Disney’s newest live-action release, “Beauty and the Beast,” lives up to the expectations of many excited fans. The enchanted tale was brought to life with Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as the Beast. This classic love story was retold with much attention to detail on screen. This version showcased Belle as a strong female lead unlike her animated cookie cutter counterpart.

The computer-generated imagery was absolutely stunning. During the song “Be Our Guest,” Lumiere and the rest of the castle staff serenaded Belle with dinner and a show; the roast beef and pudding seemed edible and the flying silverware appeared extremely realistic. The elaborate detail on Belle’s dress appeared as though real gold leaf had come to life and attached itself to the dress.

Disney incorporated historical references into the movie. When Belle and Beast visit the place where Belle’s mother died, the two find evidence that Belle’s mother died of the Black Plague, which explains why Belle’s father Maurice never wanted to talk about it. Additionally, viewers are flashed back into history when LeFou attempts to spell Gaston, but realizes he doesn’t know how due to his illiteracy.

Disney included an interracial cast and a main character who is homosexual. When the castle staff turns from furniture back into people, viewers see that two of the castle staff members are African American. During this scene, everyone joins in a dance. LeFou can be spotted dancing with a male townsperson. Controversy arose because of this- a theater in Alabama boycotted the film and Russia has banned kids younger than 16 from watching it.

Overall, the movie continues to delight fans of many generations. The classic songs take viewers on a magical journey to the past as well as a trip to the future in terms of computer generated animation and special effects.