Is that the Beast they can do? Why Emma Watson's new Disney film really rings a Belle... judging by the uncanny resemblances to the 1991 version 

  • Many of the scenes are near carbon copies of the Disney animated classic 
  • One scene shows Emma Watson and Dan Stevens locking arms in identical clothes
  • Others show Belle reading a book and Gaston admiring himself in a mirrror

By Ben Ellery for The Mail on Sunday

Published: 17:26 EST, 18 February 2017 | Updated: 06:46 EST, 19 February 2017

With its all-star cast and magical sets, it’s one of the most hotly awaited family films of the year.

But while millions of pounds have been lavished on Disney’s new Beauty And The Beast, its makers seem to have had a paucity of original ideas, judging by the uncanny resemblances between these shots and the studio’s 1991 animated version.

One scene shows Harry Potter star Emma Watson as Belle and Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens as the Beast dressed in exactly the same clothes as their cartoon counterparts, and locking arms in an identical pose.

With its all-star cast and magical sets, Beauty And The Beast one of the most hotly awaited family films of the year

With its all-star cast and magical sets, Beauty And The Beast one of the most hotly awaited family films of the year

One scene shows Harry Potter star Emma Watson as Belle and Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens as the Beast dressed in exactly the same clothes as their cartoon counterparts
The pair lock arms in an identical pose

One scene shows Harry Potter star Emma Watson as Belle and Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens as the Beast dressed in exactly the same clothes as their cartoon counterparts, and locking arms in an identical pose

The snow scene from the old film
Recreated in this year's produciton

A scene where Belle and The Beast, Prince Adam, walk through the snow outside his castle has striking similarities 

This painstaking reproduction continues when Belle strolls through her village while reading a book.

There’s even an repeat of the moment the villainous Gaston, played by a third British star, Luke Evans, admires his reflection in a mirror.

But film-goers will be relieved to learn there are at least some differences between the two versions of the fairy tale.

In the new Beauty And The Beast, which is released in cinemas on March 17, Belle – and not her father – is an inventor, and new songs have been added to those featured on the 1991 film’s soundtrack.

This painstaking reproduction continues when Belle strolls through her village while reading a book
Emma Watson following suit

This painstaking reproduction continues when Belle strolls through her village while reading a book

There’s even an repeat of the moment
The villainous Gaston, played by a third British star, Luke Evans, admires his reflection in a mirror

There’s even an repeat of the moment the villainous Gaston, played by a third British star, Luke Evans, admires his reflection in a mirror

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