I actually liked the 1991 animated version (though I much prefer the Cocteau film). My main problem with this “new” version is that it’s just another pointless remake. I think it is terribly unoriginal of Disney to remake animated classics with live actors and CGI effects. I guess live-action Pinocchio and Snow White cannot be far behind.
I’m trying to come to grips with the remakes. Thing is, today’s young audience is starting out life watching photorealistic animations, instead of hand-drawn 2D. Yes, the originals had their own charm, but may not be aging as well as thought by those of us who grew up on them. The lead article spends nearly as much time lambasting the 2D 1991 version as it does vomiting on the latest. While the Cocteau version was magnificent for its time (and doubly so with Philip Glass’s replacement soundtrack), few audiences would endure it today.
They’re great stories at core. They’ve been retold for many generations. It’s time to retell them again.
Knowing Disney, in 25-30 years they will “introduce new animations based on the beloved live action movies, and the animated movies which inspired them” to a whole new audience.
They honestly could probably make as much money, just re-releasing the 1991 version with updated sound and remastered film.