Be Our Guest Scene Beauty And The Beast
The "Be Our Guest" scene from the 1991 Disney animated movie "Beauty and the Beast" is one of the most iconic and memorable scenes in Disney history. This scene is a musical number that takes place when the Beast invites Belle to dinner in his castle. The scene is full of vibrant colors, dazzling animation, and catchy music that make it a feast for the senses. In this article, we will take a closer look at the "Be Our Guest" scene and explore why it is so beloved by fans of the movie.
The Origins of "Be Our Guest"
The "Be Our Guest" scene was written by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman. Menken and Ashman had previously worked together on the music for the Disney movies "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin."
When Menken and Ashman were approached to work on the music for "Beauty and the Beast," they knew they wanted to create a show-stopping musical number that would be memorable and exciting. They drew inspiration from classic Hollywood musicals, such as "Singin' in the Rain" and "An American in Paris," as well as the work of French composer Jacques Offenbach.
Menken composed the music for "Be Our Guest" first, and Ashman wrote the lyrics to fit the melody. The song was originally intended to be sung by Lumiere, the candlestick, but the filmmakers decided to have the entire castle staff perform the song instead.
The Animation of "Be Our Guest"
The animation of the "Be Our Guest" scene is a masterpiece of Disney animation. The scene is full of bright, bold colors, and the animation is incredibly fluid and lively.
The scene features a wide range of animation techniques, including traditional hand-drawn animation, computer animation, and stop-motion animation. The filmmakers also used a technique called "multiplane camera," which involves layering multiple pieces of animation on top of each other to create a sense of depth and dimensionality.
The animation of the "Be Our Guest" scene is so detailed and complex that it took a team of animators more than a year to complete.
The Lyrics of "Be Our Guest"
The lyrics of "Be Our Guest" are clever and playful, with plenty of puns and wordplay. The song is sung by the castle staff, who are trying to persuade Belle to stay for dinner and enjoy their hospitality.
The song begins with Lumiere, the candlestick, singing the opening lines:
"Be our guest! Be our guest! Put our service to the test. Tie your napkin 'round your neck, cherie, and we'll provide the rest."
The song goes on to describe the various courses of the dinner, including "soup du jour," "hot hors d'oeuvres," and "flaming torches." The lyrics are full of culinary references and French phrases, which add to the whimsical and playful tone of the song.
The Music of "Be Our Guest"
The music of "Be Our Guest" is catchy and upbeat, with a lively tempo and a jazzy feel. The song is written in the style of a classic Hollywood musical number, with a big band sound and a fast-paced rhythm.
The song features a wide range of musical instruments, including trumpets, trombones, saxophones, and clarinets. The music also incorporates elements of French-style music, such as the accordion and the cabaret-style piano.
The music of "Be Our Guest" is so infectious and memorable that it has become one of the most beloved songs in Disney history.
The Legacy of "Be Our Guest"
The "Be Our Guest" scene has become one of the most beloved and iconic moments in Disney history. The scene has been parodied and referenced in countless movies, TV shows, and pop culture moments.
The scene was also adapted into a stage musical when "Beauty and the Beast" was turned into a Broadway show in 1994. The "Be Our Guest" number was one of the highlights of the musical, and it was performed with even more lavish costumes and choreography than in the animated movie.
The legacy of "Be Our Guest" continues to live on today, as new generations of Disney fans discover the magic and wonder of this unforgettable scene.