Beauty and the Beast Archives

Disney Movie Love Songs

It’s almost that time of year. Yes, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. So, I thought I’d share some of my picks for the most romantic Disney music to set the mood for your Valentine or any date night. Some are quirky, some are traditionally sappy, but I love them all. Hope you do too!

Married Life (Score from Up)

Hear me out on this one. I know it is practically enough to induce instant waterworks for me if I step onto Main Street and hear this song playing, but then I think about why. The beauty of it is, I cared so much about the love Carl and Ellie had for each other that in that montage of only a few minutes it was enough to make me love them and their relationship. It is a roller coaster ride of a piece of music that I adore.

I See The Light (Tangled)

Okay, another one of those sometimes tear inducing songs (it’s not just me, right?), I know, but it is so gorgeous. So before I heard him sing as now, possibly my favorite prince, Flynn Rider, I loved Zachary Levi for his role in the tv series Chuck. This song took my adoration for him to a whole new level. The lanterns still kill me when I see them in the film, on the castle projection or during World of Color. It is fear and love rolled all into one poignant song that I absolutely love.

Bella Notte (Lady And The Tramp)

This is one of those classic songs that has permeated pop culture and for good reason. The iconic image of Tony serenading Lady And The Tramp outside his restaurant while they share a plate of spaghetti and meatballs is indelible in many people’s memories. This was my picture of love as a child.

So Close (Enchanted)

A grown up love song for Giselle and Robert as they begin to realize their feelings for each other, while dancing at a ball all dressed up in New York City. And thinking of Patrick Dempsey doesn’t hurt the swoon factor for this song.

So This Is Love (Cinderella)

I’m not sure how many of you have picked out your wedding song before you’ve even met your spouse, but this is the one my Prince Charming would agree to if I had my way. Cinderella is my favorite and this song is two minutes and ten seconds of what I hope to someday feel for the man of my dreams.

Something There (Beauty And The Beast)

Another fantastic song playing out Belle and the Beast’s road to love. It isn’t love at first sight, but it takes a while to get there after a friendship blossoms.

Define Dancing (Score from Wall-E)

This isn’t the most traditional pick, but the love that develops between Wall-E and Eve is fantastic. I remember when the movie first came out that I was very apprehensive. How on Earth could I be entertained by a movie with very little dialogue that turns out to be a robot love story? Wow, was I wrong. The score does a phenomenal job of mirroring the “dance” between the two leads.

A Whole New World (Aladdin)

I recall purchasing this cassette when I was in middle school as a single with the Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle version on one side and as a bonus the Brad Kane and Lea Salonga version on the other. My love for Lea Salonga and her amazing voice grew deeper with this song, but it is really about Jasmine and Aladdin and finding each other when they are both running from their own worlds.

I’m sure I’ve left out some, but these are my picks for romance in musical form. They aren’t in any particular order, just that in which I remembered to write them down. Did I leave out any of your favorites? Let me know. I hope you all have a Valentine’s Day that is even half as romantic as these couples had in their movies!

Disney Film Project Podcast Review

Films, for those who aren’t aware, are some of my favorite things in the entire world. My affinity for almost all things Disney mostly stems from my love of Disney movies. From there it grew to parks, music, tv shows, and beyond, but for me, it all comes back to the big screen. Imagine my excitement when a little over two years ago I learned that friends of mine were putting together a podcast revolving around reviewing and critiquing Disney films! I have to admit that I was a tad jealous that I wasn’t involved in the podcast, but that soon dissipated.

The Disney Film Project, from whence the Podcast was born, started as the brainchild of owner and proprietor, Ryan Kilpatrick. He began the project with this as his goal: “This is my attempt to view all the Disney films, both shorts and features. Read along to see what I learn as I embark on this voyage, and see what I discover as we watch the true genius of Walt Disney.” Ryan would often conduct what he called tweetwatches in a FriendFeed chat room where he would live tweet a movie and a bunch of us would all press play and watch along at the same time. We would jump in to the chat with questions and comments in awe of Ryan’s often exhaustive research regarding the film we were watching.

Eventually, the project grew into what quickly became one of my favorite podcasts, the Disney Film Project Podcast. Ryan recruited a fantastic crew of film buffs to be his co-hosts in Briana Alessio, Todd Perlmutter and our very own Cheryl Perlmutter as the glue that holds them all together as the show producer. From the very first episode on Beauty and the Beast back in January of 2011 up to this weeks episode 117 featuring Mulan, it has been entertaining along the entire way.

The podcast typically focuses on one film per episode, whether live action, animated feature, direct to video sequel or even Disney Channel Original Movies. Occasionally there are episodes that cover a theme like Halloween specials or multiple films in one, but for the most part on average a good hour or so is devoted to a single film. Each week it is apparent the effort that goes in to this podcast from the hosts of the show and their amazing research skills (always try to find a Star Wars connection).

I am one of those crazy completionists, so I diligently watch each film a few days prior to listening to the upcoming episode so it is fresh in my mind. This has been an interesting task as some of the films have been downright awful (I’m talking to you Condorman, Inspector Gadget, Beverly Hills Chihuahua 1 & 2 (and I’m sure eventually 3) and Hunchback of Notre Dame II), but even in the movies that are laborious to watch, the podcast episodes still shine. Sometimes it is even more enjoyable to hear a film completely torn apart. Along with those notoriously not good films you of course encounter the gems of classics like Mary Poppins, Darby O’Gill and the Little People (with my personal favorite, Sean Connery!!!), Cinderella, and fan favorites like the Avengers.

One of my favorite things about the Disney Film Project Podcast is that I always learn something new, whether it is a film I’ve never seen before, or one like The Little Mermaid I’ve seen dozens of times. These four take their time and do their homework to bring something fresh and new to each episode they produce. I have been fortunate to be on two episodes of the podcast for Cinderella and Up. If you want to go back and start from the beginning, you can download the mp3s via iTunes. DFPP is also available for streaming via Stitcher radio on smartphones, through the podcast app subscription on ios devices, and also streaming directly from the Disney Film Project website.

If you are looking for a new podcast that will keep you well informed and entertained when it comes to the films of the Walt Disney Company, including subsidiaries like Pixar, Marvel and Touchstone, look no further than the Disney Film Project Podcast. Go listen to what the wonky sluices over there have cooking up on their blog with new movie reviews, for films new to Blu Ray, in theaters or on the Disney Channel. This is one podcast you should definitely give a chance if you are at all a fan of Disney films and desire to learn more or even just to see if you can guess what their ratings are and if they match yours. Head on over and check them out now!

Disney Parks Blog Be Our Guest Meet Up

Entering New Fantasyland for the Disney Parks Blog Meet Up

Recently we were fortunate enough to be one of the lucky few to successfully register for the Disney Parks Blog meet at the Be Our Guest Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom. Those of us in attendance were treated to a grand evening in Disney’s newest counter/table service restaurant. Shalon and I had a great time at this exclusive opportunity. If you look closely, you can spot Shalon and me in the pictures and video on the Disney Parks Blog post about the night here.

We were greeted outside the Magic Kingdom at the registration table by Cast Members welcoming us to the event who gave us each complimentary tickets to the park good for that day or the next. They also told us that we were randomly selected to get autographed posters signed by the artist at the party. In addition to these we received Fast Passes to be able to experience the new attraction Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid.

As we entered the New Fantasyland area of the park, we were guided to queue up before the bridge to the Be Our Guest Restaurant. We met up with our friend Vickie, wife and social media director of Steve Barrett, the Hidden Mickey Guy, and invited her to join us. We were ushered in and were promptly seated at a table right in front of the stage.

Before the speakers started, we were greeted with excellent service from our server Melissa. I was thoroughly impressed with the presentation and quality of the food. During the meal we heard Thomas Smith from the Disney Parks Blog, Imagineer Chris Beatty and Executive Chef Mike. After dinner they we were all available for meet and greets along with other Imagineers in the West Wing.

The highlight of the evening for me was the amazing meal to which we were treated. It started with the beautiful light up goblets serving L’amour Vrai: all natural fruit juice punch with wild berry extract and lemon lime foam. Fresh warm rolls and butter started the meal off right. For an appetizer I had the potato leek soup and Shalon had the french onion soup. Both were fantastic! I love this soup just as much as at Rose and Crown where it is my favorite appetizer there. My entree was the incredible pan-seared salmon on leek fondue with creamy saffron crushed potatoes and Shalon ordered the thyme-scented pork rack chop with au gratin macaroni, seasonal vegetables and red wine jus. I don’t even like pork chops and I tried some of Shalon’s and loved it. The meat was so juicy and tender and my salmon was cooked to perfection.

Dessert was a thing of sheer brilliance, especially on Shalon’s part. Having just come off of a Disney Cruise, she was accustomed to being able to order multiple desserts and figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask here. Melissa was very nice and accommodated our request, so we each had two desserts. I started with the strawberry cream cheese cupcake with vanilla sponge cake, strawberry mousse filling and cream cheese icing, then tried the gluten-free, no sugar added lemon-raspberry cream puff filled with lemon custard. I actually preferred the latter to my surprise! Shalon had the chocolate cream puff filled with chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream and then her favorite the triple chocolate cupcake with chocolate sponge cake, chocolate mousse filling and chocolate ganache. We even got to try the grey stuff.

Strawberry cream cheese cupcake and lemon raspberry cream puff

Once the meal concluded, we were free to roam about the restaurant and take pictures and meet with the Imagineers and chef to ask any questions. Also, to our surprise, we were also given the opportunity to have our pictures taken with the Beast in the library. Shalon and I won signed copies of the poster all guests received at the Disney Parks Blog meetup and were able to meet the artist, Jeff Maurer, to get them personalized. On the way out we were given our choice of cupcakes to go so I got the triple chocolate cupcake which was the best dessert I had.

The evening was absolutely amazing from the atmosphere to the food to the service. From previous experience at the restaurant in dress rehearsal mode, I was very impressed with the level of the presentation of service we received. I cannot wait to go back and try some of the other items on the menu like the sauteed shrimp and scallops and mussels provencal. This was yet another magnificent production put on by the crew at the Disney Parks Blog and I look forward to future events they host. I hope you all get a chance to experience this great addition to New Fantasyland!

Prince Eric's Castle — Prince Eric’s Castle

Beauty And The Beast Returns To The Big Screen Bigger And Better Than Ever

“Beauty and the Beast” returns to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D™ on January 13^th, 2012, as a refreshed classic ready to win over a whole new generation of fans.

The film captures the fantastic journey of Belle (voice of Paige O’Hara), a bright and beautiful young woman who’s taken prisoner by a hideous beast (voice of Robby Benson) in his castle. Despite her precarious situation, Belle befriends the castle’s enchanted staff – a teapot, a candelabra and a mantel clock, among others – and ultimately learns to see beneath the Beast’s exterior to discover the heart and soul of a prince.

Featuring unforgettable music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, and an enormously talented vocal ensemble, “Beauty and the Beast” was the first animated feature to receive a Best Picture nomination from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xD5pcGp62ec

While I was extremely apprehensive about how one of my most favorite movies would look updated with 3D, but I have to say I almost like it better!!! For me the 3D effects were amazing, because they added so much depth and visual intensity that you almost forgot that you had seen it before. This is what seeing the multiplane camera in action for the first time must have felt like! It was amazing! Also, I had almost forgotten how dark and scary Beast was as the beginning of the movie.

I am already looking forward to seeing it again this weekend!!!!

Before the movie, there was a Tangled short “Tangled Ever After” which was hilarious!!!! I am absolutely loving these shorts, because they are such a fun added bonus! The story stays true to the feel and humor of the original move, and leaves you wanting more!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjj5mqyszKE

Again, the trailers for The Secret World of Arrietty and Brave trailers have me super stoked to see them!!!

I absolutely recommend giving this refreshed and updated classic a chance to win you over in 3D!!!!