As the new Beauty and the Beast—starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens—readies for its big-screen premiere, the tale as old as time is ready to enchant a new generation of audiences. Before you check out the live-action update, here are a few facts about the 1991 Disney classic.
1. WALT DISNEY CONSIDERED REMAKING THE FAIRY TALE AS FAR BACK AS THE 1930S.
Walt Disney liked to take his time mulling things over, and while he was pondering Beauty and the Beast, a live-action version of the movie was released by French filmmaker Jean Cocteau. Perhaps not wanting to release an animated version of a movie that had just been released, Disney tabled the idea.
Your favorite Disney animated movies have quite the stories behind them. These fun and interesting facts will make those movies even more entertaining.
1. When adjusted for inflation, Snow White still ranks as the top grossing animated film of all-time. Walt Disney mortgaged his house for the $1.5m budget, a huge amount in 1937.
1. 101 Dalmatians, Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp, and Mulan are among the only animated Disney films where both parents are present and don't die during the course of the movie.
2. Pixar credits its success to going against Disney's standard narrative elements: No songs, no "I want" moments, no happy village, no love story, no villain.
Interactive books are great for really getting the kids involved in what they’re reading.
I’m so delighted that Jamie has invited me to share my love of children’s books with the readers of hands on : as we grow. As a hands on parent, my favorite kids’ activity is reading! The best books are ones that inspire a child’s imagination in innovative, surprising ways.