Jean Cocteaus La Belle et la Bête (1946) is a landmark of French cinema a visually poetic adaptation of the classic fairy tale. Blending surrealism, romantic longing, and exquisite production design, Cocteau transforms the story into a dreamlike Fantasy masterpiece that also functions as History & Period Drama and Romantic Drama. Its influence on modern fantasy and art cinema remains immeasurable, making it one of the most enchanting films of all time.

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.

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. Henri Alekans subtle black and white cinematography combine with Christian Bérards masterly costumes and set designs to create a magical piece of cinema, a childrens fairy tale refashioned into a stylised and highly sophisticated dream.

The BFI is proud to present this world cinema classic in High Definition for the first time in the UK.

Från IMDB:
A beautiful young woman takes her fathers place as the prisoner of a mysterious beast, who wishes to marry her.

Special features

Newly presented in High Definition from the French 4K restoration

Feature commentary by cultural historian Sir Christopher Frayling

Des Réves de Cocteau en numerérique, laventure de la Belle et la bête (2013, 51 mins)

Christian Bérard et Jean Cocteau, deux magiciens de spectacle (2013, 24 mins)

Deleted scenes (6 mins): film and audio clips from scenes that were not included in the final film

Original theatrical trailer

BFI trailer (2013)

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