When the enchanting, intelligent young woman named Belle fell in love with a horrible Beast back in 1991, Disney’s animated film became an immediate classic and the third highest grossing film that year.
This year, “Beauty and the Beast” is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
The first official screening of “Beauty and the Beast” was in Alice Tully Hall at the New York Film Festival in April 1991. While only 80% of the film was finished at this time, the screening received rapturous applause.
Twenty-five years later, the hall opened its doors to another special screening of “Beauty and the Beast.” There were many special guests in attendance including Paige O’Hara (Belle), Robby Benson (Beast), Richard White (Gaston) and Angela Lansbury (Mrs. Potts.)
“She was really the first revolutionary woman of Disney heroines and then they took it to another level, with Mulan and others,” O’Hara said of her experience voicing bell.
After the special screening, the audience was asked to stay in their seats for a surprise. Angela Lansbury, the voice of Mrs. Potts, came out on stage and sang a rendition of “Beauty and the Beast,” the movie’s title number. She received a standing ovation.
“Beauty and the Beast” was a revival for Disney animated films along with the release of “The Little Mermaid” in 1989. They reintroduced the classic Disney princess film to an entirely new generation and helped to revive the musical.
The film was the first animated feature film nominated for an Oscar in Best Picture, opening the door for Broadway recreations of Disney films.
As with any great film, it was announced there is going to be a remake of “Beauty and the Beast” in Disney’s latest live-action trend.
In honor of the animated version, the new live-action trailer uses identical shots to the original trailer, debuting Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as Beast and Ewan McGregor as Lumière.
In the first 24 hours after the new trailer was released, it reached 91.8 million views. This success has made it one of the most highly anticipated films in the upcoming year. The live-action version of the film is set to premiere March 17, 2017.
The 25th Anniversary edition of “Beauty and the Beast” is now available on Blu-Ray and DVD at Wal-Mart and Target.