What may be one of Disney’s few remaining classics coverted to 3D, “The Little Mermaid,” comes to Blu-ray 3D Oct. 1 ($49.99).
This is one of the Disney animated films of the Michael Eisner/Jeffrey Katzenberg era at the studio with music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken that was not only a huge, even game-changing film upon its initial theatrical and home video release, but seems to continue to improve with age. Enhancing this movie featuring multiple feel-good and inventive tunes and accompanying animation such as “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World” is the first-ever HiDef Blu-ray version of the stunningly beautiful colors but also the first-ever presentation in 3D. The 3D gives the movie new visual depth that draws viewers even further into the story. The added depth gives added perceived dimension to all the engaging elements of this undersea story of romance and revenge.
Among the new bonus features in this edition is an interesting music video version of “Part of Your World” performed by Carly Rae Jepsen (“Call Me Maybe”) – below, and a powerful video of a rare lecture by Ashman to filmmakers about his approach to movie musicals. He would die within a few years of giving this lecture.
Also included is a delightful featurette with Disney’s most charming and dedicated ambassador for the past quarter century, Jodi Benson, the singing voice of Ariel who shares her experience with her children visiting the New Fantasyland and the new Little Mermaid ride at Walt Disney World. She also discusses her touching memories of Ashman, as do other filmmakers who were forever impacted by his talent and personality.
— By Scott Hettrick