As I wrote in my recent piece about the “Final Trailer,” Disney’s new live-action version of Beauty and the Beast will “upgrade the wheel.” While the storyline will closely follow?the 1991 animated version, there will be some changes to the story. Clips and trailers of the film, including a 57-second video released Monday (see below), have shown some of the differences, including a much-less-goofy Maurice, a feistier Belle, and the filling of some plot holes. Emma’s interpretation of the famous “Belle” and “I Want Adventure” tunes show that she was not overly influenced by Paige O’Hara. That is not necessarily good or bad. The clips I’ve heard I do not deem either better or worse, merely refreshingly different. Watson is not a polished professional singer like O’Hara, but she was well trained for her role, and definitely has a pleasant voice. Those not wanting a strict carbon copy of the original will not be disappointed, I think.
Differences in the newer version also can be discovered in the novelization of the new movie, although it is not clear how precisely the book and movie coincide. I recently finished the book, and have found some very minor differences between it and the videos I have seen. But if the differences between the novel and film are only trivial, we are in for a delightful treat. For more news about Beauty and the Beast, which comes out in less than three weeks, I invite you to check out my Facebook page, Beautiful and Beastly Bulletin.
Here is the latest clip, as promised.
