by Robert Kohr
Loews IMAX Lincoln Square On January First Disney will be re-releasing its acclaimed hit “Beauty and the Beast” on IMAX formatted screens. Recently Disney provided a special screening at the Loews IMAX Theater at Lincoln Square screen along with a question and answer session with some of its creators, including Don Han, Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise, Roy E. Disney, and some of the voice talent.

As expected, the film held up to its “small screen” brilliance from the early 90’s. There were some issues with bringing the original 35mm print over to the enormous 70mm IMAX print. Least of these problems were the image quality, due to the fact that “Beauty and the Beast” was the second animated film to be shot entirely digitally; the first being “Rescuers Down Under”. After being disappointed by the revamped “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” segment in “Fantasia 2000″, I was unexpectedly surprised by the stunningly crisp opening shot in “Beauty and the Beast”.

Disney also added a new segment to the special edition the “Human Again” segment. Actually the segment was part of the original storyboard, but was much longer and cut from the film. The new segment adds the necessary time lapse that the original film lacked after the Beast gives his Library to Belle and their Dinner though now it is shorter than previously anticipated. Disney Animation had to reanimate this scene, given the fact that it was only boarded in the original film. Other than a few instances where the characters fell off model, it kept pretty true to the feel of the entire movie. The new computer generated (3 dimensional) elements kept true to the style of the film.

With the re-release of “Beauty and the Beast” and “Fantasia 2000″ on the big screen, Disney is now introducing the film community to a new visual treat. Though it may not make as much money as the original release or a re-release on a smaller screen; Disney proves that IMAX may someday be a very feasible venue.

The directors and producer are hoping that this re-release will spark new interest in traditional animation as an alternative to computer generated animation.

All Images © 2002 Disney Enterprises.