MOVIE REVIEW/EVENT: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST AT EL CAPITAN

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BEAUTY AND THE BEAST AT EL CAPITAN

Not only was I so looking forward to seeing the new live-action film of Beauty and the Beast, (also known as the story of Mr. X and me, but I won’t tell you which of us is which,) but even more than the movie itself, I couldn’t wait to see it at the El Capitan theatre in Hollywood.  I love that place!  There’s always something special happening along with the movie. There is so much to see and do both before and after each screening there.

We saw this giant billboard of the movie on Sunset Blvd. on the way to see it!  Good omen.  Photo by Karen Salkin.

We saw this giant billboard of the movie on Sunset Blvd. on the way to see it! Good omen. Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one of the poster at the top of this page.

And now that I did just that the other night, I can declare that the only way to see the new mega-hit film, Beauty and the Beast, is at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood! I mean it—the only way! Actually, it’s the only place to see any Disney films!

As Mr. X put it on the way home, (yes, this is so special that he actual went with me!,) “What a complete experience!” He is correct—it’s not just seeing the movie there; there are so many fun activities around the film.

And the sound system is the best ever! I don’t think there’s another one like it.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

When I was growing-up in New York, the place to see movies was Radio City Music Hall. Not only did we see the flick on a giant screen, but there was also a live show beforehand. Going there was such a special thing to do. And that’s sort-of what El Capitan is like. No, there are no Rockettes here, but there’s something special every place you turn. I suggest getting there an hour before showtime to make sure to get it all in. You won’t want to miss any of the fun.

So, now I have to go in order of what we did the other night, followed by the actual review of the movie itself, (which I actually almost forgot about in my excitement about the El Capitan extras! I’m not kidding.)

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

After we parked across the street at the Hollywood and Highland mall, (the El Capitan validates for that place, which makes it so easy,) and picked-up our tickets at the box office, we went right next door to the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain for their Sip & See special. We each had a cup of Twinings tea from their Beauty and the Beast Collection. I don’t think we drank it out of Chip, (since the cups weren’t chipped,) but our Camomile, Honey & Vanilla teas were downright delish. (And, as I’m sure many of you know by now, tea really is my area of expertise.) For this special, they serve the tea with a biscotti that’s dipped in Ghirardelli chocolate. (Duh.)  What a seriously delicious and relaxing way to start the evening! And the visuals in that place are gorgeous; everywhere you look, there’s something colorful and fun to see.

Then we headed into the theatre, found our reserved seats, (which they all are in there, ) set-down our rain gear, (yes—of course we went on the only night it rained recently!,) and ventured out to the various exhibits on offer at the theatre.

Part of the display of the movie props and costumes. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Part of the display of the movie props and costumes. Photo by Karen Salkin.

First up, we went to the lowest level to see the exclusive El Capitan exhibit of costumes, props, and set dressing used in the actual film. There was so much more than I expected! I couldn’t imagine how some of them were incorporated into the movie, but when I saw some of them on the screen, I got excited like a little kid! I actually grabbed Mr. X’s arm and squealed, “We just saw those!,” which he noticed, too, of course. That whole display is really eye-opening. (And it’s available for perusing post-screening, too, if you’d rather take a look at it later.)

The bell jar and rose.  (I know you're disappointed--you were expecting to finally see a picture of Mr. X! Sorry.)  Photo by Karen Salkin.

The bell jar and rose. (I know you’re disappointed–you were expecting to finally see a picture of Mr. X! Sorry.) Photo by Karen Salkin.

Then we went back up to the main lobby to look around. I really loved seeing the beautiful Bell Jar which contained the pivotal rose from the film. Some of the guests were taking pictures in front of it, but we chose to do what most of the crowd was doing, especially couples—have our photo taken in front of the “Rose Wall” with the Beauty and the Beast logo on it. And no need for selfies there—a member of the staff stands right there to take your picture on your phone for you. How thoughtful of the El Capitan to go that extra mile!

We had the “VIP Package,” which includes a cute little tub of popcorn (which comes with a lid, so you can take any leftovers home easily, although it’s soooo delicious that I doubt there will be any) and a beverage. I was thrilled to see that the drink choices are not just big jugs of soda, and they’re not in those hard-to-handle waxy cups filled to the brim with ice. They are bottles of a variety of sodas, but also ones of juice, water, lemonade—you name it. That was really refreshing—in every sense of the word!

And here was a new experience for me—we sat in the balcony! I really hadn’t even realized that theatre had one! And the sightlines are perfect! Whenever I see films in theatres with “stadium seating,” I always opt to sit high up because it really is better to see the movie from that vantage point. And, at the El Capitan, it’s really perfect up there! (But I do have to warn you—I was freezing a lot of the time, so make sure to dress in layers, in case it’s the same temperature when you go there. I don’t know if that’s just the balcony temp, or the whole theatre, so just be prepared.)

Part of the photo display on the top level of El Capitan. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Part of the photo display on the top level of El Capitan. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Even if you sit in the orchestra, you must go to that upstairs lobby to see the fascinating pictorial history of the El Capitan! I would have loved to read every single caption, but I ran out of time. Please make sure not to miss it, like I would have if Mr. X hadn’t pointed it out to me, which I’m grateful he did. [Note: For those of you who love to know things, but don’t like to do the research yourselves, I included a brief history of the El Capitan, which someone just shared with me, at the end of this review.]

And this is nice—both floors have a designated area of the lobby where you pick-up your VIP concessions. There’s no waiting in a big line, and then having to explain the situation. It’s clearly marked, you just show them your ticket, and it’s an easy done deal. I love that!

The stunning curtain.  Still pictures just don't do it justice; you have to see it in person. Photo by Karen Salkin.

The stunning curtain. Still pictures just don’t do it justice; you have to see it in person. Photo by Karen Salkin.

But, the best part, for me, was when we finally sat down and saw the absolutely stunning Swarovski crystal curtain! OMG! I couldn’t take my eyes off it just standing still, but when the lights dimmed and the immersive light and projection show featuring it began, I literally started crying. I think I sobbed through the whole thing; it’s that gorgeous.

Plus, the dazzling display is accompanied by a brand new Beauty and the Beast overture which was recorded by a one hundred piece symphonic orchestra. You cannot imagine how magnificent it is with the El Capitan sound system. You have got to hear it for yourself.

Okay, the curtain is so gorgeous that I have to share TWO snaps of it!  Photo by Karen Salkin.

Okay, the curtain is so gorgeous that I have to share TWO snaps of it! Photo by Karen Salkin.

I was having such a great time that I just about forgot that we were there to see the movie!!! But, as you may have guessed, I loved Beauty and the Beast! (Duh—have you met me?!) This is the live-action version of the Disney animated film from 1991. (How could it be that long ago?! Really!) I already loved the story and songs, (although I’m not so sure about the few new tunes—I’m not great with change,) so what was not to love?

My one teensy tiny complaint is, since this film is “live-action,” I sort-of wish that all the characters at the castle, (Lumiere and company) were, too. It bothered me a bit that they’re animated, even though they are based on the actors who are voicing the roles, (and whom we see for a few seconds at the end.)

All the actors are good, and, although none of the singing is spectacular, it’s definitely good enough. And there are lots of clever lines and new bits. But the star is the production itself. What an undertaking! The entire film is gorgeous! It hurts my head to try to imagine getting something like this done. It’s really mind-boggling. [Note: If you’re a techie, you might be interested to know that the film at the El Capitan is projected in 2D Dolby VisionTM laser projection with Dolby Atmos® audio technology.]

And I could not believe the fuss people made about the LeFou character being gay now! That’s revealed for one tiny second at the end! Are people insane?! They have no problem with a human falling in love with a beast, or anything else about this fairy tale, but one moment of two men arm-in-arm, and they can’t handle it. I continue to be amazed by life.

And, as attractive as Dan Stevens (who plays the Beast) is when he becomes human, I hate to say that he was sexier as the Beast! I have a feeling I’m not alone in that assessment.

Luke Evans as Gaston.  Am I right or am I right???

Luke Evans as Gaston. Am I right or am I right???

But how hot is Luke Evans, who plays Gaston? I’m afraid that had I been Belle, I may not have been able to resist that handsome face. And he can sing! So, Luke was the revelation of the film for me.

But, I loved it all! And here’s fair warning—you probably won’t be able to stop singing the songs for days after you see it. Or, in my case, I’m sure it will be weeks. Maybe even months! Poor Mr. X.

So, my advice is: go see Beauty and the Beast, but, if you’re in SoCal, only at the El Capitan! And check-out their website first, for special promotions and days (such as Tiny Tot Tuesdays, where they don’t shut the lights all the way, and they lower the sound. Great idea.)

Okay, as promised above, here’s the info I received about the El Capitan, and it’s worth the read:

“Declared a Historic Cultural Monument by the City of Los Angeles and restored to showcase its original lavish architecture, The El Capitan Theatre has been since 1991 an exclusive first run theatre, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, for The Walt Disney Studios. The theatre also hosts live stage shows, world premieres, special events, and screenings of classic Disney films.

“In the 1920s, real estate developer Charles Toberman and Sid Grauman built the Egyptian, Chinese and El Capitan theatres.  Los Angeles based Stiles O. Clements designed the elaborate cast-concrete Spanish Colonial style exterior; San Francisco architect G. Albert Lansburgh, known for his design of over 50 West Coast theatres and luxury cinema houses, designed the lavish East Indian inspired interior.  Originally a legitimate theatre (over 120 plays and musicals were staged), it was converted for film for the world premiere of Orson Welles’ “Citizen Kane.”  The theatre then was renovated, reopening in March 1942 as the Hollywood Paramount, a streamlined “art moderne” first run movie house.

“In 1989, the Walt Disney Company joined forces with Pacific Theatres and launched a two-year, museum quality restoration of The El Capitan Theatre, led by renowned theatre designer Joseph J. Musil. Musil with the supervision of the National Park Service’s Department of the Interior, and guidance from conservator Martin Weil and architect Ed Fields, achieved the goal recreating the original 1926 look and feel — including original design elements such as the ornate plasterwork found hidden behind walls and the opera boxes in the main auditorium.”

Beauty and the Beast running through April 30, 2017
The El Capitan Theatre 6838 Hollywood Boulevard 1-800-DISNEY6
www.elcapitantheatre.com

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2 Comments

  1. As much as my 12yo niece and I loved BATB, you can’t have a not beautiful “Beauty.” My niece was also disappointed in Belle’s yellow ball gown. I half expected her to put a drapery rod on her shoulders and tell us she saw in the window and couldn’t resist.

    • Karen Salkin on

      That last sentence made me laugh!

      Also, I had so much more to say about the movie itself, like all the holes, and the new story bits (like about Belle’s mother,) but I was reviewing the entire wonderful experience much more than I was the actual film.

      Karen

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