La Belle et la Bête
A film by Jean Cocteau
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 equalled. The BFI proudly presents the original film version of this fairytale masterpiece, in a digitally restored edition.
Josette Day is luminous yet feisty as Beauty, and Jean Marais gives one of his best performances as the Beast, at once brutal and gentle, rapacious and vulnerable, shamed and repelled by his own bloodlust. Cinematography, lighting, costume and set designs combine to make La Belle et la Bete a thrilling piece of cinema.
“One of the most spellbinding fairy tales in all cinema.” The Times
“…sets standards in fantasy which few other filmmakers have reached… the sequences in the enchanted castle are pure magic.” Time Out
Format
Special features
- Full feature commentary by cultural historian Christopher Frayling.
- Fully illustrated booklet containing posters, stills, artwork and an essay by Marina Warner.
- Digitally restored and remastered / newly created optional English subtitles.
Credits
Year
1946
Country
France
Product information
Certificate
PG
Colour
Black/white
Languages
French
Subtitles
English (optional)
Original aspect ratio
1.33:1
DVD region
- 2 Europe (except Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus), Middle East, Egypt, Japan, South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Greenland, French Overseas departments and territories
Blu-ray region
- B - Includes most European and Middle-Eastern countries, all of Africa, Australia and New Zealand
Catalogue number
BFIVD771