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Summary: New version to be released Fall 2002
Review: The most groundbreaking work that has ever been done on this classic film, past the commentaries and polishes, was composer Philip Glass' operatic juxtaposition. Simply put, Criterion is releasing a new version of this DVD with Philip Glass' opera superimposed over the images, as he originally conceived it. That is something to look forward to.
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Summary: a work of art
Review: This is a visually stunning work of art. It's like looking at the illustrations of a beautiful old Fairy Tale book. I dared not miss a single scene. I would truthfully consider this one of the best made movies of all time. Even with today's technology no one has captured this dreamlike aura so stunningly photographed. This is definetly the best version of this classic fairy tale. Yes, it is in french with English subtitles, but it will not stop you from enjoying it. Buy it. You'll want to see it over and over. Your kids will be enchanted!!!
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Summary: Translated into english = substitles in english only!
Review: I am a huge fan of Beauty and the Beast in pretty much any form. But here is the problem. On Amazon's web site and on the package of this DVD, it states ( Original Fable translated into english. ) In truth this means english subtitles. I bought this in the pretence that the actual movie itself would be english spoken. So I was quite disapoined when I found out it hadn't realy been translated into english. When you have to constantly read the subtitles its hard to actually enjoy the movie. It was going at a fast pace. This is why I give this DVD 3 stars intead of 5 stars. Because I got myself excited about it being in english, instead I got a huge let down.
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Summary: Essential film, not so good transfer (Criterion Spine # 6)
Review: Cocteau's Beauty and the Beast is a universal masterpiece. But the transfer for this edition (Criterion Spine #6) is not up to the editor's usual standards : scratches, jumps, blurs and sound hissing. Plus... the opening credits are not the wonderful original ones, when Cocteau is seen writing the names of the film crew on a school blackboard. Wait a while and get the new Criterion edition, due in late 2002 !
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Summary: Criterion re-releasing in the fall.
Review: "Criterion has ceased manufacturing our original edition of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (spine #6) to make room for a new edition, scheduled for release later this year. The new BEAUTY AND THE BEAST will feature a new transfer, a new spine number, and additional new supplemental features . It will be preceded by a theatrical release of newly restored prints in the spring. It's not technically going out of print, but the original edition will be replaced." - Jon Mulvaney / Criterion Co.
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Summary: A dream in a dream
Review: As the director Jean Cocteau states at the begining of the film, you have to watch this with the mindset of a child. It started off a bit strange, but as the story progressed, I was totally captivated by this dreamy world. It is black and white, but the cinematography is so beautiful and rich, you forget about the colorlessness. I gave 4 stars, just because this film is not for everyone. If you like surrealism, and you have seen Jean Cocteau's "Orpheus" and liked it, this film is for you. I like this film much better than "Orpheus".
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Summary: Superb version of Beauty and the Beast ! (VHS version)
Review: Cocteau's 'La belle et la bête' is the most imaginative and powerful of all versions on the small and silver screen of this story which are currently available. It has deeply invaded my (sub-)consciousness and rooted itself there permanently. Since several of the other reviewers have already dealt with the story, I'll not repeat it here again.Jean Marais features in a stunning performance as the Beast and he also portrays Beauty's suitor Avenant and the Prince. Marais makes the Beast a truly beyond memorable character! Bringing out all the sides of the Beast's dual nature. First of all: his tenderness, gallantry and goodness. The viewer shouldn't also forget about a certain úndercurrent of violence and savageness, which becomes evident when Beauty sleeps and the Beast hunts. The Beast has his passions and violence under á tight control. In short in Cocteau's version the Beast is an unforgettable tragic hero. Likewise Josette Day makes a wonderful and exquisite Beauty. What else can the Beast and Avenant do but pine for her? The black & white photography only enhanced the surreal and dreamlike quality of this film for me. Further the beauty and magical atmosphere of the Beast's castle and several scenes there have already been praised profusely. Beautiful costumes and great make up for Jean Marais as the Beast certainly add to this. A mesmerizing film, which touches and enchants the viewer time and again deeply. Don't miss this hauntingly beautiful masterpiece!
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Summary: Haunting, enchanting, hypnotic, eccentric, beautiful
Review: Goodness, to think it took me so long to discover this movie. Something so weird, yet so beautiful is right up my alley. The film is a classic fairy tale carried by the sheer force of the director's imagination. The story is a familiar one, a lesson about inner beauty, yet we never once feel that we are being preached to. (Unlike a certain OTHER famous version that, while admirable in many ways, hasn't a serious thought in its pretty little head. I didn't mean to compare but the subject has already been brought up) From beginning to end, this is a cornicopia of visual delights. Who could forget the scene of Beauty floating through a room with billowing curtains? Or when Beats drinks from her hands? Or the living fireplace that blows smoke from its' nose? Or the living statue of Diana? Or Beauty seeming to grow from the wall? Or Beast on his stomach drinking from a lake? Or.... Well, enough of that, see it all for yourself. The only issue I can find fault with is the ending. For what its worth, this paragraph contains a spoiler though everyone knows the end of this fairy tale. SPOILER I was a little disappointed in the prince. After a character as wild and appealing as the Beast, you expect a little more from his human form. Every B&B movie has this problem, Prince Charming simply cannot compete. Making the Beast look like Avenant was a master stroke, though. It meant that in the end, everyone's outer form matches their inner self. END SPOILER Even if you are a fan of the Disney version, this movie has many delights and will even show how the Disney version got most of its idea. The only requirements to enjoy this film are the ability to read (it is all in French, the romance language suits the story very very well) and the ability to follow the instructions at the beginning: be a child for an hour and a half and be led into a magical world of romance. Is it worth the money, though? Oh, yes, yes, yes. This DVD has been restored to great quality (for an old film) Plus, the audio commentary is actually very interesting (so many are repetitive) Enough excuses! Try this out for yourself and you will not be sorry.
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Summary: So beautiful, it's scary.
Review: Sort of like a diamond or a snowflake: i.e., uniquely perfect. As Criterion points out, Cocteau's *Beauty and the Beast* is one of cinema's crown jewels. The tone is thoroughly traditional, as are the settings (enchanted woods, haunted old castle) -- though one may rightly wonder what Cocteau is up to at the end when the magnificent, sorrowful beast turns into a puffed-up dandy w / tights and a blond wig. But perhaps such ironies have always been present in folklore, if we care to examine such stories closely. Nonetheless, we can all probably agree with Greta Garbo who, after seeing the movie, was heard to say: "Bring back my beautiful Beast!" The make-up sessions for Jean Marais must have been an ordeal -- well worth it, for it's magnificent work. Josette Day's remarkable beauty (I mean her looks, not just her character's name), in its alabaster sensuality, makes it easy to believe that the 2 beasts in the movie (the other being Marais' Avenant) would wallow in self-abnegation for her acceptance. The "special effects", by the way, are amazing, and further proof that computers should be the last resort when it comes to stories such as these (and never mind that this was 1946. Real human arms that serve as living candelabra look like, well, real human arms. CGI arms do not). Criteron must have spent a fortune cleaning this one up. Splendid work -- only downside is that there are no liner notes in the package. But whatever. Every serious cineast should have this in their collection.
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Summary: Unspeakable, Unthinkable Beauty
Review: This movie is about a love so deep that it goes beyond the normal. Truly nothing was spared in making this movie one of the most intriguing movies of all time. This is not a movie for children but for those who are old enough in years and yet young enough at heart to enjoy the mystery,suspense and thrill of it all. The movie is done in French with English subtitles, but you will get so caught up in the movie that you won't even know your reading.
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