To mark 100 years of Disney, the legendary studio is re-releasing some of their most beloved titles, including this award-winning fairytale adaptation, which on first release restored the studio’s acclaim as leaders in animation. The story of Belle saving the prince from an imprisoned life as the Beast was based on the original fable, but embellished by the scriptwriter to create a feisty, decisive heroine for the times, who opts to save her father in return for her own freedom. Along with the terrific script, score, and songs, what elevated the film was the quality of animation, which created a fantasy world, from the gothic castle to all the talking accoutrements inside – candlesticks, clocks, teapots. The first animation to achieve a Best Picture nomination, before the new Best Animation category was introduced.

Notes by Alicia McGivern