Beauty and the Beast (1991 film)
Overview
Beauty and the Beast is a 1991 American animated musical romantic fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Based on the French fairy tale of the same name by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, the film is the 30th Disney animated feature film and the third released during the Disney Renaissance period.
Plot
The film tells the story of a cold-hearted prince who is magically transformed into a monstrous beast as punishment for his arrogance. The Beast must win the love of a beautiful young woman named Belle before his 21st birthday, or he will remain a beast forever. Belle, a book-loving and independent young woman, seeks adventure beyond her provincial life and is thrown into the Beast's world when she takes her father's place as the Beast's prisoner.
Production
The production of Beauty and the Beast marked a significant change in the approach to animated films by Disney. The film was one of the first to use a script prior to storyboarding, and it was also the first to be storyboarded by a woman, Brenda Chapman. The film's production was a massive undertaking, involving hundreds of animators and artists, and utilizing both traditional animation techniques and computer-generated imagery.
Reception
Upon its release, Beauty and the Beast was met with universal acclaim from critics and audiences alike. The film was praised for its animation, voice acting, and musical score. It was a box office success, grossing over $425 million worldwide. The film received numerous awards and nominations, including winning the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, becoming the first animated film to win in this category.
Legacy
The impact of Beauty and the Beast on the animation industry and popular culture cannot be overstated. The film's success helped solidify the Disney Renaissance and paved the way for the modern era of animated films. The film has been adapted into various media, including a Broadway musical and a live-action film.