by kellie abrahamson kabrahamson1@aol.com
Loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, The Little Mermaid tells the story of Ariel (Jody Benson; A Bug’s Life), a teenaged sea princess who dreams of a life on land. After saving the life of a land-prince named Eric (Christopher Daniel Barnes; The Brady Bunch Movie), Ariel’s interest in the surface world becomes an obsession and she makes a deal with a wicked sea witch Ursula (Pat Carroll; Songcatcher) to become human. There are two catches: Ariel’s voice will belong to Ursula and if she doesn’t receive a kiss by her true love by sunset on the third day, Ursula will own her soul. Ariel agrees and is transformed into a human. The hansom prince finds her washed up on the beach and takes her back to his palace, not knowing that Ariel was the one who saved his life just days earlier. While Ariel and her sea friends Sebastian the crab (Samuel E. Wright; Dinosaur), Flounder the fish (Jason Marin; Back to the Future) and Scuttle the gull (Buddy Hackett; The Love Bug) try to get Eric to kiss her and break the spell, Ursula is determined not to let that happen and turns herself into a beautiful maiden to seduce the prince.
The two-disc Platinum Edition DVD has been highly anticipated by Little Mermaid fans for over a year now and does not disappoint. Not only is the sound and picture quality far superior to the previous release, the DVDs contain enough bonus features to keep you busy for days. Supplements on disc one include audio commentary with writer/directors Ron Clements and John Musker and composer Alan Menken, an absolutely infectious cover of “Kiss the Girl” by High School Musical alum Ashley Tisdale, sing-along versions of four of the musical numbers in the film and a sneak peek of The Little Mermaid III (expected to be released in 2008).
Disc two is nothing but bonus features beginning with the always interesting “Backstage Disney” section. Here you can find a 45 minute documentary about the making of The Little Mermaid, art galleries and featurettes on the film’s special effects and origins, an early presentation reel and the film’s original theatrical trailer. The section is rounded out by a 6 ½ minute short called “The Little Matchgirl” originally intended for Fantasia 2006. I’m not sure what it’s doing here, but it’s a sweet little short. In the “Deleted Scenes” section seven deleted or extended sequences can be seen with introductions by Clements and Musker. Finally, the “Games and Activities” section contains two fun extras. First is an “Under the Sea Adventure,” an animated ride that takes the viewer to Disney World without ever leaving their living room. This virtual theme park ride takes you into the movie much like “Peter Pan’s Flight” and “Snow White’s Scary Adventure”. Lastly, an 8 minute DisneyPedia on “Life Under the Sea” teaches kids about the different species seen in the movie.
The second major Disney release this month is The Fox and the Hound: 25th Anniversary Edition. This sweet film tells the story of two very unlikely friends. After losing his mother, Tod (voiced by both Keith Coogan; Toy Soldiers and Mickey Rooney; Breakfast at Tiffany’s), a young fox, finds himself in the home of a kind old lady who raises him as a pet. Copper (Corey Feldman; The Lost Boys/Kurt Russell; Poseidon), young hound dog who lives next door, becomes the kit’s best friend and the two get into mischief together before being separated. Six months later Copper has returned older and trained to hunt animals like foxes, a situation that puts a damper on his friendship with Tod.
This single-disc release has only a handful of bonus features, not too surprising if you’ve followed Disney releases for the past few years. Just one listing falls under the heading “Music and More”: a sing-along version of “The Best of Friends”. In the “Games and Activities” section two kid-friendly supplements make their debut. First is a set top game called the “Forest Friendship Game” which is basically played like virtual hide and seek. Next is a DVD “storybook” called “New Best Friends” starring Tod and Copper. The “Backstage Disney” section houses a 6 minute featurette called “Passing the Baton” and an art gallery featuring stills and concept art. Finally, two unrelated cartoon shorts round out the disc.
Both of these releases are worth your time and money if you’re a fan of the films. The Fox and the Hound is a little light on the bonus features but is worthwhile for the story itself. The Little Mermaid release is far superior in the supplement department and is a story that’s worthy of the Platinum Edition treatment. These unforgettable films are must-haves for animation fans or anyone who is young at heart.
|
