The Three CommentEARS: STTA Beauty and the Beast

[tsom]

I listened to the Cinderella 2015 commentary yesterday and I loved it! It was my first time hearing about this series, but I'm excited to go back and listen to more commentaries!

A couple of notes about the Cinderella 2015 commentary. 1. Interesting that Holiday Grainger said Anastasia was the younger of the sisters. Do you know which interview it was where she mentioned it? It's interesting because the novelization stated Drisella was the younger of the two. 2. Someone mentioned that Austria and Hungary were landlocked. The Austro-Hungarian Empire wasn't landlocked until the end of WWI in 1918; therefore, it was possible that if Kit's kingdom was indeed influenced by Austria-Hungary, then the kingdom would have access to a body of water.

[Disney Duster]

1. Interesting that Holiday Grainger said Anastasia was the younger of the sisters. Do you know which interview it was where she mentioned it? It's interesting because the novelization stated Drisella was the younger of the two.

I await Escapay to reply to both of our last posts, but I can answer this one for you. In the book A Wish Your Heart Makes, Holiday said that she decided for her character building that she was "the younger, prettier one". I'm surprised you don't own the book! It has a lot of info about the original Cinderella fairy tale, Walt Disney's movie, and Kenneth Branagh's movie. It's so full of knowledge!

[tsom]

Thank you so much for answering my question! That's quite interesting. In the 2015 version, some scenes have Anastasia seem like the older sister, and some others make it seem like she is younger. They might as well be twins. Haha. And yeah I need to get that book. Maybe I'll buy it as a Christmas present to myself. Haha.

[Disney Duster]

Yea they might as well be twins. I hope you do get that book!

[DisneyFan09]

Yo peeps. Sorry if I'm nagging, but where's your other commentary which you were supposed to release soon? I'm not pressing you, but I'm just curious.

[Escapay]

Thanks Disney Duster for answering that question for me.

And I was the one who brought up the Austro-Hungarian Empire, lol. I was baffled by the thought of a landlocked country having a naval service in present-day, but failed to remember that borders were different in past centuries, haha. Although as pointed out, the country is never specifically named in the film, we only know that it's based on Austro-Hungarian architecture, without any character implicity stating that it's part of the Empire. Then again, it could be a small seaside country that eventually merges with it later on.

Yo peeps. Sorry if I'm nagging, but where's your other commentary which you were supposed to release soon? I'm not pressing you, but I'm just curious.

November's commentary is in its final editing stages, but has to be reviewed and listened to for quality control before we post it.

December's commentary hasn't been recorded yet, but we already know which film it will be. I've been researching it over the past few days.

Albert

[Disney Duster]

It's great you do all that research for each commentary!

But two questions of mine remain. First: Why are there three Beauty and the Beast commentaries?

Then, what about what I said about how they needed to try the slipper on every maiden because she ran away from the prince and didn't come back, especially in the 2015 one because it is announced she should come to him? And she doesn't so he must go to her?

[Escapay]

But two questions of mine remain. First: Why are there three Beauty and the Beast commentaries?

Oops, sorry!

To answer that one, we just wanted to do multiple commentaries depending on which version of the film someone's watching. The Original Theatrical and the Special Edition are essentially the same, except the SE commentary is about five minutes longer as we talk about the "Human Again" scene. We made sure whoever was talking before the film branched would finish, that way there's a seamless transition between both. The Work in Progress commentary is a two-fer with just myself and Pedro (Kelvin was busy and said all he wanted in the OT/SE commentary) where we further discuss the production of the film.

Then, what about what I said about how they needed to try the slipper on every maiden because she ran away from the prince and didn't come back, especially in the 2015 one because it is announced she should come to him? And she doesn't so he must go to her?

Haha, that slipped my mind. But it's just been a gripe of mine in general that virtually every story I've come across for Cinderella has the whole dog-and-pony show of everyone trying on the slipper when clearly not everyone would fit in it anyway. It always seemed more practical if they simply decreed something like, "Hey, if you're a size 4, come to the palace and see if this is your shoe!"

Albert

[DisneyFan09]

November's commentary is in its final editing stages, but has to be reviewed and listened to for quality control before we post it.

December's commentary hasn't been recorded yet, but we already know which film it will be. I've been researching it over the past few days.

Well, remember you siad that you've would record another commentary for the following week after the "Cinderella" one. You can't just back out of it...

Just kidding! Take the time you need

[Disney Duster]

Oh. Ok well then if I ever watch the Beauty and the Beast commentary I'll watch the non-Special Edition and non-Work-in-Progress version, as I don't have those. I do rather wish I could see the Work-in-Progress version.

I see what you think about the slipper trying on scene, but for the reasons I explained, I think it's necessary.

[Escapay]

November's commentary is in its final editing stages, but has to be reviewed and listened to for quality control before we post it.

December's commentary hasn't been recorded yet, but we already know which film it will be. I've been researching it over the past few days.

Well, remember you siad that you've would record another commentary for the following week after the "Cinderella" one.

November's commentary is the one we recorded after Cinderella. It's taken awhile to edit together because it was done in two sessions due to technical problems.

Also, Disney Duster, you can listen to the Work in Progress commentary with the original theatrical release of the film. It runs the same length and doesn't really *require* having the WiP on hand.

Albert

[DisneyFan09]

November's commentary is the one we recorded after Cinderella. It's taken awhile to edit together because it was done in two sessions due to technical problems.

Okay. I hope you read what I wrote about just teasin' ya.

[Disney Duster]

Also, Disney Duster, you can listen to the Work in Progress commentary with the original theatrical release of the film. It runs the same length and doesn't really *require* having the WiP on hand.

Ah. Well, I would rather use that commentary for it's intended purpose, with the WiP one, even though it wouldn't be that different.

[DisneyFan09]

I was on your page yesterday and discovered that you've already posted your recent commentary; That of "Aladdin". So I hope you don't mind that I'm revealing it, though.

http://www.threecommentears.com/the-three-commentears/

[Escapay]

Quick updates, as the last quarter of 2015 was very busy.

As mentioned, November's commentary is for Aladdin (1992). It was recorded in two sessions due to technical issues, though we hope that the split is seamless. The film is available on Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital HD/iTunes.

December's commentary is for Toby Tyler (1960), and dedicated to its star, the late Kevin Corcoran. The film is available on DVD and Digital HD/iTunes.

In addition, as a "CommentEAR Christmas Gift," we individually covered the three "mini-classics" with guest commentators:

"The Small One" (1978) - CommentEAR Kelvin and guest Tony (previously featured in The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad). The film is available on DVD.

"Mickey's Christmas Carol" (1983) - CommentEAR Albert and guest Marielle. The film is available on Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital HD/iTunes.

"The Prince and the Pauper" (1990) - CommentEAR Pedro and guest Brian. The film is available on DVD.

January's two commentaries will be recorded this weekend, pending availability of commentators.

February's commentary recording session has not yet been scheduled, pending access to the film in question. In addition, I will be traveling in early February, so a recording session likely will not occur until mid-to-late February.

March's commentary recording session has not yet been scheduled, but the film has been decided.

Albert

[Escapay]

January's commentary has been temporarily postponed due to scheduling conflicts.

However, we did record an episode of our Something to Think About podcast, sharing our thoughts on 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens...

• In our third installment of “Something to Think About,” we examine the success of the newest Star Wars film and its effects on the audience and industry as a whole. For “Maz Tanaka” (Pedro/pap64), “General Hux” (Kelvin/Disneykid), and “Captain Phasma” (Tony/TonyWDA), the new film elicited very positive responses. “Poe Dameron” (Albert/Escapay), however, had a few concerns for the film and franchise, which resulted in a less-than-enthusiastic viewing of the film. In addition, we look back on the legacy of the Star Wars franchise through its various stages, recalling how each of us entered the Star Wars fandom, and what the future may hold.

Albert

[Super Aurora]

January's commentary has been temporarily postponed due to scheduling conflicts.

However, we did record an episode of our Something to Think About podcast, sharing our thoughts on 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens...

• In our third installment of “Something to Think About,” we examine the success of the newest Star Wars film and its effects on the audience and industry as a whole. For “Maz Tanaka” (Pedro/pap64), “General Hux” (Kelvin/Disneykid), and “Captain Phasma” (Tony/TonyWDA), the new film elicited very positive responses. “Poe Dameron” (Albert/Escapay), however, had a few concerns for the film and franchise, which resulted in a less-than-enthusiastic viewing of the film. In addition, we look back on the legacy of the Star Wars franchise through its various stages, recalling how each of us entered the Star Wars fandom, and what the future may hold.

Albert

I'd love be involve in this commentary with you guys. As a huge Star wars fan and have well verse knowledge on the subject, i'd think it would help complement with your commentary and give some insights of my own.

[DisneyFan09]

Hey Albert. I hope you don't mind me for revealing this, but here it goes. I've noticed that you've launched your latest commentaries on your official site without announcing it here. Why is that?

I just wonder if your next Pocahontas commentary will be with Pedro and Kelvin? Don't take this the wrong way, I have nothing against the others on your newest commentary. But it's perhaps due to that I'm used to your dynamic with Pap and Kelvin.

One thing that I appreciate with your commentaries is that you don't hear the movie in the background. I've stated priorly that I'm a behind the scenes-buff and that I love commentaries. But sometimes the movie in the background can be distracting. And that's what I noticed that your latest commentary, that you could hear the movie.

I hope you don't take these criticism the wrong way, cause that's not my intention. Of course you're free to do whatever you want, but I just wanted to state my remarks.

And just a question; How do you actually prepare a commentary? Do you type the context you're going to proclaim in advance or do you say it randomly? How much planning is there involved in the process?

[Escapay]

I've noticed that you've launched your latest commentaries on your official site without announcing it here. Why is that?

Mainly due to time and availability. Initially, we would update every social media platform at once (the site, Facebook, Twitter, here, etc.). But eventually, making sure it was posted on the site first took priority, and posted on Facebook immediately after. Lately, it's fallen to me to update the thread here, but given my own schedule, I don't often get a chance to visit the forum as much as I would like, hence the untimely updates.

I just wonder if your next Pocahontas commentary will be with Pedro and Kelvin? Don't take this the wrong way, I have nothing against the others on your newest commentary. But it's perhaps due to that I'm used to your dynamic with Pap and Kelvin.

Funny enough, we actually recorded that track before the one I did with Tony and Jen. But as the editing for the Tony/Jen track was completed earlier, we decided to release it first. It's part of a growing attempt at getting different voices involved when possible (similar to the Christmas gifts when each CommentEAR had a guest commentator). Since Pocahontas has two different versions of the film, we though it would be nice to have two commentary teams split between them. It would also allow for more discussion in specific areas. The track with Tony and Jen focuses far more on animation and music. The track with Kelvin and Pap looks more into history and the film's legacy, and was posted recently:

http://www.threecommentears.com/2016/02 ... heatrical/

One thing that I appreciate with your commentaries is that you don't hear the movie in the background. I've stated priorly that I'm a behind the scenes-buff and that I love commentaries. But sometimes the movie in the background can be distracting. And that's what I noticed that your latest commentary, that you could hear the movie.

We introduced it with the two Pocahontas commentaries, although it's too early to say if it'll be a continuing feature (for one thing, it's the full soundtrack, so there would be copyright issues). Personally, I like it as it helps cover any silent gaps we may have, or bring focus to a particular line of dialogue or song lyric that we may discuss. In addition, it helps make the commentary a podcast option for listeners, the background audio helps keep them synced mentally without having to view the film at the same time. But I can see how it can be distracting.

I hope you don't take these criticism the wrong way, cause that's not my intention. Of course you're free to do whatever you want, but I just wanted to state my remarks.

No worries! We're glad for any feedback, positive or negative. It helps us to know what our listeners think about our work.

And just a question; How do you actually prepare a commentary? Do you type the context you're going to proclaim in advance or do you say it randomly? How much planning is there involved in the process?

I tend to overprepare for them. In addition to analysis I write ahead of time, I also have a set list of categories to research, then within these categories, list down the different bullet points or quotes I plan to use (and their sources). Then, I'd take the film's chapter listing (usually based off the laserdisc or DVD), and copy the analysis, bullet points, and quotes into chapters that would be ideal for discussing. I end up overpreparing and by the film's end, I'll find that I've only used probably 65% of what I've researched and written. But I'd rather have a lot of content I can draw from (and know some of it may not be used) than end up just watching the film and giving reactions to what's happening. Those types of commentaries bore me unless there's a valid reason to give a reaction, so I try not to be that kind of commentator when I record. At the same time, I also need to remember that other people will be on the track, and they have their own notes to consult. I don't want to hog the airtime just because in one chapter I've got five minutes' worth of content to say but only three and a half minutes to say it. But overall, preparation for a commentary can take as little as a few afternoons and as much as a few weeks, depending on which movie is selected and when the recording date is set.

I'd love be involve in this commentary with you guys. As a huge Star wars fan and have well verse knowledge on the subject, i'd think it would help complement with your commentary and give some insights of my own.

The film is due for Blu-Ray release in April, although we haven't decided on recording a commentary for it yet, but I'll pass this along to the others and see how they feel!

Albert

[DisneyFan09]

Mainly due to time and availability. Initially, we would update every social media platform at once (the site, Facebook, Twitter, here, etc.). But eventually, making sure it was posted on the site first took priority, and posted on Facebook immediately after. Lately, it's fallen to me to update the thread here, but given my own schedule, I don't often get a chance to visit the forum as much as I would like, hence the untimely updates.

Fair enough.

I tend to overprepare for them. In addition to analysis I write ahead of time, I also have a set list of categories to research, then within these categories, list down the different bullet points or quotes I plan to use (and their sources). Then, I'd take the film's chapter listing (usually based off the laserdisc or DVD), and copy the analysis, bullet points, and quotes into chapters that would be ideal for discussing. I end up overpreparing and by the film's end, I'll find that I've only used probably 65% of what I've researched and written. But I'd rather have a lot of content I can draw from (and know some of it may not be used) than end up just watching the film and giving reactions to what's happening. Those types of commentaries bore me unless there's a valid reason to give a reaction, so I try not to be that kind of commentator when I record. At the same time, I also need to remember that other people will be on the track, and they have their own notes to consult. I don't want to hog the airtime just because in one chapter I've got five minutes' worth of content to say but only three and a half minutes to say it. But overall, preparation for a commentary can take as little as a few afternoons and as much as a few weeks, depending on which movie is selected and when the recording date is set.

Oh, that's exactly how I prepare my blog entries! I overprepare them and do tremendous amount of research, more than I usually need.

The reason for asking is that I'm planning to record and launch my own commentaries for Disney films. So therefore I'm just curious. Now I'm writing down what I'm preparing to say. Do you mind if I'm modelling my commentaries in more or less your ways? I'm not intending to copying your quotes and such, but having the commentary in the same a constructive, detailed and interesting tone that you have?