#6: COCTEAU, Jean: Beauty And The Beast (1946)

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COCTEAU, Jean (France)
Beauty And The Beast [1946]
Spine #6
DVD


Once upon a time, in a world of magic and wonder, the true love of a beautiful girl finally dispelled the torment of a feral but gentle-hearted beast. Beauty and the Beast (La Belle et la Bête) is a landmark feat of cinematic fantasy in which master fimmaker Jean Cocteau conjures spectacular visions of enchantment, desire, and death that have never been equaled. The Criterion Collection proudly presents the original film version of Mme. Leprince de Beaumont's fairy-tale masterpiece in a newly restored special edition.

93 minutes
Black & White
Monaural
in French
1:33:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2003
Director/Writers


Based on the story by Mme. Leprince de Beaumont.
Jean Cocteau was 57 when he wrote and directed Beauty and the Beast.

Other Cocteau films in the Collection:

#67: The Blood Of A Poet (1930)
#68: Orpheus (1949)
#69: Testament Of Orpheus (1959)

The Film

Aa

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

 The Booklet

Twenty-eight page booklet featuring an essay by Cocteau, an essay by Francis Steegmuller, a reprint of de Beaumont’s original fable

Commentary

1. Featuring film historian Arthur Knight.
2. Featuring writer/cultural historian Sir Christopher Frayling.

Original opera

Written for the film by the renowned composer Philip Glass, presented in Dolby Digital 5.1.
Screening at the Majestic

A 1995 documentary featuring interviews with cast and crew.
Interview

With cinematographer Henri Alekan.
Rare behind-the-scenes and publicity stills

Original trailer, directed and narrated by Cocteau

Film restoration demonstration

1995 restoration trailer
Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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