‘The Little Mermaid’ 2023 now on digital and coming to Home Entertainment
Category: Blu-ray's and DVD's
In 1989 when Disney released the animated classic The Little Mermaid, audiences around the world were enchanted by the young mermaid who desperately wanted to be human. Little Ariel captured the hearts of viewers. As the youngest daughter of King Triton, her life had been spent under the sea, but her inquisitiveness and curiosity kept her searching for something more. She was enthralled by the people living on the land, and when she rescued Prince Eric from a shipwreck, she immediately fell in love. Now the story has been reimagined in live-action, well, as much live action as can be created when half of the movie takes place under water or with sea critters.
The vision of filmmaker Rob Marshall, this version of The Little Mermaid is a bit different, with additional songs and some adjustment in the characters. Lin Manuel Miranda added the extra songs and lyrics, and Scuttle, who in the animated film was a seagull, is now a different kind of bird that looks similar to the animated bird however this Scuttle is able to dive under water. That was intentional so he could be introduced to the viewers under the sea.
Yes, the main songs are still alive and well in this version, however there are some subtle differences in the scenes. The underwater scenery is magnificent and the filmmakers did a wonderful job bringing the underwater world to the viewers.
As a nod to the original movie, Jodi Benson who voiced the animated Ariel, appears in a brief cameo. This time around Halle Bailey is the brave mermaid who risks everything to be with the man she loves.
Being a little dark, smaller kids might be more intimidated by the scary scenes than with the animated movie. The downfall of this film is the length. At 2 hours 15 minutes, it poses a problem for kids who might get a little fidgety sitting for that long time. That is the benefit of the Digital version (available now) when parents can pause the show for a break or even split it into two nights of viewing. And the 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD editions will be available September 19, 2023.
Ariel is a princess of the sea, and with Eric she is a princess of the land as well. Their union brings harmony to the two worlds that have been at odds for a very long time. But now, all is well.
Note: I am not a personal fan of remaking classics and especially remaking animated classics into live-action. That said, this was not on my priority of films to watch. It is, however, an OK movie that is filled with the same emotions and family feelings that exist in the animated version. I still prefer the animated movie because, well, I don’t like messing with a classic.
The 1989 animated version is rated G. This live action version of The Little Mermaid is rated PG for action/peril and some scary images.
The Little Mermaid is now available on Digital and on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD September 19.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.