Beauty and the Beast hits theatres today: Should you go...again?

The beloved Disney classic, Beauty and the Beast, hits theatres today in 3D and regular D.

Can you believe it’s been 21 years since the original played on the big screen?

Of course, I remembered everything about this musical tale when I saw it again recently at an advance 3D screening.

The theatre was filled with a new generation of little ones, who were being introduced to Lumiere, the suave candelabra, Cogsworth, a no-nonsense clock, Mrs. Potts, the wise old teapot, and her eager young son Chip, a tea cup. The girls in the audience were all-too-familiar with Belle and the three different gowns she wears in the film. But for me what was familiar was the kids' initial reactions: a little boy beside me said to his mother at the first sight of the Beast: “I don’t really like this movie.” His mother comforted him by saying, “just wait and see, the beast is actually a very nice guy.” And sure enough, by the time Belle and the Beast were throwing snow balls at each other in the garden the little boy whispered back to his mom: “you’re right, that beast is a nice guy!”

Should you see it?
I think yes! Like most early Disney films, I always enjoy revisiting the world they create on screen. Between the music and the characters, I really do believe their movies stand the test of time. Keep in mind though, Disney is known for having some very dark themes — surprisingly dark when you come to it as an adult. Remember when Gaston plots to throw Belle's father into a mental institution? But who doesn’t love rooting against Gaston and singing along to Lumiere’s dinnertime musical extravaganza, “Be Our Guest”? If you have children who are old enough to enjoy (and sit through) a movie and actually like going to the theatre, then take in Beauty and the Beast — it's a great fit for everyone in the family.

To 3D or not to 3D?
I saw the 3D version, and I must say I didn't find it any more impressive. Yes, the scenes seem to be a bit sharper, and the main difference was more depth in the overall film. But in my opinion, seeing it in a regular theatre will be just as entertaining!

Check out the trailer: