From the moment that Prince Eric's ship emerged from the fog in the opening credits it was apparent that Disney had somehow, suddenly recaptured that "magic" that had been dormant for thirty years. In the tale of a headstrong young mermaid who yearns to "spend a day, warm on the sand," Ariel trades her voice to Ursula, the Sea Witch (classically voiced by Pat Carroll), for a pair of legs. Ariel can only succeed if she receives true love's kiss in a few day's time and she needs all the help she can from a singing crab named Sebastian, a loudmouth seagull, and a flounder. The lyrics and music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken are top form: witty and relevant, and they advance the story (go on, hum a few bars of "Under the Sea").
Mermaid put animation back on the studio's "to do" list and was responsible for ushering
Beauty and the Beast to theaters. A modern Disney classic.
--Keith Simanton
1 One of Disney's all time greats!
The Little Mermaid came out a year after I was born. I guess I only find it fitting to write a kid's review, because all of the wonderful memories i have from it were when I was a kid. It simply is a stunning movie, regardless of being a disney classic.
It chronicles the story of Ariel, a young mermaid who dreams of becoming a human to be with her love, Eric. However the only way she can be human is by sacrificing her voice to the evil sea witch ursula. She also has two sidekicks, the absolutely hilarious sebastion and the sweet, shy flounder. I found the story to be expertly crafted and entertaining for adults and children. After 16 years, I finally rented it again and it was as magical as it had always been. I can't wait until it is re-released in 2008 on DVD. It stands against such classics as the lion king, and beauty and the beast. All three of these movies have EXCELLENT music as well as wonderful characters, both comical and serious. Highly Recommended!
2 Great FAMILY Movie
The Little Mermaid is loosely based on the Hans Christian Andersen fable, albeit with a radically changed ending. Ariel (voice of Jodi Benson) is the rebellious teenage mer-daughter of Triton, King of the Sea (Kenneth Mars). She is obsessed with the culture of those who live on land, and keeps a secret treasure trove of objects recovered from shipwrecks. One day, while swimming around with her fish pal, Flounder (Jason Marin), and her chaperone, the crab Sebastian (Samuel E. Wright), Ariel comes upon a sinking ship and saves a handsome young human, who turns out to be a prince named Eric (Christopher Daniel Barnes), from drowning. Ariel is smitten, but when her father finds out about her excursions to the surface, he is furious. Hurt and desperate, the young mermaid falls into the trap of the sea-witch Ursula (Pat Carroll), who offers her a deal: in return for being transformed into a human, Ariel must cause Eric to fall in love with her in less than three days, otherwise her soul will belong to Ursula. To seal the bargain, Ariel gives her voice to the witch. What the mermaid doesn't know, however, is that Ursula has stacked the deck so that Ariel can't possibly emerge victorious.
The animation in The Little Mermaid isn't quite as accomplished or eye-popping as that of its successors, but it's still impressive, and hurried or unfinished cels are almost impossible to spot. What the film does expertly is to weave together music, likable protagonists, thoroughly nasty villains, and a fun plot into a cohesive whole, with a result that is nothing short of magical. And, although The Little Mermaid isn't among Disney's most "mature" animated movies, it offers enough entertainment, innocent romance, and low-key humor to keep adults involved. Children, of course, will love it.
The Little Mermaid boasts a particularly strong vocal cast, although, other than Buddy Hackett (who plays a seagull named Scuttle) and Rene Auberjonois (a French cook), there are few recognizable names. But Jodi Benson gives Ariel a clear, beautiful voice and a delightfully silvery laugh; Pat Carroll brings Ursula to life with sultry gusto; and Samuel E. Wright creates a crab with a penchant for reggae. Other voices include Christopher Daniel Barnes in the rather bland role of Eric, Jason Marin as Flounder, and Ben Wright as Grimsby, Eric's faithful manservant.
The biggest obstacle for Disney is that many children have already seen The Little Mermaid on videotape, and most kids don't care about the differences between the theatrical presentation of a movie and one in the living room. Nevertheless, for those who haven't seen the film on either the big or the small screen, or for anyone who wants a chance to view it again after an eight-year absence, it's well worth a trip to the local multiplex (and, according to the studio, this will be a limited, two-week run). For ninety minutes of pure escapism, it's difficult to beat The Little Mermaid.
3 A fantastic movie, but you may want to wait....
This is no doubt a beautiful and classic disney film.
My advice: Wait for the 2-disc "Platinum Edition" to be released. It will contain the extra bonus features that the "Limited Issue" lacks. Also, if you wait you can probably find it for about 20 dollars, which is much better than buying it second hand right now for a ridiculous price. You will get more for your money if you wait! Also, you should know that Disney has decided to speed up their releases with the Platinum series (from 1 every year to 2 each year). So, Little Mermaid will be out in October of 2006. So, if you can wait a year and a half to get the better version, I would recommend it! Especially if you're into extras and bonus features (because the limited issue has NONE!)
So, if anyone is interested, Cinderella is the next Platinum DVD to come out in October of 2005, followed by Lady and the Tramp in March of 2006, and then (finally!) The Little Mermaid in October of 2006
(For 2007, the March release will be The Jungle Book and then 101 Dalmations in October)
For more information... UltimateDisney.com is a great website!
I hope you found this advice helpful, as my wish is for everyone to be able to enjoy this gorgeous Disney film!
4 Wonderful! Disney's greatest film since "The Rescuers!"
Disney was sure going down, they hadn't had a good hit film since The Rescuers, the era which followed only offered bland films at the rhythm of Oliver & Company. This film is one of the greatest Disney films ever, it features beautiful animation and great songs, the only problem is minor "reality holes" once in a while.
The story of 16-year-old Ariel is really something. A young mermaid goes against her father's wishes in order to achieve what she wants, to be with the handsome human prince Eric which turns the little mermaid to the powers of the wicked Ursula, who always reminded me of Madame Medusa from The Rescuers, with two ferocious pets as well. Ursula does her magic after singing a catchy song "Poor Unfortunate Souls" and turns Ariel into a human, now Ariel has only three days to receive a kiss from Eric so as to be human for the rest of her days. However, Ursula has plans and will not let Ariel be happy, even if it means cheating by turning herself into the beautiful Vanessa, who with Ariel's voice succeeds at capturing the heart of the prince. Thanks to the help of the wise Sebastian and the playful Flounder, Ariel manages to get her way and find true happiness in the world of humans. However, after watching the film, you'll want her too as Ariel is one of the sweetest pricesses ever brought up by the Disney animators.
Besides beautiful animation, fun-loving characters and an outstanding plot, The Little Mermaid also offers beautiful music, one of my favorites being the whole "Fireworks" melody, the songs, "Part of your World," "Under the Sea" and "Kiss the Girl" are top-notch, too!
The only problem with the film (Which is rather minor) is the sometimes loss of "reality," sometimes it seems as if animators had forgotten that the characters were floating underwater, a fair example is when Sebastian falls from high above, when he usually "slides" down peacefully, that fall was seen as if he had fallen in land instead of underwater, but these little mistakes are minor and do not make the film any less wonderful.
Naturally, this film has been added to the line of Platinum releases and will be getting the ultimate DVD release sometime soon, although this will most likely be the last of the series. Don't waste your money in outrageously priced DVD copies only available on eBay and Amazon, since the last release was poor and not worth the money.
5 My favorite Movie of ALL TIME
It's funny. A list of some of my favorite movies include Fight Club (awesome) Gladiator (Epic) Dogma (Funny, controversial, and FILLED with many "truths" (which many would beg to differ;)about religion) The Nightmare Before Christmas (a work of true genius). But the movie that outshines them all in my eyes, includes Ariel?
My first experience with "The Little Mermaid" was a Japanese Anime Version from the 70's, her name was Marina, she was topless, and she died at the end of the story, but I was drawn to it, it was sad, but beautiful, love and devotion, and her willing to give up everything for love? I was 5 and I could see it- it was beautiful. But when I was 8 or 9, My Mom bought disney's Bambi on VHS, and before it started, there was a preview for a new Disney version of the story I loved, the regular generic blonde haired Mermaid replaced with a spunky red head with a Purple SeaShell bra, and a singing crab? Disney had never let me down before, and I couldn't wait until I could see it. It was May or 1990 when the Little Mermaid hit VHS, and I was utterly captivated. Not only did the story create a much happier ending (some literary fans may have been upset, but I LOVED it!) but where before there was just a Mermaid, Ariel became the object of my nine year old affection, and she still is (my wife isn't always happy with this, but she seems to understand)
When I watch the movie now, I do realize that compared to the films that followed, the animation is a little lacking at times (very similiar to Disney's 80's Television animation)- but it still has that certain something. My favorite scene is during the Part of your World Reprise (when Ariel is watching Eric leaving after she saves him) and the look in her eyes is unbelievable, along with the sound of her voice (Jodi Benson has one of the most beautiful voices in the world), you can see and hear the longing, the love, the obsession, it gets me every time, I know every word to every song, the animation, being handdrawn through almost the entire movie, makes it a piece of art, the songs are incompareable, and the story is purely Disney (meaning Disney in the Beauty and the Beast good way - not the Cinderella II, Tarzan and Jane way)
Although the "Limited Issue" edition is a little lacking in bonus features, and by "little Lacking" I mean, "What? Not even a trailer?" It is an amazing presentaion of the film- crisp clear picture, Dolby Digital sound, enough to bring the experience, and help me relive that same feeling I had when I was 9 (wow- a little over 15 years ago)
I'm hoping the other reviewers are right on the release date- the original Platinum Edition release was 2010 (back when the series first started)- then I heard 2008, now I hear 2006 (Oh PLEASE let it be so- I could just die!
I think everyone from little girls, to little boys, to grown Men and Women should see this film! It single handedly led Disney into a new golden age! It's a classic, and a masterpiece, and to me, the greatest movie ever!
6 Kinda Sucks But Kinda Doesn't
Sure, I'll admit the animation is quite nice, so is the music. But what gets me upset is this movie's story. The Little Mermaid was originally a fairy tale penned by a Danish writer named Hans Christian Anderson, who wrote other fairy tales such as The Ugly Duckling, The Little Match Girl, The Red Shoes, and The Girl Who Troad On A Loaf. In the real little mermaid, Ariel dies. For she does not win the prince's heart and he marries another chick. But in this one, of course a beautiful female creature falls in love with a beautiful male creature, and of course marry at the end. God, this film should have made by someone else other than disney because if they stuck to the original story it would have at least been rated PG-13. Thanks
7 cheap
This edition is not worth your time & money.
Wait until October 2006 for the 2 disc platinum edition.
You won't be sorry.
8 One of Disney's Greatest Achievements
Before Disney started releasing absurd movies that justifiably performed poorly at the box office such as "Brother Bear" and "Home on the Range," and the ridiculous "Teacher's Pet," which couldn't even hit $10 million, they stuck to what they were best at -- taking classic children's stories and making them into grand animated movie musicals. People speak with their wallets, and the animated musicals mostly hit $150 million and above. Now, with the era of computer animation hitting it's peak, mediocrity (compared to films such as The Little Mermaid) such as the vastly overrated "Finding Nemo" and "The Incredibles" flourishes.
But we can be nostalgic, right?
My parents brought me to and then bought me all of these classic Disney movie musicals. My first Disney movie in theaters was "Aladdin" in 1993, when I was three years old. My first on video was this, The Little Mermaid, which my mom had bought previously. I've still watched it multiple times every year since I've had it. And it will weather the test of time far more than movies like "Finding Nemo."
The musical numbers are superb. "Kiss the Girl" and "Poor Unfortunate Souls" are probably the best of them (Sorry, "Under the Sea" purists, it's just not workin' for me here!), for they have the most theatrical feel. The wickedness oozes out of Ursula, who is easily the most sinister of any Disney villain, during the latter. The former is Sebastian, Ariel the Mermaid's little crustacion sidekick, rallying the sea creatures to push Ariel and Prince Eric to kiss, for only if they kiss in three days can Ariel regain her voice she gave up through her pact with Ursula to become human. It's almost good enough to be called, dare I say, intense?
The tweaks to the story are top-notch. It flows perfectly enough without any confusion for the little ones and with enough emotion for the older crowd. The voices serve each character perfectly and the length is perfect for a quick movie (around an hour and a half). Of course, though, the highlight of the movie is the fabulous music.
So before Disney resorted to fart jokes, they had films such as this. Parents, if your kids were born past 1995, they almost certainly are missing out on the musicals of Disney's golden age, 1988-1994, where they cranked out classic after classic. Who am I to talk? I'm a fifteen year old guy who loves great movies of all kinds, and Disney's old movies are certainly that.
- 3/5/05
9 THE BEST DISNEY MOVIE OF ALL TIME!!!
AWESOME animation! A beautiful mermaid! enchanting music and memorable characters. Ariel is truly the best! A must for your Disney collection. A+++++
10 The Little Mermaid
This is an excellant movie with a captivating and enchanting plot.
The main character, Ariel, feels misunderstood by her family, so she goes to the sea witch as a last resort.
She takes a chance and her dreams come true. I think that many young girls can relate to how Ariel feels in this movie.
It's also a great adaption of the original book The Little Mermaid, wich has a very sad ending.
I'm glad that Disney stuck to the main plot from the story though.
11 Disney's classic...again
Disney hit gold with The Little Mermaid, a charming, beautifully awesome film that is up there as one of the best animated films of all time!
12 I LOVE ARIEL!
the little mermaid is a great movie.
LOVE THE MUSIC
LOVE THE STORY
LOVE THE MOVIE
Its a really good movie, if you haven't seen it, then Hurry up and go watch it! Your life wouldn't be complete without it
13 The most magical movie I had ever seen
When I was four the movie was release in theaters. My Mom took me to see it and I just remember thinking it was the best movie ever. I think most women my age 18-21 would say that this was their favorite movie as a little girl. It had music, magic, and a princess we loved and adored. It was truly everything a four year old could ask for in a movie. I really can not watch this movie without a sentimental viewpoint. My favorite character was Ariel and I loved how fiesty she was. Many girls my age tried to use a "dinglehopper" and brush their hair. I just think that if I had a little girl I would love to watch it with her and experience the magic of it all over again.
14 the best movie ever!
i have been a disney fan my whole life and The Little Mermaid has always been my favorite and what is beter than a DVD of it.I think it is awsome!
15 My kid loves it!
We used to own a copy of Disney's The Little Mermaid when my little boy was 5, he eventually wore it out completely and we had to get rid of it. Sadly, the movie hasn't been on print except for a recent DVD release, but the price was a bit too much for us so we decided to rent the library copy. Although this one was almost as worn out as our own, my son enjoys this movie everytime he watches it and is now patiently waiting for a future DVD release. A must have for anyone who enjoys a good children's film.
16 Ariel's awesome!
This movie has had such an amazing impact on my life. By the way, I am actually 15. Ever since I was born, I have believed in the magic of the sea, and mermaids. Since I was about three, I used to watch this fantastic movie every single day, maybe even twice or three times a day. Jodi has an incredible voice, and my dream is to meet her some day. May God bless all the children of the world, and I hope that every little boy and girl can see this movie, and that it influences them to believe and follow their dreams, as The Little Mermaid has taught me to do. I LOVE you Ariel!
17 A Children's Classic!
I was just a kid when this movie first came to video, and I have fond memories of watching it every day with one of my cousins for about a month. Because of the good memories, I bought the DVD recently. I was not disappointed. The music is well-written and enhances the action while adding a Carribbean flavor. The animation is classic Disney hand-drawn, before the days of computers, but still very well-done and very realistic.
18 best disney movie ever
my favorite charictor is ursula she is the best villan ever because of her this is the best disney movie ever
19 Begining of the 9's great Disney animation area
In 1989, Disney made a comeback ater having failures for about 10 years, and they returned to make fairy tales with the Little Mermaid, it might be 2 bad Disney can't make them like this anymore, the more recent movies like Lilo & Stitch, The Emperor's New Groove, Piglet's Big Movie, and Brother Bear are all cute films, but they might not live up to the classics like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, and the Little Mermaid. When this movie first came out on dvd, I could buy it on dvd since there was no dvd player in the house, and it was already out of stock by the time dvds first enter in my house, so last week I brought a copy of the film of the marketplace, even though I was quite disappointed in getting a hard cover copy of "How I changed my life". As the movie opens, there is a concert in the kingdom of King Triton (Kenneth Mars), featureing all of his daughters including the youngest Ariel (Jodie Benson), who is not present at the concert, who is off visiting a boat with her sidekick Flounder (Jason Marin), and finds a couple of human stuff, and adds it to her collection, while she has forgotten about the concert. But when she remains she rushes home, and is in trouble with her father, and tells her that he doesn't want to hear of her going to thee surface again. But once again she disobys her father, and goes off after seeig fireworks, and lays eyes on Price Eric (Christopher Daniel Barnes). And she falls in love with him, and she saves his life when a strom hits, and brings him to land. But when a crab named Sebastian (Samuel E. Wright) mistaken tells King Triton, he oderes her not to see her new human freind again, and destroys all her treasures including a new statue that was given to her from Flounder a few seconds before, which leads her into meeting Ursula (Pat Caroll) who worsk a deal, that if she trade her voice, and her fins, she will make a portion that will maek a human foe 3 days, and she will have to get Prince Eric to kiss her, to have her remain a human by sunset of the 3rd day.
20 Disney's Masterpiece The Little Mermaid
This movie is Disney's 28th animated film & yes the one th@ saved the Disney company.It is a great film with great characters & Alan Menken is a genius with the music in this film!Buy this movie!
21 I couldn't buy it from you
I was ready to buy it from you and a note came up saying it couldn't be shipped to Central America. I don't understand why, I can see DVD's from zone 1 and zone 4. I always purchase movies from you, I recently purchased Shrek 2 and Aladdin, which I am expecting to come soon. Please! let us get them here, the same happened with 2 computer games from the learning Company I wanted for my daughter.
22 Does this DVD contain the movie in its original form?
I've read that there are bootleg and fake versions of this DVD floating around Amazon.com, particularly because this DVD is out-of-print and consequently difficult to find.
I love this movie, and I'm trying to find out whether this DVD contains the movie in its original dimensions and 1989 form. Amazon.com fails to mention whether this DVD has had enhancements or dimensions modifications. I hope not.
23 Caution when ordering from somone u dont really know!!!
CAUTION FAKE DVDs!!!! i order little mermaid from a seller here in amazon and it turned out to be FAKE. i compared the one i ordered with one my friend had (he's a collector and has 2 an opened and a sealed)and it wasnt the same. The insert and the picture on the DVD was almost like it but u can tell the quality is totally different. Pay attention to the reviews and trust NO ONE!!!!!
24 Must have for all princesses!
My daughter has been hard core about The Little Mermaid for about a year and a half now. We paid $50 on another auction site in the heat of the moment last year. It was worth it.
25 A Disney masterpiece!
This has been a favorite movie of mine since my childhood. It is the first Disney movie that I remember watching over and over again, during the weekends when I had nothing else to do. Recently, I decided to watch the movie again, and it still has that same effect on me after all these years.
The story centers on a mermaid living under the sea in the Kingdom of Atlantica named Ariel. She is the youngest daughter of King Triton, and has a fascination for the human world above the sea. She collects various antiques with her friend Flounder, and frequently goes above sea level to talk to Skuttle (a seagull who tells her about humans), even though her father forbids her from doing so. Soon, her falls in love with Prince Eric, a human, but when her father discovers this, he makes it clear that she will never be allowed to meet the human. Ariel is willing to do anything to meet Eric, even if it means wandering off to the evil Sea witch, Ursula to become a human.
Ron Clements and John Musker, the directors of this movie and also other Disney classics like Aladdin and Hercules, beautifully portray the story of Ariel in `The Little Mermaid'. The cast for providing voices to the characters also did a good job. Jodi Benson (who gives voices for many characters in Disney) did very well for the voice of Ariel, as did Samuel Wright for Sebastian along with Pat Carroll for the voice for Ursula. However, most of the credit goes to Alan Menken for composing a wonderful score to the movie, and teaming up with the late Howard Ashman to create some catchy and moving songs, that add well to the story. From listening to the songs in the movie, it is not surprising that this one the Academy Award for Best Score and also and Award for Best Song `Under the Sea'.
The only disappointing feature is the video presentation on this DVD. Some of the scenes still appear a little grainy and blurry. If you want a lot of features, I suggest you want till the Platinum series of this edition releases, consisting with a 2-disk set, filled with features is compared to this edition.
This is one of the best movies that Disney has created, and stands on top of the list along with `Beauty and the Beast' and `Aladdin'. This is a true masterpiece which can be enjoyed by all ages.
26 The Little Mermaid is awesome
Please let me know if and when The Little Mermaid will come
out on D.V.D so I may purshase a copy
I would greatly appreciate it
27 Disappointing DVD Transfer
save your $ on ebay auctions and wait for the platinum series release. this version's sound is excellent (dolby 5.1), but the bland/dull colors is a big disappointment. poor visibility, below average clarity and very dark throughout the entire movie. i've seen better second generation VHS recordings. this being a classic Disney release, it deserves a new high definition transfer like Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King (outstanding DVD's).
28 One of my all time favourites
This is one of the only Disney movies almost everybody loves. The reason? The storyline! It's a perfect movie. Ariel is a mermaid who falls in love with a human and wants to be one, Ursula is the evil octopus that transforms her while King Triton worries madly about his daughter's where-abouts. Prince Eric is Ariel's love interest, this is a very romantic movie and it will have you almost crying because it's so sweet.
Ariel's friends include flounder, a crab (Sebastian) and a seagul who make up interesting yet funny stories on the where-abouts of Ariel. In all, this is a beautiful tale and it's a definite MUST OWN.
29 Nostalgia
There was once a time in Disney History when the term "That movie underwater" didn't bring to mind a forgetfull blue tang, but rather a Jamacian Crustacian bellowing "Unda' Da' Sea!".
Now many people will argue that this is infact a Disney Classic, while others will argue it was just a mediocre effort. I however, am not sure where I stand on this film.
The Little Mermaid, the film that ended Disneys 80's menu, and as also one of the last to be based on a classic tale, is about a little mermaid, (Obviously) who, against her father King Tritents warnings, frequently goes above water, collecting human things (forks, mirrors, pipes etc.) She soon "Meets" a Prince, and falls in love, also against her fathers wishes. Add in a villian, and some funny side characters and you've got "The Little Mermaid".
This film dosen't do it for me, sadly. Because I've rarely watched it as a child, it has no nostalgia value, the back-bone for why I watch and love Disney Films. The animation is so-so, and the story isn't very strong. I sugest you rent this movie if you haven't already seen it, and then decide for yourself if you really want.
30 Splendid and Effortless Looking Realization of Perfection
Disney's 1989 animated film THE LITTLE MERMAID is a very formidable movie, surpassing the combined visual and musical artistic talents of all concerned. Character development is one of the strong points of THE LITTLE MERMAID achieved through concise dialogue, music and simplistic yet effective images. However, most effective to the success of this film are the songs that advance the story line and define the characters. That was the brilliance of lyricist Howard Ashman's contribution to THE LITTLE MERMAID. He and composer Alan Menken developed songs that in several minutes clearly define Ariel's reckless but innocent curiosity about the humans above and her yearning to discover that world. Every song in THE LITTLE MERMAID bolsters the depth of the characters, advances the plot or enhances the significance of a scene in addition to being very melodic and well written. So in THE LITTLE MERMAID we are given a substantial amount of information and entertainment in a minimum amount of time. There is not a single frame of wasted footage in this film. The combined effort is one of a splendid and effortless looking perfect creation of a classical animated Disney tale.
31 This Movie Mer-Made Me Smile
This is such a great film and it works on so many different levels.
On one level, it reminds me of the universal desire and need for transcendence, to look beyond the confines of our everyday surroundings. Ariel is a dweller of the underworld, symbolically represented by the sea. The sea is replete with marvelous treasures and bounteously provides Ariel with all of her material needs. Indeed, she would never be in want of material possessions because as a princess the whole sea belongs to her. Even so, she yearns for another world qualitatively different from her own, the world of humans above her. This need for transcendence is not prompted by any rational instinct, but the common passion to break through the mundane into a brave new world of the extraordinary. Ariel's aching for transformation and transcendence of the everyday world of the sea is the exact same longing that all people experience whether they aspire on the spiritual level to reach heaven or on a secular level, to revolutionize the world in hopes of achieving a utopia.
The transformation that allows Ariel to become a land dweller requires a sacrifice: she must forfeit her voice to the evil sea had, Ursula. This is excellent symbolism. Kierkegaard discusses how as finite beings, we can only communicate in finite languages. For instance, linguistically, our speech is limited by its form: a Frenchman only speaking Franais can communicate no better to a German speaker than he could to a pelican. But on a deeper level, as humans we can only communicate in the language of logic and reason and yet these systems of communication are painfully limited. We long to speak a universal, transcendent, divine language, but we fall painfully short; if we could speak the language of the infinite and divine, we would no longer be human because as humans we by definition finite. If we as finite human beings were instantly transferred to a terrain of the infinite, like heaven, our limited, finite and human means of communication would render us unable to communicate. With words only, how would you communicate with a transcendent, immaterial being like an angel and how would an angel communicate with you? In other worlds, like Ariel, we too would be without the ability to communicate, without a voice. Remembering how our painfully limited and encumbering our means of communication would be if we ever had to communicate with angels helps to enhance our viewing experience by aiding us in imagining Ariel's plight as our own.
What really struck me about this film is that what can bridge the gap between worlds is not the linguistics of a certain spoken dialect, but the language of love and empathy. Even without a voice, Ariel is able to communicate with Eric the prince through her innate kindness and sympathy. This film is a marvelous testament to the power of human warmth against the alienation, fragmentation and silence of modern times.
32 Purchase of previously owned Little Mermaid DVD
I recently purchased a used DVD of the Little Mermaid from Sk60433@smconnect.com. The item arrived on time and in excellent condition. I would highly recommend buying from them.
33 come on now--buy the tape-buy the tape-shalalala....
Anyway, I have got to say that this is one of the best Disney Films. This is Disney at it's best! The Little Mermaid made the way for new musicals such as Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King. I guarantee that EVERYONE will find something to fall in love with. It could be the songs, Ariel, Sebastian, Flounder or Scuttle. Visually it is delightful and the animation is so fluent. The character design was consistent. The songs make you want to dance and the movie makes you feel like a kid, weither you are one or you are 100. Buy this movie, if not for yourself. then your children, or grandchildren, nieces or nephews. It is one that you definately want to add to your disney collection. I am hoping that they will release the special edition dvd.....:) Take care!
34 One of the BEST
I just got a copy of this movie I bought from We Ship Daily here on Amazon. It was a great copy, mint used, but at least it played perfect. Even though I forked over twenty-seven dollars for it I'm not complaining. I am happy to have it considering what some sellers are charging and it looks like we may not see it on DVD again for a few years. This is by far one of Disney's best movies. I buy just about all of their movies including the older family movies like Swiss Family Robinson. I would have to say this rates in the top three of their musical animated movies. The whole family should like it. I'm sure girls/women might enjoy it the most since Ariel is a very independent lady.
35 under the sea...
This movie is great for both kids and adults. I hadn't seen it in about ten years, and watching it again really brought back memories... even if you're an adult, you can still laugh with the characters, and the beauty of the scenes is exceptional... the songs are memorable as well. This is definitely one of Disney's best productions.
By the way, when you watch it... there are two interesting things that my friends and I noticed.. first, in the first half, in one of the scenes on the boat, one of the sailor's shirts change colors while Prince Eric is talking. Second, when the Ariel is in his castle, they put her to bed and she doesn't have any sheets or blankets... notice what happens just a few seconds later...
36 The Little Mermaid
I was only 5 when I saw this film during its theatrical release. When my sister bought the tape 13 years ago, it instantly became our favorite Disney film ever. "The Little Mermaid" was four years in the making, with great talents working on the animation, the music, the characters and the story. Everything went perfectly and you see it in the final product. From the moment you see the seagulls flying in the sky, you are captivated by the stunningly beautiful animation and the haunting score. The film is filled with great songs, some of them sentimental ("Part Of Your World"), some of them slick and witty ("Under The Sea") and some are just playing silly ("Les Poissons"). The two storms at sea are my favorite parts in the film. They were handled very professionally and give a real sense of chaos and destruction. Ariel, the heroine, is my favorite Disney character (along with Belle) and Sebastian is arguably the most appealing supporting character in a Disney film. All these easily made "The Little Mermaid" the grand success it was and my favorite Disney film ever.
37 My Heart Belongs Where It Does
Wow. This movie was so good! I think the universe knows the plot, so all I can simply add is this:
Ariel knew where her heart was. It belonged on the land. And she was determined not to let ANYthing prevent her from getting there! I truly love the relationship with Ariel and her father, it hits very close to home. (I'm a fanfic writer, look at my name to figure out who's daughter my fanfic's on!)
I also love Ariel's sisters, especially Alana. We see more of their personalities in the Little Mermaid series, but still. And I love the singing. I can sing like Alana, and once you realize you can sing like one of Triton's daughters, well, you're honoured!
In short, Ariel knew where her heart was, and how to get there! She loved her father, but he didn't understand her. While that ripped her heart in two, she did what she thought she had to. And who can forget how she saved Eric's life, when her father said "one less human to worry about?!"
I made up my fanfiction girl, Georgette, a year ago at this time. I finally finished writing her story of how she finds where her own heart belongs a few hours ago. I celebrated my 13th birthday last year with all my friends, wishing me well because I was going to move at the end of the month (March).
A year later, I cannot believe how far we've come. Ariel's heart belonged where it did, simple as that.
Hoped this gave you an interesting look at it! *Goes off to her Flying Fish swim-team meet.*
38 Little Mermaid DVD Review
Movie: What is left to be said about "The Little Mermaid?" This is the mvoie that saved the Disney animation department in 1989. After being in a slouch in the late 70's and early 80's the Disney studio got a blessing in disguise: Universal's "An American Tale" became the top grossing animated film of all time up to that point. Disney had competition. They decided to make a huge turn-around and created one of the greatest animated films of all time. "The Little Mermaid" was an immediate smash, and heralded the Disney animation rennaissance. Not since "Snow White" in 1937 had there been such a good animated film. "The Little Mermaid" has held up incredibly well over the past 15 years, and is still a great movie. It is my second favorite animated film ever behind "Beauty And The Beast." Ariel is one of the best heriones to come from Disney, ranking up there with Snow White, Princess Jasmine, and Belle. I'm not even going to bother with a plot recap, as everyone has seen this movie at least once. "The Little Mermaid" comes to DVD in a rather lackluster release, but its enough to hold fans over until the 2-Disc Platinum Edition is released. (5.5/5)
Video: The film is presented in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.66:1, and is non-anamorphic. The film has always been very grainy, so that should not be seen as a sign of inferior quality. The picture only looks okay. Not bad at all, but if it were a little less bland in the color department, that would have helped. Sharpness and detail are very good, however. (3.5/5)
Audio: There were apparently two versions of the this DVD released, or one was an extremely limited promotional copy, or something. The DVD available here on Amazon has the wonderful Dolby Digital 5.1 remix that was done for the film's 1997 theatrical rerelease. This is a fabulous mix. The surrounds are put to effective use throughout, but are subtle when neccessary. The front 3 channels are also used very well, and bass is deep and responsive. Excellent.
There also seems to be a much more limited copy floating around that also includes a Dolby 2.0 Surround track, as well as a DTS 5.1 Surround track. This is the copy I own. However good the Dolby Digital track is, the DTS is even better. There is better bass response, and the mix is a little louder. The 2.0 Surround track is how the film sounded back in 1989, and is good for purists who hate remixes. (5/5)
Extras: None, not even a trailer. (0/5)
Overall: "The Little Mermaid" is a fantastic movie that everyone should own. If you just can't wait for the Platinum Edition like I couldn't, then go ahead, buy this DVD. If you have DTS capability, try to find the version with the DTS track, which can probably be found on Ebay, where I purchased my copy. Whichever version you choose, expect a great film either way. But, with the Platinum Edition announced for an October 2005 release, the wait is nearly over! I can't wait for the Platinum Edition! Oh well, I still have the movie to tide me over.
39 Come on down under the sea...
Although made long after Walt's time, I am sure he would be pleased with this masterpiece created by Disney Studios.
This is the story of a young mermaid girl who is fascinated with the humans' world. She collects all sorts of trinkets and treasures found at the bottom of the sea and invents stories of what their uses must be. One day, she ventures to the surface and falls hopelessly in love with a human prince. Only the wicked sea witch, Ursula, can grant her wish to be human - but at the tragic cost of her beautiful voice. The ensuing showdown between the lovely mermaid, the heroic prince, the wicked witch and the powerful mer-king is full of passion, heartache and love.
Retelling the fairy tale of the young mermaid girl who longs to be a human, this animated feature includes all the great characters - and then some! The mermaid princess Ariel is so full of life and charisma. You just cannot help but love her! Eric, the human prince she falls in love with is noble, strong and so loving. Ariel's father, the King Triton, is so much like all fathers - all he wants is for his daughter to be happy, regardless of the heartache it causes him. Added to the mix in Disney's version are the comedic Flounder and Sebastian, Ariel's underwater best friends. Scuttle the seagull proves just how dimwitted the seagull can be. All of these characters play off each other beautifully, unfolding a spectacular and heartwarming tale.
The animation in this film is a superb combination of realistic hand drawings with the first beginnings of computer effects. The computer animation is minimal and does not distract from the story, allowing the viewer to truly appreciate the artistry of hand animation. The score, as well, is so full of power, humor, and passion.
This film does not rate a full five stars from me for one small reason: the weak family values. Unfortunately, this seems to be a trend of Disney's. Ariel has no mother and there is never any mention of her or her absence. Ariel is only 14 years old, yet her father has no problem giving her over to a man she has spent an entire three days with; a man, by the way, that King Triton has never met. I realize that most children would not read so deeply into a musical animation film, but the underlying message is still there. I would have liked to see guidance that is more parental. After all, some parents actually know what they are talking about.
Overall, this is a fantastic classic tale, beautifully told by the masters of animation.
40 How can u not love it??
The Little Mermaid is the best Disney movie out there. The animation and the music is enough to keep u thinking bout it forever. I have loved Ariel since i was 2 and i still love her 2day. This movie rocks, buy it i say. buy it!
41 Classic
Everyone knows by now that "The Little Mermaid" is the movie that returned the Disney company to its former glory, in all senses.
Upon its release in late 1989 (in most markets it was released in 1990), the movie was hailed by critics all over the world as the best Disney film in years (decades, that is) and one of the best films the company has ever produced. More importantly perhaps, the audience loved it. The movie went on to gross almost $90 million domestically and $200 million worldwide. A huge phenomenon. The video release, which followed in May 1990, generated huge numbers in sales and sold over 23 million copies in the US as of 1998. And you mustn't forget the songs, which quickly became a driving force in the film's success. Alan Manken created an irresistible score for the movie, and together with lyricist Howard Ashman, composed some of the finest songs ever heard in a Disney film. They later took the Oscars for 'Best Song' (for "Under The Sea") and 'Best Score'. They also won in the exact same categories at the Golden Globe and the Grammy awards. The soundtrack eventually went triple platinum in the US.
The animation in the film, is, in one word, dazzling. The underwater scenes are impressive in particular. Bubbles, surface reflections and moving sea-creatures create an illusional undersea atmosphere to which the audience is easily drawn into.
To create all that, 80% of the animation process required special effects, and the effort shows.
"The Little Mermaid" is scheduled for an October 2005 release on DVD. In 2001, Disney launched a 'Platinum Edition' line which includes their 10 best-selling titles on video to go on DVD. Every one of these films, comes as a 2-disc set featuring 'making-of's and commentaries from the talents who worked on the movie. Needless to say it would also include a highly enhanced version of the film (and sometimes even newly added sequences, such as is the case with "Beauty and the Beast" & "The Lion King"). On the 1999 DVD release of "The Little Mermaid", Disney did only little in restoring the film's look; this time, there's much more to look forward to. Disney gives each one of the films a deluxe treatment, especially in the visual and sound departments.
'Til then, sit back and enjoy the film as it is: charming, innovative, and most of all - fun.
42 My children love this movie!
If you'd like for them to learn more - also check out "Captain Jon Explores the Ocean" - also available on Amazon
43 EXELENT
i think it is the best moive in the world it makes kids happy,and its a family moive. so i say its a 5 star.
44 How Brillant For A Disney Movie!
Okay, I know what you are thinking. The Little Mermaid? Are You Serious?? The answer for you who are thinking that is yes. I remember this movie from a long time ago. Me bring 16 now, I don't watch it as much as I did when I was about 10 or 6 but, it is in my collection of movies that rock and roll! The Little Mermaid at first was a cheesy movie but, after watching it after 2 times, I started to fell the vibe that it had and preformed on anyone who watches it for the first time. This is the best Disney movie there will ever be and you can't change my mind and no one can or could. The movie follows the life of a mermaid named Ariel who is ALWAYS in trouble over one thing or another. She fall's in love with a human and when her father hears about this, he can't believe it. After forbidding her from seeing him or going to watch him, she does it anyways. There is something for everyone in this major film about the life and wonderings of the teenage mermaid Ariel.
45 Disney at its best !!!
This is definitely one of the best animated movies of all time. After years of inactivity Walt Disney studios came back with this masterpiece. Everything on it is excellent; the lyrics for the songs are among the best. This movie combines cuteness and funny moments (BTW try to see Sebastian talking like Cuban in Spanish it is simply hilarious and much more fun than in English!). Definitely a MUST have for any collector. I simply love it.
46 Phenomenal!
There's no doubt in my mind that this is the best Disney movie ever! The only disney film that even comes close is The Lion King. I grew up watching this movie. I remember I'd watch it and sing along with all the songs, then rewind it and watch it again! I even did "Part of Your World" for my talent show in fourth grade! Ursula is definitely one of the best villians in disney-lore, and Sebastian is one of the coolest characters ever! I'm a little miffed that Disney isn't treating it as well as some of the other, more lowly films(Beauty & the Beast and The Lion King)!
47 This is a Really Good Movie!
The Little Mermaid is a great movie and it is one of my favorites animated Disney movies and I think this is a great movie for the whole family can watch together and I highly recommend it. I have this movie on video and I'm waiting for the two disc special edition DVD to come out and have been reading the reviews that say it won't be coming out until 2008 and I think it's absolutely absurd to have to wait so long to get the special edition DVD for this movie!
48 Fun for the whole family
Probably one of the best disney animated soundtracks of all time and a great fun filled adventure that everyone can enjoy. From silly shark attacks, to the evil witch ursula, this movie is a must have in all movie libraries.
About a 16 year old mermaid who has aspirations of becoming human, disobeys her fathers commands, and seeks out the evil witch Ursula to help her in her transformation to becoming a human. After being changed into a human, she falls in love with a prince and has three days to find the meaning of ture love otherwise she belongs to Ursula. Ariel becomes a victim of every day life situations where she must decide what is more important, her dreams, or her life.
With characters like Flounder, Sebastian, Scuttle, King Triton, Ariel, Eric, and Ursula, you are in for an amphibious adventure of awesome animation.
49 BEST MOVIE THAT WAS EVER MADE!!!!
Sorry, This movie rock's my world! I love it so much, It is one of my all time top ten three fav movie's ever made. How in the world could you not love this movie, It's so GREAT!! This was the first movie i saw in the movie theater's when i was the age of 3. I got on vhs and watched over a 100 times. And here i am now. 17 year's old and i still love and watch this movie aleast once a month. It's sick how much i just love this movie. It's not just for kid's it's for everyone, and the last scene when she tell's her father she love's him. Still touche's me. I can't wait for disney to re-relese it again, and with bonus feature's and everything.
Every kid and adult parent everyone will love this movie. Bring it home to your children, They will abosolutly love this movie!!!
I also hope disney put's in the theater's again.
50 A LITTLE MERMAID, BUT A HUGE HIT!
I absolutely Love the little mermaid! When I was a wee bit of a baby, my mom had to buy 2 videos because I'd watch them over and over. Actually I still do, I still have the 1989 video tapes, and are still in good condition!!!! It's so great, I think this is defenitely disney at it's best!
I can't wait for Disney's Platinum Edition for this movie. All the special features, I just keep counting the days. I just hope, they make it as spectacular as the Original Release!!! The generation of kids right now, may only know LILO AND STITCH, but they will know later of the Real Classics, like THE LITTLE MERMAID!
51 An amazing movie!
The Little Mermaid has to be one of the best movies of all time! Disney has alot of great movies, but this one has to be one of my favorite ones. Ariel, plays such a happy, and outgoing character, with all her adventures, and things she wants to learn. She is tired of being "under the sea", and she wants to know whats really up there. The music in this movie is the best! The songs in this movie, are so magical that it wants you to sing along. I think this movie is romantic, because I cried at the end of the movie, and it touched me. I dont know why, but I always cry at the end when she says "I love you daddy" to her dad. Well, anyways, Flounder, and Sebastian are great characters, and the scenes under the sea are really well illustrated. SO if you dont have this movie already, please, but it now, because whenever your feeling down, or feel like singing, The Little Mermaid is the movie to watch.
52 Could have been better and inspired the next generation
We have this one ranked 16th out of 41 Disney movies. They went a little overboard with the Sea Witch and it came across a bit too evil, and a bit too scary for my littlest daughter. But the strong love story made it otherwise very popular with most members of the family. The producers also pushed the bad stuff a little too far, sort of like the way Tom Clancy buries the good guys chin deep in trouble for the first 200 pages before they start bailing their way out over the last 700 pages.
This movie could have been better and I think disney Execs knew it. It is still an above average film and very family friendly.
Before you think that I am trashing this wonderful family oriented movie let me remind you we wanted it 16th, which means we liked it better than 25 other Disney movies that we own! Just be ready with the hugs the first time through with young viewers. Mine were fine for the 2nd viewing and the 10th viewing.
At an Amazon sales rank of 481, this puts Mermaid in 9th place out of the 41 movies we are comparing. We just happen to like 15 of the 41 at least a little better. Bambi and Mary Poppins are 1 and 2 according to sales rank, while we ranked Bambi at 31 and MP at 23.
We had a lot of fun by gathering the family together to rank the 41 Disney movies we have that include some cartoon work. All the kids, ages 6 to 27, participated along with mother and dad. Lion King was selected number 1 of the 41 as the family favorite, but narrowly. Peter Pan was 2. Pete's Dragon 3, Beauty & the beast 4, Sleeping Beauty 5, Snow White 6, Robin Hood 7, 101 Dalmatians 8, Fox and the hound 9, Cinderella is 10th, Rescuers 11, Hunchback of ND 12, Aladdin 13, Aladdin King of Thieves 14 and Jungle Book 15.
53 Mermaid is number one!
I loved this film ever since I was a little thing (3 years). It is such a wonderful, romantic story for the older generation like myself, and now when the platinium edition comes out, the younger generation can like it too.
54 The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid movie is my favorite Disney movie because it is filled with adventure and laughter. My favorite part is when Ariel sings "Part Of Your World". I like the beautiful scenery of the ocean. The movie is about a mermaid who wants to be a human. Ursula grants her wish but took Ariel`s voice away and puts it in a necklace. Ariel has to kiss the prince before the sun sets in three days. Ursula becomes a human and tricks Erik into marrying her. At the end Ariel becomes a human and she gets her voice back and she marrys Erik.
55 A CONTEMPORARY CLASSIC OFFERING SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Disney's 28th animated feature brims with the richness of imagination and the magic of an outstanding musical score. This Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, though not quite true to the original, is uniquely retold through enchanting Disney animation. At a time when animation was dying a slow death, a beautiful mermaid with a soulful voice made her appearance on the silver screen and won the heart of millions.
Sixteen-year old Ariel dreams of life on the land, although her father, the sea-king Triton does not approve of the human race, branding them as `savage harpooning fish-eaters'. However as fate would have it, Ariel catches her first glimpse of the very handsome prince Eric and falls devotedly in love with him after saving his life during a raging sea storm. Her obsessive yet true love compels her to sell her voice to the sea-witch Ursula for three days as a human, within which Eric has to kiss her lips in `the kiss of true love'.
The animation is rich in color and texture. Incomplete cels are hardly noticeable. The backgrounds are lush and vivid and the character sketching blends a traditional style with modern details. Ariel is still the prettiest Disney heroine; her facial expressions beautifully conveying her emotions. She is Glenn Keane's best creation till date. Eric is the bland Disney hunk; his drop-dead gorgeous looks and serious expressions sobered by boyish grins easily make him the most favorite Disney heartthrob (thanks to Mark Henn). Andreas Deja, well known for villains like Scar (from The Lion King) and Jafar (from Aladdin), was the supervising animator for Triton and Duncan Marjoribanks does an excellent job of portraying the character of Sebastian.
The music, which was one of the last collaborative efforts of Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, is profoundly magnificent. The Oscar-winning score is rich in musical and orchestral beauty, `The Jig' and `The Storm' being the most memorable sequences. Menken's enchanting and emotional score provides a new dimension to the movie. It has a certain magic to it that I find absent in his later scores (like Aladdin and more recently, Hercules). The songs, which vary from the haunting `Part Of Your World' to the Caribbean styled `Kiss The Girl', are wonderfully composed. `Under The Sea' is an excellent number which won the Oscar as the best song of 1989.
The voice talent is very praiseworthy and unlike later animation movies, it does not include a host of celebrities. Jodi Benson simply stands out as Ariel and her vocal performances will move you. Pat Carroll shows her talent as the villainous Ursula. Christopher Daniel Barnes' deep yet boyish voice suits Prince Eric perfect. Kenneth Mars and Jason Marin will be well loved in their roles as King Triton and Flounder. The best role in the movie is that of Samuel E. Wright, who renders an outstanding performance as the voice of Sebastian.
All in all, a true classic that offers something for the entire family. Filled with crisp fun and entertainment, the movie highlights the value and meaning of true love and sacrifice, conveying its emotional meaning in a marvelous way. It truly touches your heart, the sad parts making you cry and the comical parts making you laugh.
The DVD however does not do justice to this masterpiece. The non-anamorphic transfer is grainy and non-satisfactory. The colors look bright (specially the red), but the dark sequences of the film suffer from pixelisation and non-restoration. The audio (Dolby Digital 5.1) is good, though I feel that the DD mix does not properly highlight the score or make adequate use of the rear sound. Furthermore, there is no special feature whatsoever on the Disc. I strongly criticize Disney for presenting such a spectacular movie in such an artless manner. This movie holds a very special place in my heart and I am eagerly waiting for the October 2008 platinum re-release of the DVD, which, I hope like the recent two-Disc Disney releases, will provide the quality I yearn for.
56 One of the best Disney movies
I was 10 when this movie first came out. I loved it then and my daughter loves it now. I had to buy it used because we didnt have enough foresight to buy it when it came out on dvd-we didnt have a player then. My daugter watches it every day!
57 Great movie for kids though it can scare very little ones.
When reviewing a kids movie I ask myself did I like it enough to watch again. The answer is yes. Did the kids watch it repeatedly. Yes. But of the five, the youngest (6 yrs old) just watched for the first time this year.
It is a nice sweet movie except that the Bad Squid is a little to mean and scared my girls when they were real little.
Ultimately the music is only OK and my children now sledom watch it, they have moved on and prefer to watch other films instead. This is a good kids movie and I recommend it.
58 one of the best disney movies I've seen
This movie is excellent all the way around. The animation is breathtaking, the music is wonderful and the story line is great. Ariel, the little mermaid, disobeying her father, King Triton's, orders to stay away from the surface, rescues Prince Eric from drowning and falls in love with him. Ursela,the sea witch, uses this to her advantage to gain control of the sea. Overall, this movie shows that love conquers all. A great movie for all ages.
59 Get Work Done
This movie is all around a wonderful movie. The songs, the animation all of it is great. It is truly a classic that people of all ages will enjoy. All I have to do is put this in the DVD player and both of my children are quiet from beginning to end, they are 3 and 1 we know how hard it is to keep the attention of children this age. I will admit, I personally enjoy is as well. No doubt, this is a must have for any DVD collection, especially if you have small children.
60 Enchanting Tale of Forbidden Romance
This was an excellent movie. Not only for kids but for adults as well. Ariel captures your heart in this film. From romance forbidden by her father to breathtaking thrills, this movie is for the young and the young at heart. A mermaid princess called Ariel falls in love with a human when she saves him from a sinking ship but is forbidden to see him. As a result of not obeying her father, she gets trapped in the tricky deal of the sea witch. She will turn Ariel into a human for 3 days but she has to get the prince to kiss her. If not, she will become the property of the sea witch herself! There's another catch, she will do it without her voice. When she agrees and is human, she finds the prince and is invited to his castle. She stays there and is this close from kissing him but the sea witch intrudes and it doesn't happen. Although the sea witch has put off the kissing, she is worried he'll still kiss her by the sunset of the third day so she disguises herself as the Prince's rescuer that he's been looking for. He falls into a trance of the sea witch and is planning to marry her on a boat cruise. But Ariel's animal friends come to the rescue and stall the wedding. Mean while Ariel is swimming her hardest to get to the wedding in time. She gets their and gets back her voice. The Prince then comes out of his trance and kisses Ariel. But it was too late. It was sunset. So the sea witch takes her back to the sea. But the prince is not giving up that easily. He fights the sea witch and finally stabs her with his boat. But there's one problem. Ariel is still a mermaid. So her father finally realizes that she is in love and turns her into a human. They have a beautiful wedding and live happily ever after. It's a wonderful film and I recommend it to everyone, young and old.
61 Still Holds Up Well
When I was a kid, I was absoloutely enchanted by this great Disney feature, although strangely I never got around to owning it until a few weeks ago( I rented it out on video beforehand). After all these years , 'The Little Mermaid' is still the only animated feature which I can still watch and not remind myself, 'Remember, you loved it when you were little'. Other classics such as 'Snow White' and 'Cinderella' are tediously boring and patronising, but only 'The Little Mermaid' still has me giggling (Scuttle and Sebastion) and sitting still in awe (Ursula). Strangely however, these days my personal preference lies with the malevolent seawitch Ursula than with Ariel and her pals, whom I find less interesting than when I was a youngster. I don't know why, maybe I'm a masochist? Well, I do still get a tinge of satisfaction as Ursula is destroyed and true love finally does conquer all. One character that has always had me enraptured has been Vanessa (Ursula's human guise, using Ariel's hostage voice). It is still somewhat strange and unsettling to find the vulgarly garish and obese, purple-skinned seawitch transformed into a perfectly formed, beautiful young lady (even more so than Ariel, I think). However, as we find out, outer beauty is nothing' if the soul can't match and 'Vanessa' seems even more dangerous in human form than in her habitual one as her Disney-style grace convicingly shadows her evil intentions. Look and you'll find an important incindent occurs in the movie in the ship scene when the fury embroiled inside her makes her actually PHYSICALLY ugly after her wedding has been disrupted and her evil plans seem thwarted at last. This is actually (I think) a subliminal message which says that most Disney villians are no worse looking than the hero or heroine of a particular fable, rather their hate and jealousy mutate them that way .Of course, I'm rambling on about nonsense so I'll make it short, BUY THIS MOVIE!
62 Uner the Sea is the place to be!
Ariel,the youngest daughter sf King Triton,ruler of the sea,is fascinated by humans.Soon she falls in love with a prince.She sell her voice to a sea witch named Ursaula for a potion that will make her human for 3 days.In that time,Prince Eric must kiss her.Will she be human forever as she dreams?I love this movie because it has a good plot,GREAT music and lots of fun!If you like Disney,Romance or suspense,wrap your tentacles around a copy today!
63 best Disney movie ever
The Little Mermaid was the first movie I ever saw in theathers (i was two.) And it was extremely enchanting, still. I love this movie: the music, story, and characters.
Ariel is not your normal mermaid princess, she longs for a life above the water. Her father openly disapproves her dream, but Ariel still fights for it. ANoneyand even accomplishes it when she sees Eric, the handsome land prince. She falls madly in love and turns to the evil sea witch for help. Ariel has only 3 days to make Eric fall for her. Easy, right? Wrong, in exchange for legs, ariel must give up her voice.
the movie is delightful for all ages. Girls will love the romance and Ariel. Boys will love the action. And parents/adults will love the good, clean, wholesome fun their childen are watching.
64 A Great Movie For All Ages
This movie is the bomb. This movie is about Ariel a 16 year old mermaid who falls in love with a Prince named Eric. She goes to an evil sea witch and asks her to turn her into a human.The rest you'll just have to find out yourself
65 Not much effort put into the dvd
The dvd version is no different from the vhs. no special features are added and neither are the colors much different.
66 Absolutely the best Disney soundtrack ever
It's sad that many people have not seem this movie because it is "a cartoon", since this is one of the best movies ever made (great for kids, great for dates). The most impressive quality of the movie has to be the music. Over half the soundtrack of the movie is a masterpiece (most of the rest is excellent), worthy of mention in any "top-100 of all time" music chart. Another great thing about this movie is that it has a big heart. There was obviously an unusual amount of love placed into the drawing, the acting of the characters, the voices, the colors, the photography, and the direction. If this is not the best animated feature ever made, it certainly is among the top 10 of all time. Well worth your money and time. A great gift.
67 The Little Mermaid and ...
Hasn't everyone seen this video already? How about the movie in theatres?? It hasn't changed and it's still as good as you remember. Evryone in the family will enjoy this one, not just the kids! ... [website]
68 Gee, Grim! It's, uh, it's really somethin'!
This seems to be the highlight of Disney animation. The Little Mermaid never seems to get boring, while the others get dry (no pun intended). This animated movie spawned pretty much every type of merchendice: video games, dolls, books, panties, happy meals, ice cream, socks, etc., etc., etc.
So why is this movie so good? It's not because of the subliminal message on the original cover. This is the kind of movie that puts everything together without burning the cake. The songs aren't bad either. Even if you hate Hakunamatata (or however you spell that stupid song) from The Lion King, Sebastian's Under The Sea actually has a nice rythm. Back on the subject, Ariel is the rebelious daughter of Tritan, the self-proclaimed king of the sea. Tritan becomes especially distraut when Ariel falls for a human fisherman, so Ariel seeks help from the Sea Witch, Ursula.
69 good..
I'm 15 and my friends and I still love watching this!!! The songs are really good, lol.. so if ur thinking about watching this movie and don't really wanna ponder about the movie...watch it!!
70 The best disney movie!!!!
The little mermaid is my favourite disney movie. When I was young, I listened to this movie about a hundred time and I still watch it now. In case you didn't see this movie, it's the story of a young mermaid (Ariel) who wants to know everything about humans. She dream to become a human and her dream got realized by the evil witch of the sea Ursula. Ariel fell in love with Prince Eric but she sould never have trust Ursula. When she realize it, it's too late for her!!! This movie is a classic!! The biggest problem is that the DVD contain no extra!!! I WANT A TWO DISC SET DVD OF LITTLE MERMAID!!! Why does Beauty and the beast, snow white and lion king got special DVD and not little mermaid. It's a shame. I just hope they make one, one day.
71 A true Disney classic!
This has always been a favorite movie of mine since childhood and I still love it as much as I did back in 1989 when it was in the theatres. It's truly a magical experience watching The Little Mermaid on DVD and both sound and picture quality is excellent. I just wish it had a good bunch of extras just like Beauty And The Beast had. (Another classic Disney movie!) I had The Little Mermaid in norwegian on video a few years ago but I played it so much it got worn out. Now I finally have it in top quality DVD format, but some scenes are a bit longer and scarier than on the norwegian video version I had. The scene towards the end where Ursula enlarges herself and creates a storm there is a bit where she shoots Ariel off a rock making her fall into the maelstrom that Ursula created with King Triton's fork. Ursula then tries to shoot Ariel but she manages to avoid being hit. Other longer scenes are Ariel and Flounder being chased by the shark in the shipwreck and Prince Eric discovering the dynamites onboard his ship just before it explodes. These small cuts were removed from the norwegian edition of the film, which I think is really stupid, cos they add that extra dramatic touch to it all. Overall, this is a fantastic movie with great animation, unforgettable characters and top class songs with "Part Of Your World" being my favorite, escpecially in the end where Ariel finally gets to marry Prince Eric. That whole scene just makes me cry and - don't laugh - I'm a 21 year old boy here...lol. However, I think this movie suits for people all ages, and it will always remain a true classic for years to come!
72 A "MUST HAVE" for ALL video libraries!
I was a teenager when this came out...and it was the first movie I ever bought!! I still enjoy it today! A classic! You will not be disappointed in this one! The girl gets the guy, the crabby crab is funny, funny, funny and the story will keep you watching to the end! If you don't own this one - WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!!?
1smileycat :-)
73 Pure Magic
I was three when the movie came out to theaters and it has been part of my life ever since then. I don't think there's ever been anything that appealed to me as much as The Little Mermaid has. I find it hard to write a review and find the right words to describe this movie. The Little Mermaid sparked something deep down in my soul a long time ago. It reminds you of your dreams and your hopes. It's pure magic! This movie touched so many people over the years and it's still waiting for another generation to do the same. Today or Tomorrow, even a hundred years from now this will remain one of Disney's greatest.
74 wow! Wow!! WOW!!!
This Disney movie was great! Way better than the sequel "The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea". Most of the songs were cute, especially "Kiss the Girl". Sebastian was funny, Flounder was cute, and Ursula was creepy! I had lots of nightmares when I think about her. Cool villain, just as cool as Maleficent from "Sleeping Beauty" and Cruella DeVil from "101 Dalmatians". I'd recommend this to anyone, no matter what age. But some parts can be frightening, for example the ending where Ursula becomes big and try to destroy Ariel and Eric. But they're only about 2-4 minute scenes, which wouldn't be a big deal. Watch this and you'll probably end up watching it a million times! I guarantee it!
75 Platinum Edition 2008
Hey, well as most of you all know this movie is unavailable for us for a couple more years. After doing some search on the net I found out it's re-release date on dvd (Subject to change)
Turns out That the 9 "Limited Issue" Disney DVD'S were not that succesfull at all so they are all getting a second chance: three already did; Pinnochio, Mulan & Hercules Got the "Gold Collection" treatment Peter Pan got the "Special Edtition" and the rest of the thoese most sought after disney dvd's will get the "Platinum Edition" treatment: The Platinum Edition Disney DVD's Will be released every Fall of every year Some are roumored to be re-released in theatres too!
2001: Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs (DVD Out of Print 1/31/02)
2002: Beauty and the Beast (DVD Out of Print 1/31/2003)
2003: The Lion King
2004: Aladdin
2005: Bambi
2006: The Jungle Book ("Maybe", it is said that this year there will not be a release from the platinum edition vault)
2007: Cinderella
2008: The little Mermaid
2009: Ldy and the Tramp
2010: 101 Dalmatians
There is no word on the Lion King II But who cares about Disney sequels?!
I recently bought The Little Mermaid on DVD on the eBay website for the ridiculous price of 70 dollars if you are so desperate and can't wait till 2008 get it there but make sure you don't get a boot or import there are alot of them running around!
76 Not the standard, but the best
Many say that the Little Mermaid was the movie that restored the magic of Disney in its films. This statement may not be enough. The Little Mermaid is one of, if not the best movie Disney has made yet. The animation is a little inferior to recent movies such as Beauty and the Beast and the Lion King. However, the Little Mermaid makes a connection with its characters and the audience like no other Disney film. In this film the viewer feels for the characters. I was standing anxiously awaiting for Eric to finally pucker up and kiss Ariel in the magical boat ride scene. In the final scene when Ariel is wed to Eric and she whispers to her father, "I love you, daddy" melted my heart. The songs are fantastic. "Under the Sea" and "Kiss the Girl" won major awards but don't forget Ariel's song performed by the lovely Jodi Benson "Part of Your World." The bottomline is that the movie entertains like no other. The Little Mermaid should not be considered the standard of Disney movies but the pinnacle. I have yet to see another film by Disney that moved in me the same way as The Little Mermaid.
77 BOO! to Disney!
After playing the best video game ever, "Kingdom Hearts" on Playstation 2, I wanted to buy Disney DVDs like "The Little Mermaid" only to find out Disney only released them for a limited time. WHY!? Now that I actually want to buy this movie I can't because Disney took it off the market! So when are they going to release it again? A year? Two years? Five years? I would give this movie 5 stars if I could actually BUY it! Playing "Kingdom Hearts" is the next best thing I guess. If you're a fan of "The Little Mermaid" or any other Disney movie, go out and buy "Kingdom Hearts" for Playstation 2. Over 100 of your favorite Disney heroes and villains are in it.
78 very pleased
Very speedy delivery. Very friendly to work with. I ordered the movie on a Friday and got it 5 days later on a Wednesday. Could not have asked for better service. I will definately buy from brandonsbooks again. Movie was in excellant condition.
79 A childhood favorite
I was born in 1987, making me two years old when Disney released The Little Mermaid. I can't remember, but it seems like this movie must have defined my youngest moments. I had a cassette tape story version memorized by age three and knew every word to every song as soon as I owned the VHS version.
Well, I still love The Little Mermaid. In my opinion it is one of the five best-animated children's movies ever made. The characters are fun, fresh and wholesome, the songs are great and the story is meaningful.
To me, Ariel's intense desire to see the world and live as a human is fabulously displayed in "Part of that World", a song, which will always hold a place in my heart. Her passion and longing is so real, to me it is half the movie.
This is not an artificial and frilly children's carousel ride, which lacks both plot and purpose. It's emotional, evocative and memorable. Every little girl should see The Little Mermaid.
The ending makes me cry, every time as does the "Part of Your World" reprise.
Do yourself a favor and buy this inarguably magnificent movie.
80 A Classic for all ages
This Disney film is probably one of the most beloved Disney films of all time. It started a wave of new Disney animated films including Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and the Lion King and so on.
The animation in this film is divine (not compared to the new computer generated stuff of course) I have enjoyed this film since it first came out and love watching childrens faces when they watch the magic come alive.
The basic plot is the typical Disney plot (once upon a time and happily ever after) Ariel who is a sixteen year old sea princess wants nothing more than to live in the human world. However her Dad King Tritan of the Mer people won't have anything to do with humans. So she goes to Ursela the sea witch to be turned into a human. However like anything it costs her and she has to give up her beautiful voice. This takes ariel on a wurlwind of an adventure on land. (I won't share what happens next, but in the end of course she gets her man and lives on the land "Happily Ever After")
A must see for all families
81 My Guilty Pleasure
Sigh. Ok, I'll admit I'm a guy (with no kids). So what am I doing reviewing the Little Mermaid, you say? Maybe I'm was a sucker for a pretty face - real or animated, but I really loved this film a great deal. I never would have imagined I would fall for something like this. After all, I was 18 when the film first came out, certainly not a child, and I was never a Disney animation fan (I prefer Japanese anime). So how did someone like me, mature and sophisticated beyond my years became enthralled by...THIS? After all, wasn't it just a kiddie cartoon?! I don't know...I guess there was something truly MAGICAL about this film - a certain sparkle and dazzle that Disney was never truly able capture before or after. Despite the film being a bit formulaic, it somehow flows beautifully and surprisingly well. The classic fairy tale was transformed into a more modern and hip coming-of-age story with a happy ending (of course)! The songs were among the most wonderful I have ever heard, worthy of Broadway (it WAS composed by a pair of Broadway vets after all)! The musical numbers were spectacular, varying from the deliciously witty and delightful to the poignant and emotional. The animation was a kaleidoscope of rich colors and incredibly fluid, graceful motion. The story was fast paced and hilarious! And of course, who can ever forget our wonderful heroine, Ariel - the embodiment of beauty, innocence, and childlike curiousity, who yearns for a world beyond her own. You can really feel for her as if she was flesh and blood. A wonderful film - one that I hate to admit I love. I guess I'm what you would call a closet Mermaid fan....
82 What can you say about a classic?
Even though I love Beauty and the Beast and it is my favorite Disney Movie of all time, however this movie is not far behind! This movie was out before Beauty and the Beast and I enjoyed it! It is one of the Disney's great classics of all time!
:)
83 One Of The Masterpieces
Im not kidding,this is Disney at its absolute BEST!This film was good at everything,disneys best songs,plot,humor,and characters!My 2 year old baby brother loves ariel and knows the words to her songs.This is definitly everybodys favorite disney movie!
PLOT
Ariel is a 16 year old mermaid who loves anything and everything that has to do with humans.Her dad King Triton cant stand that one of his dauthers is in love with humans,and winds up doing something to Ariel that will change the course of thier lifes FOREVER!The little mermaid makes a deal with a sea witch that will change her into a human for three days,she has to kiss the human that she likes within the three days,Or else shell be ursulas forever!
Note:Ursula might be to scary for younger kids BUT those certain parts can be fast foward.Bottom line A MASTERPIECE
84 It Was Probably The Best Disney Animated Flick Since BAMBI
The year was 1989. It had been arguably twenty-two years since Disney had produced a classic- THE JUNGLE BOOK. Walt Disney Pictures had been known in recent years to spend three or four years on an animated flick, only to have it vanish out of theaters in little time at all. That all changed with THE LITTLE MERMAID, where Disney finally realized what made their movies excellent and enjoyable in the first place.
THE LITTLE MERMAID tells its story extremely well about a young mermaid named Ariel who has a desire to act like humans, much to the dissent of father King Triton. Her desire increases even more when she rescues a human named Prince Eric from a shipwreck; she immediately falls in love with him. The scheming Ursula the Sea Witch (who is actually an enemy that is mysterious and evil, unlike the enemies in then-recent Disney movies) has been watching these scenes and decides to strike a deal with Ariel: She will give Ariel a potion that will turn her into a human for a limited period of time...for Ariel's voice, a special trait that Ariel loves. Even though Ariel's personality could be controversial, many of us would probably believe that Ariel knows what she wants (and she does), and she will do anything to get it- even if it means she has to have her voice taken away.
But the story is not the only thing that makes this movie superb-it is also great to see how the other characters interact within the plot. And even when the focus of the plot changes, it is great to see that all of the characters move with the plot without changing their personalities. This makes events such as Sebastian's observation of a chef cooking sea critters, the singing of "Under the Sea" at its particular time, and Scuttle's attempt to stop a particular marriage perfectly reasonable and acceptable. The major characters are also all very memorable (with the possible exception of Ursula's sidekick eels Flotsam and Jetsam, who can never be really told apart).
It is upsetting to think that Disney's artistic comeback was not realized initially, as THE LITTLE MERMAID was a lightweight in theaters. But thankfully, many people have bought the movie over the years. This movie is undeniably a phenomenon in its own right, and it is only one notch below the quality of Disney's ultimate triumph, SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS. And Disney would come close to SNOW WHITE again with BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.
85 The very best of Disney!
The Little Mermaid is Walt Disney's masterpiece, right up there with Snow White and Cinderella. It was such a groundbreaking film that it will be forever remembered as the film that brought Disney back on track to make top quality films. It has every thing you'd expect from a Disney film. Top-notch animation: you'll be amazed by how the underwater sequences look so real. This includes surface reflections on every object under the sea, millions of bubbles (all of by which were hand drawn) and the stunningly beautiful vistas of the ocean and the land.
The music: a crucial factor in a Disney film, The Little Mermaid provides some of the best music ever heard on a Disney film or any film for that matter. And really, who can't recognize "Under The Sea", "Part Of Your World" and "Kiss The Girl"? And what about the famous main titles theme? It's all there! And the characters: Ariel, do I really need to add? In case you didn't know, she's the most licensed animated character in history, thus appearing on more products than any other animated character - yes, including Micky Mouse. She's beautiful, headstrong and for a change she's a heroine who actually does something to reach for her goal. Sebastian is the ultimate sidekick and so are Flounder and Scuttle. The Little Mermaid is the ultimate Disney classic, and one of those films that everyone saw. If you still don't own it go buy your copy today, you won't regret it!
86 So Whats the Big Idea?
...I bought the new "Masterpiece" edition as well as the newly digitized DVD version. Upon close inspection of the copies, I noticed not only a cover difference, but footage in the new one is altered. That is to say, the DVD and Masterpiece are shortened. Towards the end of the film, where Eric is about the be married to Ursala, there is the seemingly innocuous priest, who, while giving a sermon, is wagging his "phallus" up and down. Yes, you will see that in the Classics edition, but you will be cut short if you have the DVD or Masterpiece edition.
...As far as Little Mermaid is concerned, I hail it as one of their masterpieces because it is the last Disney cartoon to be fully hand-drawn as well as just a great movie unto itself. The three stars are towards the Masterpiece edition of the movie, and not the Classics edition. I may be making a fuss over a small issue, and it may even seem to others right for Disney to make the change, however, I just feel Disney should not be held responsible... If Disney wanted that little bit of humor in the film, then they should leave it in there.
87 Almost new
Video arrived in a timely manner and was almost new (small tear in case), worked fine...
88 My Favorite Animated Movie
The first time I saw this movie I was 10. I had seen Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, but neither caught my attention. Maybe it was my age, maybe my increased curiosity with water and mermaids. I received my first video copy in high school, and I wore it out by my freshman year in college. Shortly after another copy magically found it's way into my collection, which does not run very smoothly any more, but doesn't need to because I now have yet another copy.
Every time I see The Little Mermaid, I am recaptured by the innocence and curiosity of Ariel. I identify with her, as I think most young girls do, and I find her attempts at achieving independence from her father familiar.
The animation was a giant step for Disney, the quality is much better than their past productions. I think the movie gained an audience not only for the one film, but for a generation of "Disney-philes."
89 One of my all time favorites
I love this movie!The number one reason why i love it so much is because of the songs!It has the best songs of all time!Great anamation,color voices,etc...This is a great movie!!!
90 It's an okay movie
I didn't actually like this movie; it's sort of childish. It is about a teenage mermaid named Ariel who longs to go out and live with the humans. Her father thinks that all humans are bad, and makes her stay a mermaid. Ariel goes to the evil sea witch and asks to be turned into a human, without her father's permission. The sea witch who wants revenge on Ariel's father, agrees, but takes Ariel's voice away. The sea witch tells Ariel that she can become a human for three days, and she will have no voice. Ariel agrees and becomes a human.
This movie is not one of my favorite movies, so I don't really recommend you strongly to watch it. However, it was okay.
91 Best Disney Animated Feature (in my book); not so fun DVD
I'm glad to have the The Little Mermaid on DVD. But I miss the extras that the new DVD's are coming out with. Disney is truly the king of marketing. If and when the Plat. Ed. comes out, I'll have to get it just for the extras. So if you only have the VHS, hold out!
92 Disney's "Little Mermaid" Limited Issue DVD Just TOO Little
After months of waiting, I borrowed this DVD from the library yesterday and was once again blown away by the film, appearing here fully restored and in its grand widescreen format, preserving the original 1:66:1 aspect ratio. Simply put, this is the BEST way to experience the magic of "The Little Mermaid" at home until the eagerly anticipated "Platinum Edition" DVD appears in fall 2008 -- I'd like to point out, too, that contrary to several other reviews on Amazon.com, this DVD plays great and didn't freeze on me once.
However, that's where the goodness of this disc ends.
The disc has no special features whatsoever. Oh, sure, you can switch the language to Spanish or French, but there's no juice. Not a single tidbit about the making of, no trivia game, no sing-along, nothing. For this gem of a movie, I'dve expected more. All the more reason to look forward to 2008's two-disc "Platinum Edition" reissue, which will be fully rerestored, THX certified, and bursting at the seams with bonuses.
Still, if you can find it, get this DVD -- until 2008, this is the ultumate "Little Mermaid" home entertainment experience.
***** (5/5) solely because of the supurb presentation of the film. Poor DVD, but get it anyway.
93 Under the Sea
This highly imaginative and beautiful movie is one I recommend to every American--it is definitely a part of our history. The movie that, largely brought Disney back to the scene--just as Cinderella did for the Studio in 1950.
The movie itself gets 5 stars, but the DVD gets 3 because there are not any bonus features. But I found the picture to be great...and Ariel's movie deserves the highest honors. I unfortunately missed the theatrical release of this film in 1989, but have fallen in love ever since. Ursula is a divine villainess...Ariel a fine heroine, and Sebastian and Flounder exceptional friends for her to have! And the songs! Wow!
The Little Mermaid is such a hit, and stellar of a movie, that Disney has put it into its Platinum line--tentatively scheduled for 2008 (Just 6 years!). While I have this DVD, and it makes me very happy (free with my preorder of Snow White--another gem!) I will definitely buy the 2 disc set, bursting with bonus features too!
Great movie to have...enjoy! Great songs, great characters...a great theme...great animation! You'll find yourself bee-boppin' under the sea.
94 Not exactly the same as Andersen's tale but still Wonderful!
The Little Mermaid from Hans Christian Andersen is one of my favorite fairy tales and even though Disney changed the story and the ending of the fairy tale to give it a more happy Disneyish ending I still really loved this animated movie and thought it was such a nice, sweet, charming movie and I really liked Ariel, also I loved the songs especially Under The Sea! I reccomend this animated movie and also the Faerie Tale Theater version of The Little Mermaid starring Pam Dawber as the Mermaid, it was much closer to the classic Andersen tale and it kept the scary part with the Mermaid and the knife and the sad ending.
95 WOW
I love this movie... I don't know if its that I can relate to Ariels struggle or the music is great or I just think she's hot, but I love this movie. I've only seen it in French and Spanish on the DVD version, but when I was young, I saw the english. When she sings "Partir L-bas" (Or parmi ces gens for the quebec) i just get chills.. its my favorite scene. this is just a truly great movie!
96 awesome
the quality is back in one of disney's better animation features. go buy it. totally worth the higher price!
97 Wonderful!
"The Little Mermaid" has to be the best Disney film EVER! Ariel is the greatest heroine...and while Mulan (whom some think is better than Ariel ) is a strong, real girl...she just didn't have the same magic that Ariel and Jasmine had. Another thing...I really didn't like "Beauty and the Beast"! It was so dark...the broadway version (With Susan Egan as Belle--SO MUCH better than Paige O'Hara) was better. I dunno. The Little Mermaid is TEN TIMES better than BATB. Plus, "Part of your World" is the most beautiful song in the whole world. The whole score is just magical. "The Little Mermaid", "Aladdin", "Pocahontas", and "Hercules" are the true hits of Disney. Definately buy TLM!
98 best movie
This is the best Disney movie I have ever seen!
99 W(h)et your Appetite for Disney Here!!
I'd been looking for this video for quite awhile for my daughter, who was anxious to see "Ursula" after collecting some plastic likenesses of her. ................. I love the Disney witches, and collect them with my daughter. Ursula is one of the best villains ever created. She's right up there with "Maleficent", "The Evil Queen"/"Old Hag" and "Cruella DeVille". She is wonderfully animated, and appropriately voiced with the deep guttural tone of Pat Carroll. Her scenes in the movie are by far, my favorite ones. I also like Sebastian the cranky, but sweet crab who helps Ariel's Dad, King Triton, look out for his landlubber daughter................."The Little Mermaid" is infinitely watchable and not too scary like some Disney movies eg. 101 Dalmatians. That one in particular gave my daughter fears for months (see my review). I feel strongly, that unless indicated otherwise, a "childrens" G-rated movie should be happy, and this one is.................... If you want to get swept away by Disney, "The Little Mermaid" is the film to choose. Although it is a more recent entry, it is very reminiscent of the high quality, and uniqueness found in their earlier filmography. "The Little Mermaid" quickly gained status as a classic for this reason, and just as quickly, it should gain a permanent spot in your film library too.
100 UNDER THE SEA
The Little Mermaid has got to be the BEST Disney film ever made. It was my personal favorite when I was younger and remains my favorite to this day. The music is also great. Ariel, the daughter of King Triton, yearns to be "Part of That World" above the water. When she rescues and falls in love with the handsome Prince Eric, Ariel gives her voice to the wicked sea witch Ursula in exchange for human legs. I can't imagine any child who has not seen this film yet, but if YOUR child hasn't (or if you haven't for that matter), RUSH NOW and BUY IT ASAP! Don't even worry about "renting" it first. Just buy it. You know you want to. You know it's that good!! Take my word. I'm a Disney fanatic, but TLM is the best!!
