The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning

Released: Tuesday, August 26, 2008

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In 1989, Disney gave birth to the second golden age of Disney animation with The Little Mermaid.  However, what was Ariel's life like before the time the film takes place?  Did Ariel have a mother? How did she get her great love of music? How did Ariel meet Flounder? The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning answers these questions and more.

Imagine a time long before Ariel met Prince Eric and walked on land -- time when music was banned from the underwater kingdom of Atlantica.  Torn between family duty and her love of music, Ariel must make the most difficult choice of her life. With the help of her friends, Sebastian and Flounder, and her six amusing sisters, will the young mermaid be able to restore music, friendship, and love to the kingdom?

Jodi Benson and Samuel E. Wright, reprise their legendary roles as Ariel and
Sebastian in the new Disney DVD adventure, The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning.

Normally when one thinks of a direct-to-video sequel (or prequel for this matter) as just a throw away film that is just another spoke on the Disney wheel.  However this is not the case with The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning.

The animation is top notch and even rivals the 1989 feature film animation, and it is truly a rare treat to hear Ariel being voiced again by Jodi Benson.

The Dolby digital audio mix used on the DVD is exceptional, allowing of all the sounds from under the sea film your living room with delight.

Probably the only big flaw with the film is the score/soundtrack. While it fits the film very well, it just cannot compare to the original score by Alan Menken.  (However there is a very good version of a Harry Belafonte song used in the film.)

The DVD is also filled with bonus features such as Teaching Mermaids to Dance, 
World Wide Water Webb (Fans can now visit the dedicated web pages of Ariel and her sisters.  Each of Triton’s seven lovely daughters has her own page, where she posts personal information, gets to know new friends and keeps her own personal blog!)  Behind the scenes on The Little Mermaid: The Broadway Musical, Deleted Scences, and more!)

While not a true Disney classic like the original Little Mermaid, it is nice to see that Disney is trying to have “brand extenders” that try to recreate the magic of the original film, and are not just part of the “Disney Machine.”

* As a special treat Disney has created a surprise in the very beginning.  Although it should be kept as a surprise, you might want to look for a Hannah Montana Easter egg in the first 15 minutes.

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-- Nathan M. Rose

The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning Video Clips

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Remember The Music


Are We There Yet?