Disney’s live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast was an incredible film. It managed to stay true to the original animated film, while at the same time offering something new and refreshing.
The film also pays homage and makes reference to a variety of Disney classics. See for yourself and check out these 10+ hidden details about the live-action Beauty and the Beast that fans didn’t notice.
1. “Doe, a deer, a female deer!”
Toward the end of Belle’s song ‘ Provincial Life ‘, she whisks away to the hills to survey the village from above.
This is a very obvious reference to yet another Disney classic: The Sound of Music .
Look familiar? Even the dress that Belle is wearing is nearly identical in style to Julie Andrews’.
Obviously Beauty and the Beast didn’t film in the Austrian Alps, but it’s clear to see that this is the scene they’re paying homage to.
2. A nod to *Aladdin*.
If there’s one thing that Disney loves doing above all else, it’s giving clever little references to their past films.
With that in mind, does Cogsworth remind you of anyone? Does the clock he emerges from look anything like the royal palace in Agrabah? Hmm…
3. Remembering Neville Longbottom.
When Belle pauses to ask a villager if he’s once again “lost something,” he replies “I believe I have, the problem is – I can’t remember what!”
Sound familiar? If you’re a Potterhead, it definitely will!
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This is a clear reference to the first *Harry Potter* film!
The scene they’re referring to is where Neville is sent a Rememberall from his grandmother.
Emma Watson is most well-known for playing Hermione Granger in the franchise and this seems to perfect to be mere coincidence.
4. Maurice’s desk tells a story.
A cluttered desk reveals a cluttered mind. I suppose that saying holds water when talking about Belle’s father, Maurice.
Among his many trinkets, you’ll see a man and a woman holding hands in a canoe. In the exact same manner as in The Little Mermaid .
5. There’s even another not-so-subtle nod to *Aladdin*.
The trinket between Belle and Maurice is a tiny miniature of the Sultan’s palace!
It’s almost as if they were promoting a film within a film? Hmm…Disney wouldn’t do that, would they?
6. Remembering the great creator that was Walt Disney.
Notice the ornate design of the ballroom floor?
Look closely and you’ll see some very recognizable initials: W and D. It stands for none other than Walt Disney himself!
7. La Belle et la Bête.
The Beast imprisons Belle’s father for a very different reason in the live-action remake after he steals a white rose from the garden.
This is a reference to the original fairytale La Belle et la Bête , which inspired both film versions.
8. Also, the town where Belle lives is an homage to the author!
The name of the French author was Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve .
It’s not an obvious Easter Egg to spot unless you’re a fan of 16th-century French literature that is.
9. A double dose of Disney references!
When Belle uses the enchanted map, we’re treated to a beautiful shot of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
You might think that this is just another nod to The Hunchback of Notre Dame but it goes deeper than that.
Belle appeared in the animated version of *The Hunchback of Notre Dame*!
Look in the bottom right-hand corner of the image and you’ll be sure to spot her!
True to form, Belle is roaming the streets of Paris with her nose caught in a book.
10. Recalling the intro to the animated film.
When we first meet Belle, she’s teaching a young village girl how to read.
Take a look at the page the camera focusses in on, does the image ring any bells or seem at all familiar?
It should! That’s precisely how the animated version of *Beauty And The Beast* begins!
You can see that there are two bluebirds flying just over the top of the waterfall.
This is one of the most iconic intros of any Disney movie, so it’s understandable why they’d want to make sure to reference it.
11. Don’t forget that LeFou is Olaf.
After LeFou and Gaston share a musical number in the pub, Gaston asks how it’s possible that no girl has come and scooped up his dear friend.
To which Le Fou replies: “I’ve been told I’m clingy, but I really don’t get it.” No one on earth is clingier than Olaf!
