Beauty and the Beast (1991)

I'm glad I stopped believing in the legitimacy of the Oscars around the same time I stopped believing in Santa Claus, but I find it outrageous this movie was nominated for Best Picture in its year. I understand old romantic films being acclaimed today because they are hallmark cards to a different time, but Beauty and the Beast was a Disney roll out of a structure and look that had been in the company's arsenal since the 1930s. If someone compared Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Beauty and the Beast, the major difference would be the sophistication of the drawing. Compare Pixar's history beginning with Toy Story up until Ratoutille and you not only have a better looking animated film in the latter, but a more thorough story with better character development on all sides. There is also only a difference of twelve years to Disney's 60 years or so. Disney had always been criticized for being at a stand still for years so a personal favorite has more to do with which one touches you more instead of having a greater aesthetic. I can like a Disney animated work too, but Beauty and the Beast is just another release for the company. It is further knocked down because it is a remake of a French classic from the 1940s. The Disney remake doesn't improve the story, but cuts corners to get the gist of the mysticism in the story so it can add in as much entertainment value as possible. Most of the times a remake will be slammed for taking such routes, but Beauty and the Beast got an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. I find that to be stunning. I could be looking at this situation the wrong way. Maybe it more likely has to do with 1991 being a weak year and Oscar voters pulled over by potential bigger audiences if a fan favorite was nominated, but Beauty and the Beast equals the talent of most Disney works. Why Beauty and the Beast and why in 1991? I think good luck gave this film its fortunes.