Beauty and the Beast

Jean Cocteau

France

1946

93 minutes

Black and White

1.33:1

French

6

Synopsis

Once upon a time, in a world of magic and wonder, the true love of a beautiful girl may finally dispel the torment of a feral but gentle-hearted beast. Beauty and the Beast (La belle et la bête) is a landmark feat of cinematic fantasy in which master filmmaker Jean Cocteau conjures spectacular visions of enchantment, desire, and death that have never been equaled. The Criterion Collection proudly presents the original film version of Mme. Leprince de Beaumont’s fairy-tale masterpiece, in a restored, spectacular special edition.

Cast

Avenant/Beast/Prince ArdentJean Marais
BelleJosette Day
FélicieMila Parély
AdélaïdeNane Germon
LudovicMichel Auclair
MoneylenderRaoul Marco
The merchant (Belle’s father)Marcel André

Credits

DirectorJean Cocteau
Written and directed byJean Cocteau
CinematographyHenri Alekan
Based on the short story byJeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont
MusicGeorges Auric
EditingClaude Ibéria
"Illustrated" by Christian Bèrard
Technical consultantRené Clément
Art directorRené Moulaërt and Lucien Carré
Costume designMarcel Escoffier
From the house ofPaquin
MakeupHagop Arakelian
SoundJacques Lébreton and Jacques Carrere
A production ofAndré Paulvé

Disc Features

  • Breathtaking high-definition digital transfer made from restored film elements
  • Original opera written for the film by renowned composer Philip Glass, presented in Dolby Digital 5.1
  • Screening at the Majestic, 1995 documentary featuring interviews with cast and crew
  • Interview with cinematographer Henri Alekan
  • Two commentary tracks: one featuring film historian Arthur Knight, and the other featuring writer/cultural historian Sir Christopher Frayling
  • Rare behind-the-scenes and publicity stills
  • Original 1945 trailer narrated by Cocteau
  • Film restoration demonstration
  • 1995 restoration trailer
  • A reprint of Mme. Leprince de Beaumont’s original fable, translated from the French
  • Notes by Francis Steegmuller, from his landmark book Cocteau: A Biography
  • A note about the film by Jean Cocteau
  • New and improved English subtitle translation
  • Optimal image quality: dual layer edition

From the Current

Once Upon a Time—French Poet Explains His Filming of Fairy Tale

by Jean Cocteau Feb 10, 2003

The poet Paul Eluard says that to understand my film version of Beauty and the Beast, you must love your dog more than your car. Ordinarily, I would settle for that. However, with so much being written about the film that is entirely false to my intentions, I have . . .

Beauty and the Beast

by Francis Steegmuller Jun 3, 1991

Beauty and the Beast, the first film of Cocteau’s own since The Blood of a Poet, is by general . . .

Related Films

The Auteurs Forum

Displaying 2 discussion topics.

Start new topic  |  See all

Art house version or other?

7 posts by 6 people updated 4 months ago

Original Score or Philip Glass Opera?

5 posts by 5 people updated 11 months ago

Available Editions

Beauty and the Beast Criterion DVD Add to Cart

DVD

1 Disc

SRP: $39.95

Criterion Store price

$31.96

Beauty and the Beast Essential Art House DVD Add to Cart

Essential Art House DVD

1 Disc

SRP: $19.95

Criterion Store price

$15.96

Also Available in

ESSENTIAL ART HOUSE:50 YEARS OF JANUS FILMS(50-DVD box set)  Essential Art House DVD Add to Cart

Essential Art House DVD

50 Discs

SRP: $850.00

Criterion Store price

$650.00

Essential Art House: Volume One Essential Art House DVD Add to Cart

Essential Art House DVD

6 Discs

SRP: $99.95

Criterion Store price

$74.96