A tale as new as 3D

The success of “The Lion King 3D” last September has prompted Disney to re-release more of its most popular features in 3D conversions. “Beauty and the Beast,” the first of 2012, is no less enchanting 20 years after its premiere.

Though not quite the breath-taker that “The Lion King” was, the enhanced visual depth gives “Beauty” some renewal. Lavish background art benefits the most from 3D, while a big screen provides a fresh viewing experience. Even longtime fans may catch something they never noticed; look for the drunk passed out at the end of the “Gaston” number!

Animation mistakes due to a short production schedule are more visible, but these are less annoying than amusing.

The all-ages film still has masterful appeal even for children who have become adults. Between its witty script, Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s songs and score and sweeping special effects, it is understandable why “Beauty” became the first animated feature to garner an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.

Disney has taken care to form a creative story from a simplistic fairy tale. Expect this “tale as old as time” to last.