This spring, Beauty and the Beast joined the likes of Disney live-action remakes Maleficent and Cinderella after hitting theaters on Friday, March 17.

This highly anticipated remaster of the Disney classic, brought to life by director Bill Condon, brings justice to the 1991 animation we all know and love with the stunning work of both a creative crew and phenomenal cast.

The film features the admirable acting of Emma Watson, who moved on from the magic of Harry Potter to the magic of Disney with the role of the beloved bookish and headstrong Belle. She is joined by Dan Stevens, who portrays the outwardly intimidating yet inwardly lovable Beast, Luke Evans, who plays the haughty and cold-hearted “heartthrob” Gaston, and Josh Gad, who plays LeFou, Gaston’s often compliant yet soft-hearted sidekick. Other significant performances include Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts, Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, and Ewan McGregor as Lumière.

Behind the scenes are the ingenious crew members who bring the true movie magic with charming wardrobes, flawless choreographies, whimsical set designs, and mesmerizing music scores. From the breathtaking sparkles on Belle’s iconic yellow ball gown, to the staggering structures of the Beast’s enchanted castle, each piece of the movie is done with meticulous detail that the original 2D animation lacks. Even the CGI effects – as used to create such aspects as the castle’s exterior and all of the inanimate characters – provide the film with dimension and depth that truly enhance the film’s aesthetic.

But beyond the beautiful melodies and intricate design work, the most impressive characteristic of this live-action remake is that it stays strikingly true to the animated film, yet it includes small changes sprinkled throughout the plot that give it a new twist.

The script in the new film is nearly identical to the old one, save for a few lines here and there and a handful of scenes that differ from the original. More similarities include the ongoing theme of “don’t judge a book by its cover” and the personas of each character. One difference in the new adaptation is that it explores Belle’s character through a bigger lens than before by showing her deep connection with family and really emphasizing her courage and eccentricity and willingness to accept others. A more obvious modification is the way the remake reveals more knowledge about the Beast’s past and how he became the person he is. While these differences are not monumental, they add another layer to the plot and also a certain uniqueness that Beauty and the Beast fans will appreciate.

This spin on a tale “as old as time” is truly not one to miss, as ratings have flown through the roof ever since its release. Within a single week, it has been named the number one movie in the world, has received several spectacular reviews and ratings, and has grossed over $400 million at the box office.

Make sure to go see Beauty and the Beast over Spring break for a truly enchanting experience!