Beauty and the Beast with Josette Day: DVD Cover
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Beauty and the Beast
a.k.a. La Belle et La Bête Director: Jean Cocteau Cast: Josette Day, Jean Marais, Mila Parely, Nane Germon

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  • DVD Release Date: 09/09/2008
  • Original Release: 1946
  • Rating: Not Rated
  • Sales Rank: 7,356

Viewer Rating: (4 ratings)

Detailed Rating: "Fun for Grown-ups" See All

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DVD - Black & White$39.99
 
  • Overview
  • Editorial Reviews
  • Scenes
  • Customer Reviews
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Scenes

Scene Index

Disc #1 -- Essental Art House: Beauty and the Beast
1. Once Upon a Time [3:22]
2. Wicked Sisters [3:53]
3. La Belle [3:48]
4. Enchanted Forest [5:33]
5. La Béte [8:33]
6. The Price of a Rose [2:22]
7. Beauty Meets Beast [8:55]
8. A Strange Proposal [3:50]
9. Observations [5:07]
10. A Broken Heart [10:35]
11. Stripped of Everything [1:32]
12. Belle's Promise [4:41]
13. A Tearful Reunion [2:31]
14. Riches to Rags [4:11]
15. Old Ways Anew [7:57]
16. The Sisters Revenge [3:27]
17. Mirror Images [4:39]
18. Closing In [2:50]
19. Miracles [5:31]
1. Color Bars [:00]

Scene Index

Editorial Reviews

Jean Cocteau's most popular film, this 1946 masterpiece is perhaps the most faithful of the many film versions of the 1756 fairy tale written by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont. Though the ending is a bit on the strange side -- the Beast morphs into a prince who looks exactly like Belle's hapless suitor, and her disappointment is unmistakable -- the film features tight, economical storytelling and enough visual fireworks (including many stunningly executed optical effects) to enrapture viewers from beginning to end. The actors are uniformly wonderful: Josette Day makes a stunning Belle, and Cocteau regular Jean Marais excels in a triple role that includes the magnificent Beast. The real stars of the film, though, are Cocteau himself, who gives the film a shimmering, romantic look, and the brilliant costume and set design. The Beast's make-up, in particular, works beautifully; it's just realistic enough to be convincing, while allowing Marais to emote through his eyes and subtle facial tics. The unforgettable sets, which include human arm candelabras and moving statues, are a marvel of impressionistic romanticism, filled with symbolism that hints at the story's darker implications. Forget Disney -- this is the closest anyone's come to capturing the essence of a fairy tale on film. Mark Pittillo Barnes & Noble

Customer Reviews

  • Viewer Rating:
  • Ratings: 4Reviews: 2

A Real Beautyby Anonymous

Reader Rating:
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September 19, 2009: Stunning cinematography, and absolutely true to the original story. An essential addition to any serious film collection.

This review was written about the DVD Black & White edition.

A Work of ARTby Anonymous

Reader Rating:
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May 02, 2007: This movie is so beautiful it's hard to describe. Inventive, artistic, flowing, majestic. This treasure was made over 60 years ago but makes the most of special effects to completely engage the audience. They aren't blatent either. You have to pay attention to the carvings on the fireplace and statues. Notice the way the beast's ears move (like a hunter) when he hears an animal in the wood. I don't want to give away other surprises because it would ruin the experience. Watching it, I felt like I was looking at a beautiful painting, seeing a lovely ballet, and being mezmerized by a great movie. I know my comments sound silly, but you have to see it. I did see it many years ago and recently rented it. The years haven't diminished the experience. I love movies and have eclectic taste. This is a treasure of the art house movies.

This review was written about the DVD Black & White edition.