Beauty and the Beast (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

In French director Jean Cocteau’s 1946 adaptation of the classic fairy tale, Belle’s father is sentenced to death for picking a rose from the Beast’s garden. When Belle goes to his castle in her father’s place, the Beast falls in love with her.

Without a doubt, La Belle et la Bete is one of the most enchanting fairy tales ever put to celluloid. You will be transported to a world of beauty and darkness that’s filled with a dreamlike quality that few films can rival. The movie’s special effects, groundbreaking makeup, soundtrack, cinematography, and the passionate performances by lead actors Jean Marais and Josette Day are all exceptional. It is without a doubt one of my favorite films of all time.

As usual, Criterion does not disappoint with it’s stunning video & audio presentation of this timeless classic that also includes an extensive package of special features. Included are a beautiful illustrated booklet (32 pages), two audio commentaries (one by film historian Arthur Knight and one by writer Sir Christopher Frayling), an alternate soundtrack of Philip Glass’ opera, a photo gallery, four featurettes (totaling about 50 min) and the film’s original French trailer. Very impressive!

Jean Cocteau’s La Belle et la Bete has never looked better than it does on this breathtaking Blu-ray release from Criterion. With a wonderful collection of special features and a film that is pure cinema magic, do yourself a favor and pick up this masterpiece. It belongs in every movie fan’s collection and easily earns my highest recommendation!

Belle's father (Marcel Andr') has to go to town for business. He asks Belle (Josette Day) what she would like him to bring her. A Rose as there are no roses at home. On his way back from the city he must go through a mysterious forest in the evening. He stumbles upon an enchanted abode. There he is offered food and drink. On his exit the next morning he pilfers a prize rose to fulfill his daughters wish. Now he is confronted by the home owner La B'te (Jean Marais). For his indiscretion he is given the choice of giving up his life or that of his daughter. He returns home to tell the tale.

The story first written by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont is adapted by Jean Cocteau to film, also directed by Jean Cocteau.

I could explain the great visual effects and dialog chooses. But it is much better described by the voice over track on the Criterion version. You will be enchanted by this version an will come to make this your favorite.

THIS IS A GREAT DVD AND YOU CAN GET IT BRAND NEW CRITERION ON OTHER WEBSITES FOR LIKE $30.00, SHOP AROUND!!!!
I LOVE MY COPY.