During the 80’s, Disney struggled a lot with their animated films to the point where it looked like they’d end up in financial ruin. Especially when ‘The Black Cauldron’ came out and was hit with many complaints from parents for being way too dark for a Disney film back in ’85.
Then in November 1989 Disney finally had a hit that kickstarted the Disney Renaissance era and saved them from financial ruin; ‘The Little Mermaid’.
The story starts of with the song ‘Fathoms Below’ in which a group of sailors and Prince Eric are sailing the sea catching fish. Eric is clearly very happy at being at sea but a sailor warns him about King Triton who is King of the Merpeople.
Meanwhile underneath them, the merpeople are gathering for a concert which is to be sung by Ariel and her sisters. Sebastian the crab tells Triton that he is very excited to be performing the concert “If only Ariel would only show up for rehearsal every once in a while” he adds quietly and angrily.
‘The Daughters of King Triton’ is immediately started by Ariel’s sisters and just as soon as they are about to introduce Ariel, they realise that Ariel is- once again- late.
Where Ariel is, is quickly reviled; she and her fish friend Flounder have gone treasure hunting in the Deep Ocean.
Upon its release, ‘The Little Mermaid’ was met with massive success and praise from both critics and audiences alike. It was so successful that it spawned two direct to VHS sequels and a stage musical as well as a animated TV series.
I wasn’t a massive fan of it when I eventually came round to watching it when I was very small. I watched it again as a teen and I really enjoyed it and appreciated it for what it was.
The soundtrack and animation are amazing by 1980’s standards and it still holds up today. Pat Carroll steals the show as the villain Ursula during ‘Poor Unfortunate Souls’.
Over all, an excellent film to watch with the little ones. Let’s see how Disney does with its remake but I’ve no hope for it. Pat Carroll’s performance as Ursula is going to be a very hard act to follow!
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