Walt Disney Pictures has followed up the successful release of the 3D version of “The Lion King” with their other modern classic, “Beauty in the Beast,” in the same format. Seeing “Beauty and the Beast” in 3D on the big screen is a completely different experience than seeing it in a home theater. It added not only depth to the picture but also to the atmosphere of the film.
The parts that were dark in the original version were somehow amplified by the 3D. I’ve seen this movie countless times with children, and the parts in the forest and such caused my two-year old and five year-old nieces to clinch tightly to the edge of their seats and my wife’s arm. My only complaint was that in the screening we attended, it seemed like the images weren’t blending together correctly. It seemed like something wasn’t lining up right. That didn’t happen all the time, however and it could have been the way it was being projected.
Movie critics absolutely love the 3D version of “Beauty and the Beast.” Jennie Punter of Globe and Mail reported, “The 3D pops out to enhance the drama or energy of scenes in which settings are large and integral to the action.” TheDivaReview.com’s Diva Velez wrote, “One of the brightest jewels in Disney’s crown, ‘Beauty and the Beast’s’ 3D reissue takes nothing away and makes the film’s brilliance even easier to appreciate; the movie is more beautiful and timeless than it ever was.”
There were a few movie reviewers who found the use of 3D to be pointless. Jimmy O. from JoBlo’s Movie Emporium stated, “The 3D doesn’t really add much of anything to this animated classic.” Newark Star-Ledger’s Stephen Whitty complained, “What you gain in an extra, faked dimension you lose in lively, genuine beauty.”
Most audiences seemed pleased with “Beauty and the Beast” in 3D. Rosalind F. stated, “One of Disney’s best movies! I just saw the 3D version and it was mesmerizing – I loved it! In fact, it was the first time seeing it on the big screen.” Stacia S. declared, “It was as amazing as the first time. Well worth the trip to see it in 3D.” Bailey B. claimed, “The 3D immerses the viewer… Perhaps the most memorable 3D movie I’ll ever see!”
A few moviegoers felt the 3D release was unnecessary. David Almeida complained, “There were times when the gimmick of the 3D was actually distracting, and I think it took away from the emotional impact of the film.” Kyler C. said, “The original was meh, and this IS the original with just some barely noticeable 3D thrown into the mix.” Jeff L. related, “The 3D version has at least two animation studios working on it. The quality jumps from high, to very low quality through-out the movie… I can’t recommend this.”
Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale directed “Beauty and the Beast” in 3D. It stars Paige O’Hara, Robby Benson, Rex Everhart (II), Richard White, and Jesse Corti. The movie is rated G for all audiences. It was released in theaters through Walt Disney Pictures on January 13, 2012.
For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:
‘Adventures of Tintin’ Original Soundtrack Review
‘Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked’ Makes Critics Wince, Children Smile
December 9: Moviegoers Visit Narnia for the First Time in 2005
Eric Shirey is the founder and former editor of Rondo Award nominated movie news websites MovieGeekFeed.com and TheSpectralRealm.com. His work has been featured on Yahoo!, DC Comics, StarWars.com, and other entertainment websites. Eric has interviewed and worked with actors like Harrison Ford, Brooke Shields, Gerard Butler, Brendan Fraser, Selena Gomez, and many more.