“Tale as Old as Time” Rewind – 2017 Live Action Disney Version

So… I’ve seen the 2017 version of Beauty and the Beast more than once. In fact, I’ve seen it a lot and now I’ve given myself enough time to let my inner fangirl voice take a deep breath. And with the film having opened with $178 million domestically at the box office, I think it is about time I gave it a proper review. So yes, for the final Rewind, we’re going dive into the world of the new Disney Emma Watson/Dan Stevens version. Prepare your nostalgic tissues, folks!

“Tale as Old as Time” Rewind – 1991 Disney Animated Film

The time has come for me to discuss that movie – Disney’s 1991 adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. This is the reason this blog series is here after all, and I can’t do a review of filmed versions of this story without mentioning it. So grab your nostalgia goggles, some love for classic Disney animation, and a nice spot of tea – so we can enjoy the magic and charm of the first animated feature film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

Like you’ve seen over the last few weeks, the best adaptations of fairy tales are the ones that take risks and are embraced by a whole new generation for those differences from the source material. And Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is among the best examples of this. The reason being for the huge changes were all due to the drama involved in the pre-production stage for the film.

You see, back in the 1930’s, Walt Disney himself attempted to make his own feature length animated film of the classic French tale. But ultimately he left it “in the vault” so to speak, considering the story almost impossible to crack by his standards. But the team at Disney Animation decided to blow the dust off of Walt’s work, and finally put the movie into production. But as with any great movie, this adventure wasn’t easy.

“Tale As Old As Time” Rewind: “La Belle et La Bete” 1946 Version

We’ve now arrived to a point in which I can talk about a crown jewel. Yes, many of you have wondered when I’d be bringing up this version—and now, it is time. This week on Tale As Old As Time Rewind, we’re going to examine the beloved classic version of Beauty and the Beast made in 1946. Directed by Jean Cocteau, this is considered, next to Disney’s, the most iconic rendition—and for good reason. Most other adaptations wouldn’t exist without Cocteau’s being created. And with that, we should give it some respect. So let’s take a look at what many consider to be the best version of Beauty and the Beast to ever be made.

“Tale as Old as Time” Rewind – “Panna a Netvor” The Czech Version

Since the last couple of Rewinds have featured more cheesy versions of this classic fairy tale, I thought this week we’d examine one that is a little more on the darker side of things—and is actually my favorite version of Beauty and the Beast of all time. It features a lot of differences from the original, but the kind that actually make it—dare I say—better in some aspects. And though it reflects a few staples that were going on in the international horror genre at the time, the movie still retains a timeless elegance and definitely sticks out among other BatB adaptations.

So without further ado, we’re going to travel to Europe, and look at one of the most unique takes on this story you’re probably ever going to hear about. This is Panna a Netvor, the 1978 Czech version!

“Tale as Old as Time” Rewind: The Hello Kitty Versions…. with Squirrels!?

I’m sure many of you are wondering what the heck the title of this article is alluding to – but trust me, this is gonna be a fun installment in this series. Why? BECAUSE IT IS HELLO KITTY WE’RE TALKING ABOUT! Yes, the iconic symbol of cute from Japan even took a few unique takes on the “Tale as Old as Time”. We’re going to focus on one in particular (aka the cooler version, by my standards) and see how Miss Kitty herself spins this classic story. And as promised, there are squirrels involved. Let’s jump right into this week’s Tale as Old as Time Rewind! 

“Tale as Old as Time” Rewind: Cannon Movie Tales Version

Ah yes, Cannon Films. A company known for their less-than-professional looking work, and for being the “pioneers” of 80’s cheese. Nothing showcases their lack of expertise more than their Movie Tales series, which were cheap film productions of fairy tales made with a “big” star in the cast and not much else. Oh, and let’s not forget, they were also (terrible) musicals! Insert all of the sarcastic confetti here, please.

If you couldn’t guess what this is all leading to, today’s Tale as Old as Time Rewind will be about the 1987 Cannon Films version of Beauty and the Beast – and it has more cheese than a cheddar fondue. So turn on your smoke machines and grab all your biggest feathered hats – let’s take a look at this bit of 80’s insanity.

“Tale as Old as Time” Rewind: 80’s TV Series Starring Ron Perlman and Linda Hamilton

As a child of the late 80’s/90’s, I grew up with one particular version of Beauty and the Beast which stuck with me big time. It would remain not just one of my favorite adaptations, but one of my favorite TV series of all time. So welcome back to Tale as Old as Time Rewind, where this week we’re going to explore the underground caves and subway lines of a show you may have heard of. Let’s take a look at the 80’s TV version of Beauty and the Beast – starring Terminator‘s Linda Hamilton and Hellboy‘s Ron Perlman.

“Tale as Old as Time” Rewind: George C. Scott and Trish Van Devere’s 1976 Version

Throughout my life, people have always been curious about my fascination with the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. Yes, it is “A Tale as Old as Time” that dates back as far as Greek mythology, with multiple adaptations. But what really peaks my interest is the various media takes on the story. Whether they be set in the Fantasy realm or taken to modern day, the various films and TV shows based on the classic story all have their own quirks and unique qualities. Essentially, there’s a version of Beauty and the Beast for everyone.

So for the next upcoming weeks, I’m going to give you a break down of my favorite movie/TV adaptations. You’ll meet Beauties and Beasts of cartoon form, filmed in black and white, and even ones from other countries (outside of English-speaking ones at least). Now, to begin our adventure into the many takes on “The Tale As Old as Time,” let’s start with an oldie but a goodie to get you into the spirit. It even has some elements that eventually led to Disney’s take on the story! So without further ado, I present The George C. Scott and Trish Van Devere 1976 TV Movie.