My family has always loved The Little Mermaid (well, my son not so much anymore 
). Even my husband is a fan of the film. He jokes a lot that Ariel is his cartoon crush. He even got excited when we weren’t to Disney World and visited her section of the park and has his picture taken with her (along with my son). We even went to see the Little Mermaid show (my son was scared of Ursula and cried when she made an appearance).
We have the movie. We were grateful when it came out on Blu-ray because we no longer had a VCR for the VHS version that we had.
Available today (November 19, 2014) are a sequel, and prequel, to the beloved movie. They are available together on a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack.
Normally when I write movie reviews I write my own synopsis. I have some goodies I want to include in this post so I’ll use pre-made synopsis for the sake of space, otherwise I’ll have a 2,000 word post.
The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea
All of your favorite characters from The Little Mermaid continue their adventures in this enchanting sequel to one of the most celebrated animated films of all time. Even though her parents tell her merpeople and Atlantica are just “old fish tales,” Ariel’s daughter, Melody, dreams of being part of that magical world. In an unforgettable story that will take your breath away, all the good creatures on the land and under the sea must join forces to show Melody that both her worlds can live in perfect harmony.
The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning
One of Disney’s most beloved characters reveals the extraordinary events that led up to her transformation into a princess! Long before Ariel walked on land and into Prince Eric’s heart, she was one of seven beloved daughters of powerful King Triton. But times were troubled in the underwater kingdom – and music was banned! In this magical adventure, Ariel, her fun-loving sisters, and her loyal friends Sebastian and Flounder strive to bring music and friendship back to Atlantica. Featuring breathtaking animation – and some thrilling surprises – The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning is an enchanting tale you’ll share with your family again and again!
Here is a trailer for the new films.
My husband was against watching these movies with me. He said that the original movie was perfect and they (Disney) shouldn’t have bothered with any other Little Mermaid films. While I do agree with him that sometimes its best to leave movies alone and don’t bother with a sequel or prequel, other times sequels and/or prequels are just as good – if not better – than the original. For example, I think Aliens 2 and Terminator 2 were better than the original films.
Out of the two films, Ariel’s Beginning was my favorite, as well as my husband’s (my teenage son didn’t feel like watching the and my daughter was not home). We liked that the film was all about Ariel and it gave us a glimpse into her pre-Princess life. It had the look and feel of the original movie.
The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea was more about Ariel’s daughter Melody. Ariel just wasn’t the same through most of the movie (she was too “human” and appeared older). I couldn’t get into this one like I could Ariel’s Beginning. Ursula’s sister in this film was ugly and sinister. Ursula was too, but there was something oddly appealing about her. Ursula’s sister Morgana is not likable and a bit too “dark” if you ask me.
None the less I’m sure both film’s will appeal to young girls and families alike.
There are also some fun bonus features worth checking out.
The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea
(Blu-ray & DVD) ”The Little Mermaid II” Storybook
Deleted Song “Gonna Get My Wish”
Classic Animated Short Merbabies
The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning
Splashdance: A Dancer’s Adventures Under The Sea
Deleted Scenes with intros by Director Peggy Holmes
Music & More
Sing Along With The Movie
The Little Mermaid: Under the Sea and Behind the Scenes on Broadway (DVD only)
Mermaid Discovery Vanity Game (DVD only)
The animated short, Merbabies, is adorable. You should make a point of checking it out. For an older animation they sure had some really creative ideas.
Here is a sneak peek.
I also never knew that The Little Mermaid was on Broadway. It looks like it was a lot of fun. It has a Lion King look and feel about it.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning and The Little Mermaid II is available TODAY where ever movies are sold. These would make a great addition to your family’s movie collection as well as a great gift for the Little Mermaid lover in your family.
Have you seen either film yet? What did you think about them?
Do you have a favorite Little Mermaid character?
Here are some wonderful Little Mermaid coloring pages you might enjoy too.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.