‘Beauty and the Beast’ Review

Disney reworked the classic animated “Beauty and the Beast” (1991) into a live action version and came up with an enchanting edition that — to date — has been one of the company’s highest grossing live-action fairy tales — with a domestic box office take of just north of $500 million. Though it’s fairly faithful to the animated version, and though it showcases the talents of Emma Watson (as Belle), Dan Stevens (as The Beast), Ewan McGregor, Luke Evans, Emma Thompson, Josh Gad, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Stanley Tucci, Kevin Kline and Audra McDonald, the zest and edginess of the original is lacking here. Director Bill Condon, who broke into Hollywood with the off-kilter “Gods and Monsters” (1998) and “Kinsey” (2004), has lately taken a more domesticated route with “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Parts 1 and 2,” and here clamps down on the singing and dancing high-jinks. Alan Menken provides the score, which includes new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Howard Ashman as well as three new songs written by Menken and Tim Rice. For a spectacular live-action “Beauty and the Beast,” however, look elsewhere: the 1946 version by Jean Cocteau and René Clément. The Blu-ray edition of the film is so loaded with extras that it takes hours to get through them — and if you have kids, you can let them play with the bonus features while you wander into another room to watch “Get Out.” Vitals: Director: Bill Condon. Stars: Emma Watson, Ewan McGregor, Luke Evans, Dan Stevens, Emma Thompson, Josh Gad, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Stanley Tucci, Kevin Kline, Audra McDonald. 2017, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 123 min., Fantasy Musical, Box office gross: $502.1 million, Disney.

Extras: “Beauty and the Beast” music video with Ariana Grande and John Legend.
Blu-ray adds:
Enchanted Table Read: Join the cast for the movie’s elaborately staged table read, complete with singing and dancing to live music, set pieces and more.
A Beauty of a Tale: Explore the process of transforming a beloved animated film into a new live-action classic.
The Women Behind “Beauty and the Beast”: Emma Watson introduces several of the talented women in all aspects of production who helped bring this enchanted tale to life.
Making a Moment with Celine Dion: Celine Dion shares what it’s like to sing “How Does a Moment Last Forever” – and be a part of the legacy of “Beauty and the Beast.”
From Song to Screen: Making the Musical Sequences” See what goes into making some of the best-known moments from “Beauty and the Beast”:

• “Belle” — Filmmakers and cast reveal how it felt to shoot this memorable scene.
• “Be Our Guest” — Discover all that went into creating this epic, primarily virtual performance.
• “Gaston” — Join the cast for rehearsals and filming of this rousing, high-energy number.
• “Beauty and the Beast” — You’re invited on set for the filming of this beloved, classic scene. Deleted Scenes:
• Introduction by Director Bill Condon — Director Bill Condon presents a collection of scenes that, for one reason or another, ended up on the cutting-room floor.
• Gaston Courts Belle — Pleased with himself after settling a disturbance with the townspeople, a triumphant Gaston attempts to woo Belle.
• Bread and Jam for Agathe — On her morning market rounds, Belle stops by to see Agathe, the village beggar woman.
• Storming the Ice Gates — The angry mob of villagers, led by Gaston, overwhelms the castle’s defenses.
• Lumière Torches LeFou — As the fight rages around them, LeFou scuffles with Plumette … until he experiences a sudden, extremely heated interruption.
• Monsieur Toilette — LeFou escapes from the brawl into a small room, where he’s startled by a castle resident.
• Cogsworth Rescues Lumière — When Clothilde the fishmonger threatens Lumière, Cogsworth leaps into the fray.
• Treacle the Lasses — Three village lasses chase Chip and Froufrou – Madame Garderobe’s dog-turned-footstool – into the kitchen, where a surprise awaits.
• LeFou and Monsieur Toilette Reunite — After the spell is broken and the castle residents are returned to human form, LeFou and his new acquaintance meet again.
  Extended Song: “Days in the Sun” – Learn more about Beast’s childhood in an alternate version of this beautiful song, introduced by director Bill Condon.
  “Beauty and the Beast” Music Video: Award-winning artists Ariana Grande and John Legend perform a moving version of this iconic song.
  Making the Music Video: Go on set to capture the magic as it happens in Ariana Grande and John Legend’s “Beauty and the Beast” music video.
  Disney Song Selection: Jump directly to all your favorite songs and sing along with the movie. (Disney).