After numerous delays the 3D conversion of Beauty and the Beast is finally in theaters. I went to see it the other night and here are my impressions.

Late last year I went to see the Lion King 3D. While it was fantastic seeing the movie back in theaters, I had issue with some of the 3D effects. The problem was that certain scenes had questionable subjects for the viewer to focus on. For example, there was a sweeping shot where nothing happens in the background and leaves float by in the foreground. My eyes attempted to immediately focus on the leaves; however, they were a blurry mess.  Similar scenarios happened throughout the film.  These problems didn’t really detract from my enjoyment of seeing the Lion King on the big screen.  It kept me smiling throughout.

Beauty and the Beast had none of these issues.  I was blown away.  This movie somehow seemed like it was made with 3D in mind.  Every use of depth impressed me, from the multiple overhead looks through the village, to the scenes with heavy snow or rain partially obscuring the background.  The computer generated ballroom scene was obviously well suited for the medium, but the traditional animated scenes worked just as well.  I can only hope the success of this release encourages Disney to release even more classic features to theaters, 3D or not.

This movie is one of Disney’s finest and the addition of 3D just adds a cherry to the proverbial sundae. Go see it.