"Beauty and the Beast" Non-Animated Animated with an Animal to Woo You

The Disney classic "Beauty & the Beast" animated film (1991) earned a lot of major firsts.  The first animated movie to receive an Acad Award Nom for Best Picture.  The movie went on to receive Oscars for Best Original Score and Best Original Song.  Sadly, lyricist Howard Ashman died of Aids prior to the release of this groundbreaking film.  Composer Alan Menken has gone onto to compose numerous other Disney classics ("Mermaid.")  Menken & Howard Ashman, his longtime writing partner have collaborated to add additional musical numbers.  While the original score is as amazing as before, there is something added that wasn't there before.  Belle (a perfectly cast Emma Watson) does an admirable job singing and turns in an Oscar worthy performance as a woman of substance causing her to stand apart from the rest.  Bell can tell she's perceived as odd by the villagers & doesn't just have her head stuck in a book.  The growing affection & respect between Belle and the Beast (Dan Stevens "Downton Abbey") is a joy to behold.  The Beast's compassionate character escapes from his clear blue eyes, certain as the sun, rising in the east. The beacon, piece de resistance, is Lumiere (Ewan McGregor) with a golden voice and irresistable charm.  One of the new songs "Evermore" expands our empathy for the adorable animated figurines doomed as objects for eternity.  The picture's glorious cinematography is breathtaking & haunting.  Wait, there's more, including the always fabulous Audra McDonald and Emma Thompson (Mrs Potts.)  The male cast bring an irresistable je ne sais quoi to the flambé:  Kevin Kline, Stanley Tucci, Luke Evans as a fiendishly captivating Gaston and Josh Gad as LeFou.  LeFou is a 1st gay individual introduced into a Disney family feature.  LeFou is a funny foil to Gaston's narcissistic nastiness.  "Beauty & the Beast" is never 2nd best.  Ever just as sure, this tale will stand the test of time.