Beauty and The Beast - Criterion Collection

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Summary: The most beautiful film ever made.
Review: Upon leaving the theater after viewing Cocteau's "Beauty and the Beast," Greta Garbo was reported to have said, "Bring back my beautiful Beast!" Amen.

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Summary: A beautiful film, even more remarkable from post-war Paris..
Review: This film -- lyrical, hauntingly beautiful -- is even more amazing when considered in its historical context -- it was made in France in 1946. From the post-war wreakage comes this flower -- I see this film as a tribute to hope and the human spirit!

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Summary: I can't say I enjoyed this all that much.
Review: I had to see La Belle et La Bete in my french class, and while the sets are remarkable and acting impeccable, the plot drags its feet endlessly. Had it been sped up a bit, this film would be a true masterpiece.

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Summary: If you buy one B&W movie other than Citizen Kane, buy this!
Review: One of the most beautiful movies ever made. If you are thinking of buying this movie and detered by the thought that it's old, subtitled, and in black and white, please, I beg you, don't be put off. This movie has been in film critics' top tens for decades, and for very good reasons. After five minutes you will forget any supposed 'limitations'. The black and white cinematography is utterly perfect. The plot is one which everyone *thinks* they know, but contains surprising depths, especially the ending (which remains contentious). The acting (especially Jean Morais playing several roles) is just right. The Criterion Edition remastering has done marvels - having seen art house cinema prints of this and broadcasts on the dear old BBC of this movie, I was astonished at the improvement in picture and sound.

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Summary: Enchanting
Review: I saw this first as a tiny child. The film carries with it still all of the belief that the world can be magical and beautiful that it instilled in me previously. It is ageless.

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Summary: Each frame is a painting in itself!
Review: After seeing this film for the first time, almost 40 years ago...I would look behind me everywhere I went and wait before mirrors to see what might appear within them. The beauty of this film is without equal; it is seamless and alive with light and shadow ....like a perfect pearl. Filmed on a low budget, it is a miracle to behold. The statuary, the terraces, the carpetted hallways and the gardens are opulent and lush. There is one scene where Beauty literally floats along the hallway and another where smoke emanates from the claws of the Beast as he tragically ponders his animal nature. The raspy voice of the Beast adds to the dramatic impact... many felt that he was more beautiful in his cursed state. I agree...see the movie and decide for yourself.

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Summary: c'est magnifique!
Review: A must see! What I liked best about this movie are the props & settings...watch carefully to see all the wonderful 'human' fixtures in the beasts castle...this movie is from the 1940's but still very much enjoyable...it is by far my most favorite version of "BEAUTY & THE BEAST"

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Summary: How can you NOT like this film?
Review: I saw this the first time in 1978 on PBS. At ten years old it stuck with me till now. Disney's version was good for children, but if you really want traditional Gothic Romance, this is the one. The special effects for the time were extremely good and I can't wait to see the subtitles cleaned up on the DVD. I would also love to see Tim Burton do a version just like it, B/W in French if possible just to see someone else use humans as coat racks, candelabras and statues.

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Summary: a childhood experience , still with me today, 45 years later
Review: I was fortunate to grow up in a house that came with a projection room, which enabled me to see many wonderful movies on a regular basis. When I saw Beauty and the Beast I was mesmerized. I was about six years old when I walked through the castle of the Beast and saw the wonderful human arms projecting out of the wall holding lighted candleabra aloft...and the fireplace decorated with real human figures that turned their heads and blew smoke out of their mouths! It was a waking dream, seen through gauze, and every detail of that land was fascinating. I hoped for years this would become available on video, and I strongly recommend this version.

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Summary: One of the most beautiful, magical movies ever made.
Review: I saw this when I was a young woman in college and loved the magic and the depth of the characters--more than just card board fairly tale characters. I watched it with my 8 year old daughter recently (I wanted to wait until she could read the subtitles, so I wouldn't have to speak over the actors' beautiful voices) and she also adored it. It's now part of our collection.