It seems only appropriate to take a look at some of our favorite television couples on Valentine's Day! Let's start with one that's been debated ever since the end of the series: Monica and Richard on Friends. This was the real love affair that should have lasted. Tom Selleck's character brought charm and confidence, and he was the perfect foil to Monica's anxiety and her overbearing need to control every circumstance. Chandler and Monica? Well, they was almost as bad an idea as Joey and Rachel.
He didn't' deserve her.
Fast forward a few years. Castle's greatest strength was always in its relationship between witty playboy novelist Richard Castle and the beautiful, smart detective Kate Beckett. The drama was good, the backstory compelling, the supporting cast first class, but the tension between Kate and Castle commanded center stage. Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic brought depth to what could have been stereotypical characters. It's too bad that their bad blood in real life ruined a great television show!
He didn't honor her.
Who didn't love Lucy? Desi Arnaz certainly did on the show- but in real life his "romantic connections" beyond his marriage eventually doomed it to failure. When will we learn it never pays to break our marriage vows? Lucille Ball remained a beloved icon all of her days for good reason. She was funny, smart, talented, and a great business woman. A woman ahead of her time.
Bringing out each other's best.
The Crawleys of Downton Abbey are high on the television couples list. Matthew's strength and kindness - with a determination to do what is right- played magnificently against Mary's often shrewd, cold, seemingly heartless pragmatism. Like true love always does in a marriage, the best traits are brought out in each partner as they walk down their road together. However long or short it may be.
He worked hard to get her.
Wade and Zoe. Season One of The Hart of Dixie certainly makes you think it will be "Golden Boy George Tucker" who will win her affections. My wife and I really enjoy this take on Doc Hollywood as we love the South with all its peculiarities. Some of the supporting characters are our favorites on the show, but I was always rooting for dark horse Wade Kinsella to win Zoe's heart.
It took him awhile to see who she was, but he got there.
I'm still pissed that NBC cancelled this show. (Yes, I meant to say that!) Timeless was one of the best series to hit the airwaves in years. Lucy and Wyatt. You knew it was going to happen, Ma'am. You really did. It's too bad a pending cancellation caused the writers and producers to rush the story line. And it robbed viewers of what should have been years of great historically based time adventure stories. Sometimes television's modern business demands for instant profitability are worse than those from Rittenhouse.
He grew up, too.
Marlo Thomas did have a career before playing Rachel's mother on Friends. She and Ted Bessell, played Donald and Ann Marie to 50's/60's relational sensibilities (wise man, childlike woman) but there was a sweet relationship there where each brought more to the relationship than what was seen at first glance. No worries, friends, television would attempt to correct this problem, eventually swinging the pendulum to the other end of the extreme. Men became buffoons and women the wise keeper of sanity and the family unit. One day, they will get it right and present a balanced realistic view of what each partner contributes.
My favorite TV couple? The one who sits on our couch watching these shows! None of these women remotely compare to my beautiful and wise wife! My Valentine's Day blind date years ago. Happy Valentine's Day to my one true love...
Is he a Beast or is he a Beauty? In The Ticket, this little known film by Ido Fluk, a incredible performance is waiting to be discovered. Dan Stevens just kills it. Apparently Downton Abbey only scratched the surface of what this man can do.
Dan Steven's in The Ticket.
A bit of storyline: Unexpectedly, our main hero James regains his sight after living without it. Discovering the world through new eyes (sorry, I couldn't resist), this causes him to reconsider the way he's lived his life. Good choices or bad choices, which will it be?
This is not a one man show, however. Malin Ackerman's nuanced performance as his wife may be just as powerful and in a sense, just as disturbing, as that of Dan's portrayal. Oliver Platt rounds out the cast as the best friend.
Although the viewer thinks they can see it coming, the film delivers suspense and surprises one after another all the way to the end. It's next to impossible to take your eyes off Stevens and his every move. The last twenty minutes delivers one of the most gripping, unnerving, scenes in modern cinema.
I'm starting to think this man can do anything. Watch this film.
It's not a perfect remake of a near perfect film, but it is very close to it. Disney's new live action version Beauty and the Beast is easily the most compelling of the remake lot, including the winning adaption of Cinderella. I'm reminded here of Director Bill Condon's comment -"I just thought it was the most beautiful and perfect movie. Why remake something that's perfect?" Good question, and it's one fans should be asking about every Disney animated into live action conversion. Regardless of all the press, I had to see it for myself and make up my own mind.
The film is aimed at teens and older. It's in an entirely different league than the animated classic, much gruffer and grittier with fewer humorous elements. Much more akin to Beastly, the more modern (2011) take on the tale as old as time. It is not for young children. Darker, moodier, more violent, and just plain adult in theme, the emotional complexities of death, war, and disease are not your normal topics for a kid film, yet they are subtle but key elements to this story that are missing from the original. As a big fan of the original, the differences were very noticeable, and they began with the new narration and opening sequence. Effective but very different, signaling clearly that this is not the animated film of days gone by. The music reflects this transition as well. The score feels dark, with the arrangements and performances less buoyant and bright. Even the upbeat numbers reveal more than a twinge of desperation under the surface. In this version, it's less important that these characters can sing well than it was in the animated film, especially one that followed up The Little Mermaid, the film that was the beginning of Disney's animation rebirth. Now, years later, this new story is so powerful and such an accomplishment that it wouldn't have needed to be a musical at all- even though fans of the original would be disappointed. That said, of all the vocal pieces, Dan Stevens' solo, the new Evermore, is unexpected- a simply beautiful standout performance. But more on the music later.
Smart, beautiful, and a stunning voice.
A very fine portrayal of Belle- even without Paige O'Hara's great pipes.
This is a movie where Disney's promotional machine was clearly out of touch with reality in more than a few key points- or at least it became obvious they were attempting to manipulate the potential audience. Let's start with our leads. If you've read this blog, you know I was not a fan of Emma Watsonplaying the iconic lead character. I saw her as too young, too boyish, and lacking elegance and maturity. Additionally, the entire cast including Ms. Watson herself made it seem as if this Belle was a revelation, when in fact, she was no more of a groundbreaking role model than before. The hype machine made me believe Belle had become strident, domineering, and overbearing. Ugh. In reality, her performance was delightfully nuanced and increasingly rich as the film progressed. Watson displayed a convincing vulnerability in all the key spots. This was so necessary to making her Belle lovable. I found her even charming and warm- something I did not expect. You heard it first- her adequate singing aside- I was wrong. She was terrific, winning me over by the time she explored the West Wing. As much as I love Paige O'Hara's voice, I equally appreciate Emma Watson's portrayal of my favorite Disney heroine.
More of a klutz.
More mature but still unsure any girl could love a beast.
In the animated film, Beast was a fairly one-dimensional character. He's moderately more developed here but still secondary to Belle and Gaston in time allotted on screen. A bit more of Beast's backstory unfolds, and it is to the new film's advantage, particularly when it comes to developing his budding romance with the village girl.
There are more not so subtle changes. His Beast is a well read adult with a dry sense of humor and more mature, with an overall better understanding of relationships. This must be partially due to the fact he was not restricted to breaking the curse before he reached the age of 21- certainly a concession to Dan Stevens being quite a bit older. One small gripe- I do wish Beast had thought of giving her the library as in the original. It may have displayed some of his growth in truly understanding his woman. Strengths aside, Beast is still full of rage and melancholy, but there's got to be a downside if you're rich, handsome, and have an absolute killer of a castle. Right?
Much to his credit, Dan Stevens' beautiful performance is intentionally understated, not only strengthening his position as the moody and mysterious leading man but also showing his commitment to the success of the story, allowing others to take center stage for the benefit of all.
Personal confession time- half way through writing this post, I stopped to watch the animated version while the new release was still fresh in my mind. This only reinforced what I had witnessed: Comparisons to the animated version couldn't be avoided, but from a practical sense, they are two very different movies and need to retreated as such.
Here Gaston is vain, dumb, and evil.
Now he's vain, wounded, and even more evil.
Much has been made of the biggest variation of all- LeFou and his man crush on Gaston. I'll definitely make an observation here, but it's more important to first discuss the character portrayals by the actors. Truly, Luke Evansis Gaston. He now owns the role, and I doubt if anyone else will ever be able to match him in a live action version. Long before Frozen, Disney broke new ground in animation by making the story's villain physically appealing. Now, Gaston's character is taken a step further as his background is told during key places in the action. He doesn't illicit sympathy, but we understand a bit more of why he is who he is. While he does not have the strength of singing voice as Richard White from the animated version, Evans more than compensates by bringing greater depth to what could be a stereotyped villain. Even if Evansvocal performance feels lacking in the tavern's opening musical number, he does sound more convincing and relaxed on the reprise of his self-titled song, even more so later when he convinces the townspeople its time to get rid of his competition. Again, this trade off is a small price to pay for such a powerfully stunning performance. Gaston's initially charming personality gives way to outright evil, gradually increasing with every scene and culminating in his treatment of Maurice and the murder of Beast. Chilling. Powerful. And perfect for this adult treatment of the fairy tale. Like many folks, Gaston never realizes the depth of his pain and brokenness, unlike Beast who longs for forgiveness and another chance to redeem his life. In this way, Beast tells everyman's story. We all have regrets of choices we've made, and we wish we could go back and change them. We ask ourselves, "What benefit did we reap at that time from the things we are now ashamed of?" And we understand those things result in despair and even death of sorts. Loss of innocence. Loss of trusting in our own way. These very mature themes of redemption come into play here in the film, making good fodder for discussion. (If you want to read about the original thought and creation behind Beast, read the animator's story here.) I find Josh Gad's portrayal of the loyal sidekick LeFou to be a disservice to gay men. His flamboyant posturing and over the top personality is a gay cliche' at best, a parody, and I find it to be insulting. I've had a few gay friends, and not one fits the stereotype shown here. It is the totally wrong presentation for Hollywood to assert on traditional values America. The film clumsily attempts to let LeFou redeem himself by the end, but the underdeveloped effort falls flat, leaving LeFou to be an even bigger villain of a different sort: a coward. It would have been better for Bill Condon to stand by the original reading of the character. The "gay moment" has been overplayed by both sides of the media and some of the cast and crew. Honestly, if you blink, it's over. The Liberal side has cheered and championed it all- and they fell right into the marketeers' hands by ensuring they would spend their dollars (and yen and euros etc.) to see the movie. Frankly, they took the bait. There's nothing to be proud of here, and as I have written above, how the character is portrayed is certainly not worth celebrating. Not in the least. He's just as lost as Gaston. The Conservative side of America has bemoaned LeFou's character and mostly avoided seeing an excellent film worthy of so much praise. In addition, unfortunately, too many sources claimed scenes in the film that never materialized, and some readers took the bait as well. Frankly, this angers me even more. As a Christian, the most we are called to is Truth and Love (Jesus said He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life, and no one comes to God the Father but through Him). Shouldn't believers in the media adhere to a standard of being truthful? Actually, shouldn't all members of the media try to be truthful? Regardless of the end result, the inclusion of LeFou being gay makes this a film for mature teens and adults. Again, these themes are not for small children who cannot understand the varied and numerous complexities associated with human sexuality, sickness, war and death. Each parent and not the media should be making the choices of when and how to educate their children with the values they hold as the ones responsible for their upbringing. In watching the animated film immediately after seeing this one, I noticed just how many kid friendly segments were removed from the new version. Before, Chip almost functions as on screen narrator, asking questions of his mother that young viewers would need the answers for to follow the plot and have the characters actions make sense. The earlier film did not avoid LeFou's lifestyle. In fact, it made a slight reference to LeFou's potential sexual desires. Remember him walking down the tavern aisle in that mock wedding to Gaston? He seemed perfectly fine playing the bride. It was subtle, but it was there. All said, the amount of evil, violence, and the mature themes alone make the film anything but a Saturday matinee for the little ones- even if there was no "gay moment". For every other reason but including this one, I wouldn't bring my young children to this film. It's an excellent for an older audience and geared toward them.
Loyal servants and true friends.
Perhaps my largest disappointment in the film was the minimal use of the very charming secondary characters. I particularly wanted to see more of Kevin Kline. Beyond being almost unnecessary to advancing the story, there were plenty of adult savvy comments made by Cogsworth ("Flowers, chocolates, promises you don't intend to keep") and Lumiere in the original that are missing here. They are not needed due to its already serious tone, but they were missed. I appreciated Mrs. Potts words regarding their commitment to the master and their part in making him who he was- and the chance to do it differently this time. Again, the multi-faceted complexities of adult relationships are in full display here, and that is to be celebrated.
Worthy of and faithful to the original.
Upon hearing of the live action remake of my favorite animated film, I was very curious as to how Disney would handle such iconic musical numbers, especially "Be Our Guest". I am pleased to report that it was delightful and fully worthy of praise for how it was handled. Lively, charming, and faithful to the original without concession to the more serious nature of the rest of the movie. In fact, it was a very needed break, one of the few pieces where humor was injected.
The gang's all here.
Although darker, far more complex, and certainly less kid-friendly, faithful fans of Disney animated films have nothing to fear here. The studio's remake of this classic is more than admirably handled, a few quibbles aside. Go in with your eyes open, as well as your heart. Go see it, and judge for yourself. You'll find much to like and much to discuss. The new version not only displays the meaning of real beauty, acceptance, and love, it also reveals the unchanging nature of a fallen mankind and a chance for redemption. These eternal truths, which have made the story an enduring classic for generations, are presented in a powerful, beautiful, and creative way. Count me in as a converted skeptic. (Photographs and art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
It goes without saying that “Beauty and the Beast” is my all time favorite from the Disney Renaissance era (1989-1999). While Little Mermaid and Aladdin come close, B&B hit every note perfectly, culminating in an emotional and heart warming journey for this viewer.
While there is a lot of debate over Disney’s decision to adapt their animated classics into live action films, I have been pretty happy with the results (Cinderella, Jungle Book, and Alice in Wonderland comes immediately to mind. The only one that really misses the mark is Maleficent). And while profits and built in audiences are obvious reasons for taking this route, I haven’t felt these new versions to be creatively bankrupt or slave copies to the originals. I would dare say that Cinderella, in particular, brought an emotional heft and range to the characters missing from their predecessors.
Beauty and the Beast, by its very nature (hah), would prove to be more challenging. Not only is it more fresh in the public consciousness (when compared to the other Golden Age adaptations), but the music and story beats have become almost sacred. There’s always that razor thin line between slavish devotion to the source material or swaying so far out that unfamiliarity begins to sour the audience.
I was intrigued with the initial casting of Emma Watson as Belle. There has been criticism of her overall performance as being too flat and limited (her singing is also an issue, but I thought it was passable as I’ve never thought of her as a singer first). While I can see where this negative reaction stems from, I think it’s part of Emma’s overall package as an actress. She's clearly a beautiful and intelligent person, but there is a part of her she privately guards from audiences. I don’t think you’ll ever see Emma bare her soul the way some actors can, leaving it all on the screen. But this is not a knock against her acting, in fact, I think this inaccessible mystery is part of what makes Emma interesting. Her persona is part of nearly every character she portrays (very similar to how I feel about Keanu Reeves. His reputation for being a truly nice guy inhabits his screen roles, even when playing tough guys like John Wick). It took me about a third through the movie before I stopped seeing Emma, and started seeing Belle. By that point, I was sold. And as the movie progressed though the more dramatic beats, I found myself reacting emotionally to the conflicts and heartbreaks (which tells me a movie is firing on all cylinders).
Props to director Bill Condon for knowing when to stay the course and went to chart new trails. The musical sequences would make or break this film, and Condon stays faithful to the animated classic, while staging it in a way that gives the audience a new viewpoint. I thought both Luke Evans (Gaston) and Josh Gad (LeFou) were excellent, and I was especially surprised by Evan’s adept ability to sing and dance (the tavern scene for “Gaston” was a highlight for me, even outdoing “Be Our Guest”).
Where the movie doesn’t quite work for me is in the CGI handling of the secondary characters…Lumiere, Mrs. Potts, and especially Ian McKellen’s Cogsworth. With an actor of his stature and talent, one would think you’d try to utilize his features as much as possible (ala the Wizard of Oz makeup for Bert Lahr, Ray Bolger, and Jack Haley). While there are slight resemblances to the actors, these newer versions pale in comparison to their animated counterparts.
Beast, on the other hand, was exceptionally executed. It was never going to be as “lovable” as the cartoon version, but the film makers found just the right sweet spot in making him both dangerous and sympathetic. Dan Stevens, who I’ve never seen before (but am absolutely loving in “Legion”) does an admirable job of conveying the Beast’s inner torment and despair. I love how the movie gave a little more insight into the childhood trauma of both the main characters. The backstory of Belle’s mother is haunting, but the abusive nature of the prince’s father is even sadder.
With a cache of classic tunes from Alan Menkin and the late Howard Asherman already on display, any new song would be at a major disadvantage…sounding out of place, and worse, musically inferior. So it’s almost shocking to me that “Evermore” stands out as the movie’s most poignant musical scene with Stevens hitting it out of the park as someone who realizes the wrongs he’s done in his life (something everyone can easily relate to). It doesn’t hurt that both Menken and Tim Rice are the creative forces behind the music and lyrics.
In my final verdict, this new live version of BATB will never replace the original classic, but instead, will sit proudly beside it as an alternate take on an enchanting tale!
(All photographs copyright 2017 by Len Yokoyama. Sorry these aren't from the movie itself!)
Disney and Hollywood are celebrating the recently outed fact that Josh Gad's LeFou is Disney's first gay character.
Newsflash to Disney: We fans of the animated Beauty and the Beast had no doubt about it already. But this time, Disney's taking it a step further. In the new film, director Bill Condon in Attitude magazine says:
“LeFou is somebody who on one day wants to be Gaston and on another day wants to kiss Gaston. He’s confused about what he wants. It’s somebody who’s just realizing that he has these feelings. And Josh makes something really subtle and delicious out of it. And that’s what has its payoff at the end, which I don’t want to give away. But it is a nice, exclusively gay moment in a Disney movie.”
Given that this movie will be seen by young children, parents and grandparents need to be prepared for the discussions that should happen after the film. And they need to happen- but not forced upon them by Disney or anyone else. Yet, it is the world in which we live- it's a world where the media forms news versus reporting it and all too often personal values and rights are forced upon others instead of gently discussed when appropriate.
Here's a look at the cover of Entertainment Weekly and its insider view of Disney's live action Beauty and the Beast. The film is a beloved classic, even now after 25 years since it's initial release.
Will Dan Stevens and Emma Watson be able to duplicate the heart felt success of the original roles made famous by Robby Benson and Paige O'Hara? My guess is yes- with some twists along the way. And the film is sure to be a creative beauty, a smash when released in Spring 2017. And sure to be a beast when it comes to padding Disney's bottom line financially.
Disney's banking on the film to re-ignite interest in its upcoming theme park expansions in the Asia market as well as in the US. Where will the Imagineers build these breathtaking attractions?
Take a look here- including 25 years of how Disney's animated classic has been infused into the Disney culture world-wide.
(Image copyright Entertainment Weekly and Disney.)
April 2017 Update: As the new live action film of Beauty and the Beast continues to break records, Tokyo Disney Resort has just added more concept art, models, and a video to whet the guests appetite. Their upcoming land will be incredible. But what else can you expect- it's Tokyo.
Where did it all begin? Keep on reading...
Special Update on Beauty and the Beast and all that is up and coming. Notes from around the world, but let's start where it all began. The animated film.
Iconic scene from the film that started it all.
In 1991, Walt Disney Pictures released the animated film classic. The only animated release ever to be nominated for Oscar's Best Picture award. It did not win, losing out to Silence of the Lambs, but it did become an enduring and beloved classic for the ages. This amazing film also continued a new winning streak for the newly revitalized Disney animation; a streak that would continue with Aladdin and The Lion King.
Clearly not one of the gang.
The title may begin with Beauty, the strong willed heroine animated by the gifted James Baxter, but under the artistic direction of animator Glen Keane, Beast became the central character of the film. Audiences could not take their eyes off the screen at his every appearance. Absolutely captivated by the beast! For very good reason, Beast captured his creator's heart as well.
A force to be reckoned with.
On animating Beast for the film, the beloved Disney animator says, "This is the moment- this is what I was born for... As I started animating it, for me it's really an expression of my spiritual life. There's a verse in the Bible that says 'If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away and all things have become new... Because it is really about an inner spiritual transformation that's taking place with the Beast. I saw it as a parable of my life."
Advanced concepts of Beast.
Who could ever learn to love a beast?
Fully human and transformed by love.
There are a few pieces posted here, but if you want to see Glen's great artwork in other films as well, click here: The Art of Glen Keane . Or go right to Glen's website here. (Not to steal Glen's thunder, but just a bit of self-disclosure: I very much related to this same transforming power of Jesus. A broken and lost teen, I was totally chaned by God's love as well when I let Jesus in my life. This is also why I so associate with the Beast and love this masterpiece!)
Apart from her world.
Belle was a beauty from the moment we met her. Lovely, smart, and incredibly out of touch with her little village. Her love for books made her unique in the cannon of Disney princesses, setting a new trend of focused, intelligent young women who were not content to just wait for the man of her dreams to come along.
Human again!
The film and its love story found an audience. Actually, it fully captivated an audience, at once fully putting to form the fairy tale told for generations and by citizens of different cultures all over the world. Much like Ariel becoming the universally loved mermaid, Nemo the symbol for the humble clownfish and Olaf for snowmen, there would only be one Belle and Beast from now on. Try as they may, other versions of the story could not compare to the Disney version of the tale. Not being fools, the suits of the Walt Disney Company wanted to leverage the popularity of the film into other divisions of the company. The quickest and easiest place to begin was in the parks.
Beauty and the Beast- Live on Stage at the Studios park.
Debuting very quickly after the success of the film, the live stage production at Disney-MGM Studios, brought nothing new to the story. It was designed to capitalize on the success of the film and give families something else to do in a park that did not offer a full range of attractions to fill the day. We'd seen it twice over two different trips, years apart. The second time, the costuming and sets looked old and tired. Certainly not befitting such a wonderful film.
A fitting smash, I would say!
Disney's success on stage with the film adaption was much stronger once it left the theme parks. Beginning in the mid-90's, we were blessed to see the theater show twice and from excellent seats no less. As expected, the Beast transformation scene at the end was stunning as was the Be Our Guest musical number. Surprisingly, it was the rousing, beer mug clinking tavern song Gaston bringing the house to its feet. I'd venture to say it was the success of the stage adaption that kept the ball rolling when it came to creating new ways to tell a tale as old as time. Stage shows at the parks and Broadway productions were just the beginning of bringing it to the world. But what about theme park attractions and not just stage shows?
Who would have guessed this building would host
something related to Beauty and the Beast?
Trust me. It looks better in person.
Photograph copyright yours truly.
As rightly criticized as it was on opening day, Disney's California Adventure did have one of the first Beauty and the Beast themed attractions of sorts. An interactive display in a very unique environment.
Beast's Library at California Adventure.
Photo copyright Disney by Mark.
The Sorcerer's Workshop included a visit to the Beast's library, complete with flashes of lightning and a changing portrait of our hero. It was relatively smaller and not true to scale than what the film portrayed, but at least it was the beginning of something beyond stage shows for the parks. Pretty soon, the film came to the world, Walt Disney World, in a big architectural way!
Overview of the Beauty and the Beast mini-land
as part of the New Fantasyland at Walt Disney World.
The long neglected Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdomwas ripe for a transformation all its own. The space once occupied by 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea lacked substance, screaming for creative redevelopment. For quite awhile, the Imagineers working on the New Fantasyland project for Walt Disney World thought they'd done a fine job keeping it all under wraps away from the public eyes and ears. Of course, insiders leaked concept art- or was it intentionally leaked at they tried to overcome the smashing success of Harry Potter at Universal Resort Orlando and its growing Islands of Adventure?
Entrance to the restaurant. From concept art to reality.
Certainly budget and space were major considerations for both the suits and the Imagineering geniuses in charge of the project. Going back to the Golden Age of Animation II, Beauty and the Beast andThe Little Mermaid would form the artistic cornerstone of what was planned. Keep in mind, this plan was created long before the unexpected and phenomenal success of Frozen, or the plans would have changed significantly, perhaps even stopping them from shoehorning an attraction in the World Showcase Norway pavilion at Epcot.
The Be Our Guest Restaurant would become
the true centerpiece of the mini-land.
So much for an "E Ticket" level attraction
when you can pay big bucks to eat!
Maurice's cottage under construction.
Photo copyright The Walt Disney Company.
Constructing the absolutely beautiful village addition in the New Fantasyland at Walt Disney World and the must-see Be Our Guest restaurant was the first step, but these choices reflect the state of how the theme parks are viewed by the Walt Disney Company cash hungry executives. Think for a moment: The area's main draw was designed to be the beautiful and very expensive waiter service restaurant, Be Our Guest, not a& Disney designedgroundbreaking immersive attraction. Some cry "foul" for pointing it out, saying guests need more places to eat. However, I counter with the fact that so many spaces in the Magic Kingdom are already underused or shuttered. Would New Fantasyland be another example of placing shopping and eating above offering world class attractions as was California Adventure at opening? You wouldn't think so based on the absolute steamroller marketing machine of the Company. They created expectations beyond what they would actually deliver. After all, this is the same leadership that relegated Tangled to a set of restrooms!
2012 Overhead construction view from Scott Keating.
A front view of construction.
Photo from The Walt Disney Company.
Be Our Guest is a work of art to be sure, but where is the attraction which enables guests to be in the film? It is undoubtably a missed opportunity! When park goers ask staff if the entrance to the restaurant is a gateway to the nonexistent ride, something is seriously amiss. The public expects and deserves better- and has experienced it in decades past.
It's a quiet village.
Enchanted Tales with Belle is an attraction dedicated to the film, albeit a walk through one that also doubles as a meet and greet. It's an adventure for parents and kids (and fans) alike, beginning with a visit to father Maurice's cottage before magically finding yourself inside Beast's castle to meet Belle and an incredible mini Audio-Animatronic Lumiere. There are places the whole experience falters a bit, but these smaller charming little touches are what separates Disneyland from its younger sibling kingdoms. I'm glad to see them here even if there is more they could have done with such an important milestone of a film.
From outside Maurice's cottage...
... to Beast's castle...
... to meeting Belle.
Of course, it would not be Disney without an eatery for folks not able to afford premier dining or those who do not like to plan their vacations far enough in advance to get reservations.
A gift from Gaston to the town.
Brew and Meat! And more meat! And antlers!
Butterbeer, err I mean, LeFou's Brew, is the family favorite drink on tap at Gaston's Tavern. Lunch size portions of meat are available as well, making this place a quick stop for a bite while admiring all the trophies and perhaps sitting in the iconic chair from the film. It's a bit of a "boy area" in a land designed mostly for females.
Gifts and more in a quaint little shop.
Of course you can buy the movie there! Did you expect less?
Shopping with a Beauty and the Beast emphasis is not overlooked. Is it not about time to be able to buy a Mrs. Potts and Chip teapot set along with a DVD of the film?
Beast of an ad for the New Fantasyland!
A "Signature Image" on the official
Disney Parks Blog for promotion.
Just in time for a December 2012 opening, the very media savvy Walt Disney Company went all out to advertise their brand New Fantasyland.
Great web content was created to launch the expansion.
The interactive web map.
The web presence was incredibly impressive and took viewers into the Fantasyland Forest to preview some of the attractions. Beyond the internet, you just couldn't watch television without being aware something big was new at the Magic Kingdom.
An impressive Audio-Animatronic Lumiere
in Enchanted Tales with Belle.
(From Tampa Bay News.)
Disney suits expected the New Fantasyland to be a based-loaded home run. When visitors came expecting more than a charming village setting from the film, they left disappointed by the lack of cutting edge attractions. However, those guests loving the richly detailed atmosphere straight from the movie were more than pleased by what the Imagineers had created.
Pass through these gates to dine in the castle ballroom! Photograph copyright Len Yokoyama.
By opening day, it had been 20 years since the film became an international hit. When the construction dust had settled, previews were completed, and everything opened, it was not any of the attractions in New Fantasyland that drew rave reviews. It was the Be Our Guest restaurant that became the clear winner of that crown. It instantly became one of the premier dining locations in the park and certainly the most difficult of all Magic Kingdom eateries in which to get a decent reservation. Or even one at all. (The beautiful photograph above was taken by my friend and guest writer Len Yokoyama. For a full review of the place, the entire Magic Kingdom, and tons more gorgeous photos, go to the previous blog article.) New Fantasyland was complete, keeping millions of guests happy while finally giving the Florida kingdom a Fantasyland worth the Disney name.
Now, a few years after completion of the project, New Fantasyland has settled into its place. Guests love it. Old school Disney theme park fans have come to accept it for what it is. The controversy of what it could have been has been left behind... along with the thoughts and plans of Imagineers and suits of what it will become when built again in a distant land. What will come next this year in 2016? If I were a betting man (and I'm not), I would gladly wager we will see a 25th Anniversary musical collection or special Blue-Ray edition of the film to make the date... and make another warehouse full of cash. But we do know something is coming overseas.
Just an afterthought to some degree.
Before we celebrate the anniversary of the film, the new Shanghai Disneyland will briefly represent it as part of its Voyage to the Crystal Grotto boat ride. The attraction looks to be a rather lavish, modern day movie promotion cruise a la Storybookland Canal Boats, but it will do the trick to introduce Chinese audiences to beloved Disney animated movies. An even more impressive Beauty and the Beast happening takes place the following year.
Dan and the Beast.
As most hardcore B&tB fans know, Disney is remaking its classic into a live action film starring Downton Abbey's Dan Stevens and Harry Potter's Emma Watson. It's a pattern they have recently begun, and I only hope this version of our beloved film is better than some of the other work they've done i.e. Alice in Wonderland.
Emma and Belle.
There's quite the age difference between the two lead actors. No question Dan has the Beast's blue eyes, but can he channel his inner torment? Furthermore can Emma give us Belle's wit, strength, and elegance? In contrast to Alice, the live action remake of Cinderella gives me hope. I'm wishing them both the best as I want this film to be great. Don't you?
Not the actual movie poster,just fan art
designed by Prateek Mathur at www.Animation.Life
The March 17, 2017 release date is just about a year away, and all will be revealed. What has been revealed is the fact it will be a musical and include a few new songs by the legendary tunesmith Alan Menken. Understandably, Ms. Watson has said she is a bit nervous but very excited to be singing as well.
Paige and Robby at Disneyland in 2010.
What remains to be heard if our new stars can match the vocal talents of the incredibly stunning singing talents of Robby Benson and Paige O'Hara, and of course Richard White who vocalized Gaston. Now, it's back to the parks...
As always, it's better overseas.
Florida may have received the first incarnation of the film created into theme park landscape, but the Magic Kingdom will not have the best version. As expected, leave it to the Japanese to hold that distinction as Tokyo Disneyland transforms their Fantasyland to make room for much more than a top notch restaurant and an elaborate meet and greet. Announced in the Fall of 2014, the addition looks to be truly magical.
Coming to Asia, of course.
Above is a cutaway view of the brand new Tokyo Disneyland expansion dedicated to our duo and their story. If you notice, the castle is still under the spell of the enchantress, setting the stage for mysterious adventures within its walls and right behind that mountain range. Look closer and you'll notice guests walk into the castle directly. It's not just sitting on top of a hill in miniature. Beast's home will be far enough removed from the park's hub centerpiece castle so that it can be built in a very impressive and foreboding size more in line with the film.
Again, it's better overseas!
Rumors abound this all will be the home to a super "E Ticket", perhaps "F Ticket" quality attraction for the whole family- a tour through the castle filled with music, adventure, and lots of suspense. Think along the lines of exploring Beast's Castle a la Haunted Mansion but with trackless vehicles. As with most of the Tokyo Disney Resort, guests will be treated to a top of the line experience. The bar has been raised by Disney itself by building Cars Land, and now guests expect more than ever before.
Discarded concepts from Disneyland Paris' plans.
Location of the proposed but never built
Beauty and the Beast attraction
in the City of Lights
This new area is not full of retreads from Disneyland Paris! As you may recall, on the grand opening television show for the parc in 1992, Disney strongly told viewers that attractions based on the film (and on The Little Mermaid) would be coming in the next phase. It should have been an opening day attraction- "After all, dear, this is France!" However, neither attraction materialized, instead giving way to other projects.
A grand show was planned.
The entrance to the proposed attraction can still be found
on the side of Paris' castle!
The concept art above represents an Audio-Animatronics show that never saw the light of day. A live action Belle would interact with characters from the movie in a style similar to the Disneyland classic, Enchanted Tiki Room. These old musical type shows have long gone out of style. (See article here.) Perhaps one day, they will be in vogue again, but for now, do not expect to see this in Tokyo.
The round circle is a Big Hero 6 attraction in Tomorrowland.
This is so worth the removal of that Grand Circuit Raceway!
Here, Tokyo Disneyland will bring you a grand boulevard through Belle's quiet village with the Beast's castle looming ahead. It's huge and menacing, a full sized castle befitting the incredible trackless E Ticket attraction. Think Hong Kong Disneyland's Mystic Manor but with a tale as old and beloved as time. Or perhaps an even better comparison might be that ride through the Haunted Mansion with each vehicle wandering a bit on its own.
It's all in the details.
Gaston's Tavern. A man has to eat somewhere!
A full sized castle. Your eyes are not deceiving you!
What you will find inside the Tokyo castle is not a newer version of the beautiful Be Our Guest restaurant, but instead a groundbreaking family friendly attraction in the grandest of old Disney traditions. Imagineering at its best.
A video to make you want to book that trip to Tokyo in 2020.
Outside in the village, expect an environment similar to that found in Florida, just updated to provide a better guest experience. I'm sure there are some surprises planned as well. We certainly have seen that the Japanese do not stop short to provide its guests with the very best in themed entertainment.
One more great photo copyright Len Yokohama.
Lastly, you may be asking yourself, "Will Walt's original Magic Kingdom in Anaheim" ever see some of this?" The answer is "Yes"! The real question is when. Star Wars Land comes first, then what should be a breathtaking new Marvel mini-land, star studded attraction at California Adventure.
Photo from ThemeParkLeague.com.
If the rumors are true and sources correct, the new addition to Fantasyland will arrive between Star Wars Land, the Fantasyland Theater, and Mickey's Toontown, the latter perhaps on the chopping block. Frozen? Well, that's a sure fire use of remaining land, but our beloved Beauty and the Beast is coming as well- and much more along the lines of the Tokyo version than the Florida one. Think classic dark ride and more. That, my friends, is an expansion worth looking forward to! One solidly worthy of the source material, I would say! Stay tuned...
