I was quite happy with how the live-action remakes of
Cinderella and
The Jungle Book turned out. Both stayed very true to the tone & heart of their animated counterparts, yet each adding their own changes to better the story. (Ex: Mowgli getting to choose to stay in the jungle at the end, and fit in where
he wants. More story added to Shere Khan's character. Cinderella meeting & spending time with the prince prior to the ball, more character development of her father, etc...)
None of those changes (imo) distracted from or took away from the mood or theme of the original animated classics. They both felt like a great, revised ride...keeping strong loyalty to what they were remaking, yet evolving a few tidbits here & there. Those were both wins for Disney in my book.
Now as far as
Alice In Wonderland,
Maleficent (though not technically a "remake"), and more recently,
Pete's Dragon.... I'll just say that each of those adaptations left a lot to be desired.
For me, at least. Just my opinion.
The way things are shaping up with
Beauty & The Beast based on what has been shown so far...it's looking like it will go the route of Cindy & Mowgli...keeping very loyal to what we all know & love about the classic original, and any changes thrown in will be subtle enough to not distract, yet evolving the classic tale somewhat for the better. Here's hoping.