I grew up with the Disney version of Beauty and the Beast. I was hesitant to watch this film, but ended up enjoying it. The music is a bit annoying at times, but its sweet as well. The costumes were exquisite and beautiful. For its time, the makeup was outstanding as well. The only real problem I had with this movie was some of the minor inconsistencies, but other than that I had fun watching it. This obviously isn't Oscar worthy, but when I show my kids movies, I think I'll show this one every once in a while. The acting was good, and I enjoyed it overall. Its good for a Sunday afternoon with nothing to do, with a nice bowl of popcorn!

So I was shopping with my Girlfriend the other day and she saw this on the bargain rack. She is a fan of fairy tales and has always liked the story of Beauty and the Beast, so we pick it up. That night we put it into the player and watch. Now, the costumes ware great, and the sets were nice. Unfortunately, the rest of the movie lacked somewhat. The acting by anyone not named deMornay was wooden. I don't think the father could have looked any less interested in his part if he'd have tried. The brothers and sisters tried looking pompous, but came off as looking like they needed a few more acting lessons. The only actor to come even close to deMornay was Beast/Prince, and he still looked like he studied at the Shatner School. And watch out when people break into song. My girlfriend and I were laughing, but for all the wrong reasons. The acting quality and the way scenes were framed had me constantly thinking that we had accidentally picked up a porn movie. I can see that they tried to put on a good show, and for what it's worth, this makes for a good couple hours of quality time with the kids. Just try not to giggle at the thought of an animated statue orgy.

I have always loved Farie Tales, and this is my all time favorite, and I have them all. "The Frog Prince" with Aileen Quinn and Helen Hunt. "Puss N' Boots" with Christopher Walken. "Hansel and Gretel", "Rumplestiltskin", "Snow White", "Sleeping Beauty", "Pinnochio". A couple of those are done by Farie Tale Theatre, but I love the Cannon tales more than anything on earth. With Rebecca de Mornay singing, I never would have imagined she could btw, it's astounding. The cinametogrophy is great, and the script is wonderful. I'm 19, and even my father willingly watches this with me. He says, and I agree, that it just seems so real... and he's not that kind of guy at all!!! John Savage is the most terrific beast I could imagine... other than in the French movie "Beaute et Le Bete" or whatever it's called *lol*. It's an even better version than the Disney Cartoon, which is also one of my favorites. I hope that whoever sees this film on sale buys it (and sends it to me, I need a not worn out one!!!) and cherishes it forever!

I adored this movie the first time I saw it when I was 16. I love fairy tales and especially like movies that try to stick to the original story. These stories have been around for hundreds of years before Disney and there are different versions of each in different countries. The sets and costuming of this version are beautiful. (All though some obviously date the film to the late eighties) Rebecca De Mornay is fantastic as the gracious loving creature that can love even a beast. The way that this is filmed it almost feels as though you are the proverbial fly on the wall, or the statue with eyes. I think it is a wonderful way to get kids interested in something besides cartoons.