By Teresa Brummett
Lamp staff
Back in 1991 the release of an animation movie from Disney broke records from the first week that it was released. When the animated movie of The Beauty and the Beast was released no one would have thought that it would rank so high.
Even in its second week out the animation version of The Beauty and the Beast grossed over $9,624,149 and kept climbing. By three months it had broken a few more records, as the fastest to $200 million for its time. Which was just over $202 million in sales.
It also hit other records, a total of 39 in all, with most being the biggest domestic weekend, which ranked from day 5 release till day 7,375. From week to week the movie broke record after record.
So, it’s not a surprise that just a short 26 years later that we would be talking about it once again. But that’s exactly what is happening.
Disney has redone the classic and brought it back with a slight twist. Instead of being those animated characters that everyone fell in love with the Disney corporation have created the classic using actual actors/actresses into these famous rolls.
The public not knowing exactly what to expect when they placed Emma Watson, from the Harry Potter movies as Belle, Dan Stevens from Downton Abbey as The Beast and Luke Evans from Dracula as Gaston. And these were just the start of a huge dynamic cast. Ian McKellen, Ewan McGregor, Andrea Mc Donald, Stanley Tucci and more. Of course, we would have to mention Kevin Kline as Belle’s father Maurice and Josh Gad as Le Fou where their parts couldn’t have been any more of a perfect fit for them as well as the other actors and actresses.
Although Stevens had a lot of hard work during the making of the film he also had to learn not only walk but dance in the stilts for his part. And even though his face was covered with makeup it showed every facial emotion that he had. Which brought the human side of him out for the viewer to see.
But, nothing could have prepared the audience when Stevens started singing a song of his very own along with Kline’s character who also had a song of his own. Both songs that were created for the movie which were by the original composer Alan Menken with help from Tim Rice and Howard Ashman. Menken has composed several other animated Disney movies on the list is movies like Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Pocahontas and Tangled just to name a few. These songs that were added into the classic soundtrack music were too perfect. It was as if they had been created and placed on the original soundtrack.
And with names like Ariana Grande and John Legend singing the original theme song, and Celine Dion with the new song “How Does a Moment Last Forever.” There’s no doubt that you may need tissues for this soundtrack because it is as enjoyable or a cut above the original.
Then you add in the acting that’s found in this once again classic no one will be disappointed in the movie. In fact, believing that sales of the movie tells it’s story couldn’t be closer to the truth.
Since the day the new version of Beauty and the Beast has opened sales have hit a high of $317 million, with barely ten days since its release on March 17. And once foreign ticket sales are added in per comScore that amount will grow to $690.3 million for the first two weeks in the box office.
The original animated movie grossed $425 million and that isn’t such a far stretch for the new Beauty and the Beast to cross the $500 million mark over the next few weeks.
For years Disney, has compiled their stories to encourage children and adults alike how people want and should be treated, with respect. For those who are arrogant, they can really change to be a better person and be a protector when needed. And those who want to find true love will find it in the most unexpected of places.
This new version of Beauty and the Beast brings back all the magical feelings as the original but updates it for all viewers new and old alike.
It brings back all the emotions that the original one gives you. But reminds you that you can love someone for what’s hidden inside of them. Throw in the fighting villains, singing, dancing and comedy and you’ve got a great hit.
Then all the extra scenes the writers added into the story by showing you more of a connection with The Beast and Belle. It pulls you in within the first few minutes and keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting for that moment of their happily ever after.
So, watch out in a few weeks while Beauty and the Beast breaks a few more records before it’s all said and done. I would suggest that if you liked the first one you’ll love the new version because it brings the human emotion to it and who can resist…a Beast!
Teresa Brummett can be reached at [email protected].
