ANIMATED: Crown Jewel of the Disney Renaissance - Beauty and the Beast!

Today, Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider celebrates Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, which changed animation forever, becoming the first animated film nominated for Best Picture and proving that animated storytelling could carry emotional, musical, and cinematic weight equal to live-action films. In this episode, we explore the film’s groundbreaking animation, the Broadway-style music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, the powerful themes of love and transformation, and how the story of Belle and the Beast reshaped the Disney Renaissance and modern animated filmmaking. From unforgettable songs to revolutionary storytelling techniques, we break down why this film remains one of the most important animated movies ever made.

The Coolest Alive Podcast with Jesse Blaze Snider.

Every Tuesday, “Coolest Alive” dives into a fantastic album worthy of your time. No stuffy reviews here, just records from across genres getting deserved praise as must-listen classics, packed with cool vibes and reasons to hit play. Tune in for the best in music weekly.

Wednesday’s “Coolest Alive” is all about comic books/graphic novels that shine bright. We’re not reviewing, we’re celebrating what makes this medium so awesome! Join us to discover a visual storytelling gem you’ll want to check out.

Thursday’s “Coolest Alive” brings the spotlight to a stellar film or TV show. Forget formal critiques, we’re here to talk about what makes live-action filmmaking so great, from epic moments to why it’s a must-watch. Catch the cinematic love every week.

Fridays are for the eclectic, think BOOKS, DOCUMENTARIES, STAGE SHOWS, VIDEO GAMES, STREET FIGHTS, or anything else not covered on Tuesday through Thursday's shows. Each week, we share something extraordinary (besides music, comics, and movies), diving into why it’s a standout in its field. Expect the unexpected every Friday as we explore the coolest picks...across ALL mediums!