Classic Cartoons

'Beauty and The Beast' (1991)

I am a big fan of the classic Walt Disney cartoons. I have recently received ‘Beauty and the Beast’ on DVD where this classic love story has been digitally restored and brought back to life. I used to watch this film; along with many of the classic Disney films such as ‘Little Mermaid’ (1989), ‘Sleeping Beauty’ (1959) and ‘Snow White’ (1937), as a child and I have always been fascinated by them.

I have to say that of all the films, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is my favourite as it has such beautiful instrumental music and a lovely meaning behind the film. What I love about it is the message it sends to all its viewers, about beauty being on the inside.

The film is dark at points and it definitely appeals to a more adult audience. The original cartoons from Disney all have this darker element in them which, as a child, did scare me. The villains in the films were always eerie and frightening.

All these films have a fantastical and magical feel to them, such as the enchanted castle in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ to the mythological element of ‘Little Mermaid’. I love how they capture audiences with wonder and take you back to your childhood. They are much more intense then the cartoons nowadays. Even the modern Disney films such as ‘Cars’ (2006) or ‘The Princess and the Frog’ (2009), do not match the standard of the older generation of cartoons. The storylines, drawings and music are nothing in comparison.

For me, the music is key and if you listen to the clip you will see how this sets the scene in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and why it is a fantastic musical piece to begin a film with >>>

I think all the characters are developed well in looks, voice and furniture representation, such as the tea pot - ‘Mrs Potts’ and the candle stick - ‘Lumiere’. The storyline of the wilting rose that means the Beast must find love before the rose dies is such an enchanting and haunting story. The dark and creepy castle reflects the Beasts loathing of his current form and when he is transformed through Belle’s love the Castle changes back to its former glory.

I love how it teaches all a lesson about judging people on first appearances as well as learning to love someone for who they are, not what they look like. All Disney films tend to have some kind of message but this one is set apart from the rest. I wish all cartoons could be as good as these films but unfortunately the CGI generation is taking over and the quality is suffering because of this.