The Little Mermaid Diamond Edition

Category: Blu-ray's and DVD's
The Little Mermaid Diamond Edition

It’s hard to believe but it’s been 14 years since we were introduced to effervescent Ariel, adorable Flounder, and musical Sebastian. The Little Mermaid has been a beloved animated musical film enjoyed by both young and not so young, and Ariel has taken her place among the small but growing group of Disney princesses.

The Little Mermaid was Disney’s first fairytale in 30 years, preceded by Sleeping Beauty in 1959. Between Sleeping Beauty and The Little Mermaid, the studio churned out many hit movies, but none in the fairytale genre. Ariel is a feisty and funny character and this is a charming story with unforgettable songs.

Ariel, a mermaid princess, is enamored by humans and fantasizes about being part of the human world. After a particular disturbing encounter with her father, King Triton, Ariel makes a deal with the devil, well, not the actual devil, but close to it. Ursula is a powerful sea witch and gives Ariel human legs for three days. If she isn’t kissed by her true love at the end of those three days, she will return to mermaid form and belong to Ursula. In exchange for this time to live as a human, Ariel relinquishes her voice. Ariel goes looking for Prince Eric, a man she saved from drowning. Things happen between Ariel and Prince Eric; there are misunderstandings and interferences by Ursula and her two evil eel accomplices. But, as Jodi Benson (the voice of Ariel) says, “Every fairytale is a journey to a happily ever after.”

This new HD edition is more spectacular than ever. Seeing all the beauty of the sea unfold in high definition is remarkable. New bonus features include a look at the Disney Animation Studio, which is described as “animation heaven.” The animators, both young and old, form a close knit Disney family. They feel they are “continuing the legacy” of the original “nine old men” who worked closely with Walt Disney and helped build the foundation of the Disney studio.

Download Find Your Voice

 

Another additional feature is a storyboard look at Harold the Merman, whose scene was cut from the film for time. Harold had also made a deal with Ursula and was unable to pay her back for the strength she gave him. So he suffered the wrath of the sea witch.

A particular interesting bonus is a look at how the animators use live action shoots to help them create realistic movements and expressions in animated characters. This is a look at how the filmmakers shoot scenes using live actors (not those supplying the voices for the characters) then use them for reference when animating the films. Among the scenes shown are some from other classic films as well as The Little Mermaid.

Jodi Benson and her family give viewers a little glimpse at The New Fantasyland in Walt Disney World. Having been there I can say from personal experience that this is an amazing addition to the Magic Kingdom. Benson also shows viewers a glimpse of the new Animation Resort, which I can also confirm is a magical resort at WDW in Orlando, Florida.

The Little Mermaid Diamond Edition is available in a 3-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + Blu-ray 3D + DVD + Digital Copy + Special Music track Downloads), a 2-Disc Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack that includes Digital Copy, and a 2-Disc Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack. With high-def, it’s time to go back Under the Sea.

 

 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet: The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

Like her on Facebook