb down for any age. It's glamor when needed, and fun when wanted, is witty and catchy-these songs will forever stay in your mind. Howard Ashman test HIV positive in production of this film, and died a few months before it's release. Fans of his work know this as his last true film, although he contributed some work to "Aladdin (1992)" though the lyricist for that is mainly Tim Rice.
All in all, Beauty and the Beast is a golden triumph among the Golden ages, and should not lose it's place in any home. With it's fabulous villain, magnificent DVD, and genius music, it's no wonder that so many fans find this their favorite Disney film.
Walt Disney Pictures Beautiful Classic, Beauty and the Beast