Movie Info:
Writer: Robert Reece, Evan Spiliotopoulus
Director: Peggy Holmes
Cast: Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright, Sally Field, Jim Cummings, Parker Goris, Tara Strong, Kari Wahlgren, Grey DeLisle
Rating: G
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Release Info:
Theatrical Release: N/a
DVD Release Date: August 26, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $19.99
If I had to choose my favorite Disney movies, The Little Mermaid would certainly rank as one of the higher movies. Ariel is a likable character that is surrounded by comical and adorable creatures that work together to accomplish whatever their interests might be. I have yet to meet a little girl that didn’t love Ariel and the role that she plays in the princess category of Disney movies.
So, it was with some mild apprehension that I approached Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning. After seeing the direct to DVD release of Jungle Book 2 I was worried that The Little Mermaid would suffer the same lackluster fate. I am happy to report that I was wrong for thinking that and while The Little Mermaid is not exactly the same the second time around it certainly is fun and befitting of the Disney name.
The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning Plot
Ariel (Jodi Benson) is the youngest of seven daughters by her father, King Triton and her mother, Queen Athena. Her parents are incredibly in love and they rule the kingdom with compassion, happiness, music, and joy. The family and other mermaids often spend time at a hidden lagoon where they can relax and enjoy the sun above the water. However, one day a pirate ship comes along and ruins everything when Queen Athena is unable to escape.
She goes back for a music box that Triton just gave her and ends up meeting her end in the process. As he is unable to cope with the loss of his wife and his best friend Triton changes from the happy, loving father he was to a colder, more mechanical king. He becomes a mere shell of a man compared to what he was and he ends up banning music from Atlantica.
This opening scene quickly fades and takes us ten years into the future. Nothing has changed for the kingdom that lacks music. The seven daughters of Triton are all equally miserable in their own way, but the one standing out from the pack is the rebellious Ariel. She cannot stand the bossy and arrogant governess, Marina Del Rey (Sally Field) and she misses the happiness she used to see in her father along with the sound of music that used to fill the underwater kingdom.
Del Rey is miserable because she doesn’t want to be the governess, but instead she wants the job of Triton’s attaché, a job currently held by that feisty crab, Sebastian. Being that Del Rey wants Sebastian’s job she has to find a way to remove him from power. She does just that when she learns about a secret underground music club that he and Ariel have been attending. As you can imagine, the king is not too happy, but the question is, will he allow his daughters to remain miserable, even if it puts one of them in danger?
Sally Field as the villain was an interesting choice. She’s fairly mild for a villain especially when compared to the former troublemaker, Ursula. Still, Field is mildly entertaining and certainly strange. She won’t scare your kids (or she shouldn’t), but she might make them laugh at her.
Storyline/Plot: 
Replayability:
Acting: 
Directing:
Audio/Visual:
Toting a 1.78:1 aspect ratio and enhancements to fit 16×9 televisions, The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning ends up looking like it’s in perfect condition. I did not see any compression errors of any kind and the standard problems like bits of noise or grain were not present in the slightest. The colors were bright and definitely kid friendly, while the entire picture was sharp and ultimately flawless. Other studios might give less to their direct to DVD releases, but Disney certainly isn’t one of them.
There are two audio options for English Sound. The standard comes in Dolby Digital 5.1 sound and naturally, things sound good with this option enabled. The other option however, sounds just a bit better, and that is DTS 5.1 Digital Surround. The sound is absolutely kicking with this second option. The bass is strong and the treble manages to brighten the soundtrack immensely. In addition to the English tracks, Disney has provided both Spanish and French tracks in Dolby Digital 5.1. I did not notice the presence of subtitles though Closed Captioning is available.
Visual:
Audio:
Bonus Features:
For a direct to DVD feature, there are plenty of special features to be found with The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning. Things get going with two deleted scenes. These scenes include Sebastian waking up the girls and Ariel following Flounder. They are not so much deleted, but rather extended, as parts of these scenes do appear in the movie. If your children like to sing, they will love the sing-a-long portion of the special features. You can pop the words up on the screen so the kids know just what to sing! Another popular feature is the Mermaid Discovery Vanity Game.
The game allows you to learn more about the King’s daughters by clicking on things on their vanities. Depending on the objects you click you will find quotes or sounds from the sisters. You can also learn their likes and dislikes, find out what instruments they play, and learn which sister you are most like in the personality game.
Backstage Disney includes a Behind the Scenes featurette that looks primarily at the animation part of the film. This featurette includes the work of Peggy Holmes, the director of the film. Also included is The Little Mermaid: Under the Sea and Beyond – The Scenes on Broadway. Parents are likely to enjoy this as much, if not more, than their kids. This final featurette is handled by the one that plays Ariel on stage, Sierra Boggess.
Bonus Features:
Bottom Line:
People will tell you that this sequel is not as good as the original movie. The fact is that you could say that about nearly any movie with exception to The Godfather II. This film is cute, kids will like it, and it is definitely one of the better Disney sequels in recent memory. If your kids liked the original this one should fare pretty well with them, and in the end, that is what you need to know. Pick this up if the kids (or you) like Ariel. You shouldn’t be too disappointed, if you are at all.
Overall Rating:
Technorati Tags: Disney Classic, DVD, DVD Review, Animated, The Little Mermaid, Ariel, King Triton, Music, Sebastian, Flounder, Sequel, Jodi Benson, Sally Field, Kids, Children
Written by Ashtyn Evans - Visit Website
---
Ashtyn is in her early 30s. She is a mother, writer, college student, and music lover. Ashtyn has had a successful career as a writer since 2003. She turned to blogging in 2005. Ashtyn attends Wright State where she is getting a degree in Psychology. She has extensive knowledge in SEO and Social Media Development.
