!!!
(Just a few extra exclamation points for those of you who have been going out of their minds not being able to see this after all the amazing promotion.)
A very big thank you to 'Anonymous' who sent a link yesterday!
I was eventually able to view an English dubbed Blu-ray a little while back (now available in Australia since the end of June 2015, Canada since it was first released in its country of origin, and a limited release in January 2015 in Thailand) and this appears to be exactly that.
Though I personally would have much preferred the option of French language with English subtitles, (the particular combination of which I still can't find available) it seems the English dub is done by the lead actors themselves at least, if not the whole cast, and done very well. (Not the same, but it's a good compromise.)
The magic (and the 'pretty') is turned up to eleven and the overall impression was very good to excellent. Both husband and son gave it a thumbs up and would happily watch it again. I have my criticisms but this isn't a review and that review would tell you, even with the criticisms, that it's definitely worth watching.
It's stunning, beautiful, magical. It's not perfect but I will tell you there are many things to love. The story behind how the Beast became a beast is possibly even more fairy tale than the main story and an amazing addition.
Here's the English trailer (with an example of the English dubs):
And, once the dust has settled here a little I will TRY to remember to do a real review.
