This is going to be a review that most would not expect for me to do for this site because I am reviewing a children's film, but keep in mind I was once a child like all of you and I grew up with this film. I remember liking it alot when I was a kid and I think it was because of the character Sabastian who is a crab and he was just funny. Over the years I have started to like it for many more reasons then just it being a cartoon film with some funny characters in it. I had not seen this film for a few years up until now. Actually that I remember of it was one of the VHS copies so I have never seen it on DVD even before. Let's get into this review!
The Little Mermaid follows a mermaid named Ariel who is free spirited and wants to experience and enjoy what life has to offer even if that does get her into situations that are dangerous. Feeling held down by her strict father she decides to take an offer from a sea witch who casts a spell on here that would make her have legs and if she can make the man she longs for fall in love with her within three days she will be able to keep her legs, but the catch is she cannot have her voice. Things aren't all that they seem and the witch really has something up her sleeve. Ariel along with her underwater friends must stop the witch before her diabolical plans come to fruition!
The Little Mermaid takes the classic love story and puts a spin on it and making it a love tale between a man and a mermaid. Now there has been a somewhat similar film done before that reminds me of The Little Mermaid and that is "Night Tide" which stars Dennis Hopper or even "Splash" which stars Tom Hanks. Even though this is a children's film there really is some quite dark scenes that add a thrill that makes it appealing to more than just kids. Now I do enjoy the darker moments, but I also very much enjoy the lighter and upbeat scenes filled with musical numbers and some well crafted humor. I really think that those who seen it young and liked it should really give it another chances as an adult because I think you may actually enjoy it more like I did.
The characters in this film are quite great and each of them add to the film in their own way. First you have the loveable Ariel who is simply a young woman looking for true love and freedom to do what she wants. Then there is the father who seems overbearing and strict which he is , but he of course does it because he loves her and wants to protect her even though he doesn't realize he he is pushing her away by doing so. Also there is the watch dog character Sabastian and the lovable Flounder, both of which team up to help Ariel in her quest and when things go wrong. Last but not nessisarily least there is Ursula who is the sea witch who is out to trick Ariel and become something more! The characters are quite great and are very well written.
The presentation of this release looks simply spectacular and is the best that I personally have seen. I cannot compare it to any DVD release, but I still would say that this is an upgrade. The picture quality is completely cleaned up and is sharp and the colors are bold. If you are familiar with other Disney blu-ray releases then you should know what to expect from the quality of this release. The sound is amazing as well and is robust. Like you would expect there is a ton of special features which has one that I absolutely loved as being a huge film fan which is a featurette on the restoration of The Little Mermaid. Overall this is an amazing release of a great film that ranks up as one of the best Disney films ever made!
I give the presentation a strong 5 out of 5 as well as the film!
-Daniel "Damnation" Lee
Director: Ron Clements & John Musker
Lead Actor/Actress: Jodi Benson, Pat Carrol
Genre: Childrens/Fantasy/Animation
Blu-ray Release Year: 2013
Theatrical Release Year: 1989
Time Length: 83 mins.
Rating: G
Region Code: Region Free
Release Company: Disney
Website:
www.disneybluray.com
ADDITIONAL SCREENSHOTS:
This is going to be a review that most would not expect for me to do for this site because I am reviewing a children's film, but keep in mind I was once a child like all of you and I grew up with this film. I remember liking it alot when I was a kid and I think it was because of the character Sabastian who is a crab and he was just funny. Over the years I have started to like it for many more reasons then just it being a cartoon film with some funny characters in it. I had not seen this film for a few years up until now. Actually that I remember of it was one of the VHS copies so I have never seen it on DVD even before. Let's get into this review!
