The Little Mermaid
Director: John Musker, Ron Clements
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (31 March, 1998)
list price: $26.99
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Editorial Review

From the moment that Prince Eric's ship emerged from the fog in the opening credits it was apparent that Disney had somehow, suddenly recaptured that "magic" that had been dormant for thirty years. In the tale of a headstrong young mermaid who yearns to "spend a day, warm on the sand," Ariel trades her voice to Ursula, the Sea Witch (classically voiced by Pat Carroll), for a pair of legs. Ariel can only succeed if she receives true love's kiss in a few day's time and she needs all the help she can from a singing crab named Sebastian, a loudmouth seagull, and a flounder. The lyrics and music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken are top form: witty and relevant, and they advance the story (go on, hum a few bars of "Under the Sea"). Mermaid put animation back on the studio's "to do" list and was responsible for ushering Beauty and the Beast to theaters. A modern Disney classic. --Keith Simanton ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Animated
• Special Edition
• NTSC

Reviews (160)

One of Disney's all time greats!
The Little Mermaid came out a year after I was born. I guess I only find it fitting to write a kid's review, because all of the wonderful memories i have from it were when I was a kid. It simply is a stunning movie, regardless of being a disney classic.
It chronicles the story of Ariel, a young mermaid who dreams of becoming a human to be with her love, Eric. However the only way she can be human is by sacrificing her voice to the evil sea witch ursula. She also has two sidekicks, the absolutely hilarious sebastion and the sweet, shy flounder. I found the story to be expertly crafted and entertaining for adults and children. After 16 years, I finally rented it again and it was as magical as it had always been. I can't wait until it is re-released in 2008 on DVD. It stands against such classics as the lion king, and beauty and the beast. All three of these movies have EXCELLENT music as well as wonderful characters, both comical and serious. Highly Recommended!

A fantastic movie, but you may want to wait....
This is no doubt a beautiful and classic disney film.

My advice:Wait for the 2-disc "Platinum Edition" to be released.It will contain the extra bonus features that the "Limited Issue" lacks.Also, if you wait you can probably find it for about 20 dollars, which is much better than buying it second hand right now for a ridiculous price.You will get more for your money if you wait!Also, you should know that Disney has decided to speed up their releases with the Platinum series (from 1 every year to 2 each year).So, Little Mermaid will be out in October of 2006.So, if you can wait a year and a half to get the better version, I would recommend it! Especially if you're into extras and bonus features (because the limited issue has NONE!)

So, if anyone is interested, Cinderella is the next Platinum DVD to come out in October of 2005, followed by Lady and the Tramp in March of 2006, and then (finally!) The Little Mermaid in October of 2006

(For 2007, the March release will be The Jungle Book and then 101 Dalmations in October)

For more information... UltimateDisney.com is a great website!

I hope you found this advice helpful, as my wish is for everyone to be able to enjoy this gorgeous Disney film!

Wonderful!Disney's greatest film since "The Rescuers!"
Disney was sure going down, they hadn't had a good hit film since The Rescuers, the era which followed only offered bland films at the rhythm of Oliver & Company.This film is one of the greatest Disney films ever, it features beautiful animation and great songs, the only problem is minor "reality holes" once in a while.

The story of 16-year-old Ariel is really something.A young mermaid goes against her father's wishes in order to achieve what she wants, to be with the handsome human prince Eric which turns the little mermaid to the powers of the wicked Ursula, who always reminded me of Madame Medusa from The Rescuers, with two ferocious pets as well.Ursula does her magic after singing a catchy song "Poor Unfortunate Souls" and turns Ariel into a human, now Ariel has only three days to receive a kiss from Eric so as to be human for the rest of her days.However, Ursula has plans and will not let Ariel be happy, even if it means cheating by turning herself into the beautiful Vanessa, who with Ariel's voice succeeds at capturing the heart of the prince.Thanks to the help of the wise Sebastian and the playful Flounder, Ariel manages to get her way and find true happiness in the world of humans.However, after watching the film, you'll want her too as Ariel is one of the sweetest pricesses ever brought up by the Disney animators.

Besides beautiful animation, fun-loving characters and an outstanding plot, The Little Mermaid also offers beautiful music, one of my favorites being the whole "Fireworks" melody, the songs, "Part of your World," "Under the Sea" and "Kiss the Girl" are top-notch, too!

The only problem with the film (Which is rather minor) is the sometimes loss of "reality," sometimes it seems as if animators had forgotten that the characters were floating underwater, a fair example is when Sebastian falls from high above, when he usually "slides" down peacefully, that fall was seen as if he had fallen in land instead of underwater, but these little mistakes are minor and do not make the film any less wonderful.

Naturally, this film has been added to the line of Platinum releases and will be getting the ultimate DVD release sometime soon, although this will most likely be the last of the series.Don't waste your money in outrageously priced DVD copies only available on eBay and Amazon, since the last release was poor and not worth the money. ... Read more

Asin: 0788812408
Subjects:  1. Feature Film Family   

Disney's Sing Along Songs: The Little Mermaid - Under the Sea
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (26 April, 1993)
list price: $9.99 -- our price: $8.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Animated
• NTSC

Reviews (10)

Gets kids hooked on musical diversity
I have very diverse musical tastes, and this video is a great way to get your five-year old in the same boat (no pun intended). You get the upbeat, modern songs from The Little Mermaid and some classics from the 1940s including "Sailor's Hornpipe" and "By the Beautiful Sea". If you are a grandparent you will really appreciate these songs. Also included is "Whale of a Tale" which had me laughing as a youngster because the guy sang about his tattoo...your kids may also be rolling on the floor. There's also a slow song from The Rescuers in this one. As I said, it's a great mix of old and new, fast and slow, and will teach your youngster how to be a diverse music appreciator at a young age.

One of the Best!!!
Unlike some other reviewers who found that this Sing Along video was deceptive, or included old fashioned songs which kids couldn't relate to, I'd disagree whole-heartedly.The fact is, the title refers to a thematic idea - under the sea, with all the kinds of songs and images which might be included in that concept.So, while the theme song "Under the Sea" was great, as was "Kiss the Girl," so were the songs "By the Beautiful Sea," and "At the Codfish Ball," as well as the other songs, some from "Peter Pan," and "The Rescuers."It's a great diversity of music, and not just inclusive of "The Little Mermaid."If you want the music from the movie, just buy the movie.All the music is in it.

This is a great collection, and a classic for the whole family.It's highly recommended!

A little misleading
My daughter loves it which is most important. I didn't like the fact that songs from other movies other than "The Little Mermaid" was inserted. It should only have songs from the original movie. At least I thought the front cover implies that. ... Read more

Asin: 6301750667
Sales Rank: 511
Subjects:  1. Children's Video   

The Little Mermaid 2 - Return to the Sea
Director: Jim Kammerud, Brian Smith (XV)
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (19 September, 2000)
list price: $26.99
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Editorial Review

Ariel and her husband, Prince Eric, have a little problem with their daughter, Melody, in the sequel to Disney's landmark The Little Mermaid. Melody is threatened by Morgana, the evil sister of the sea witch Ursula (both voiced by Pat Carroll). Before you can say "Briar Rose," Melody's parents decide to keep their daughter's roots a secret, forbidding her to learn about the ocean while Morgana is around. Now the budding teenager secretly frolics in the sea with Ariel's old friends, Sebastian and Scuttle. When she learns the truth from Morgana, Melody becomes an unknowing pawn in her scheme--and Mom has to take to the sea again to help.

As with Disney's other made-for-video sequels, The Little Mermaid II looks and sounds wonderful (and reunites much of the same vocal talent). Four- to nine-year-olds who grew up with the original will certainly enjoy seeing the friends again. A new set of artists has come up with four catchy tunes and some fun new characters, including Tip and Dash, a pensive penguin and his blubbery walrus friend. Yet, where Beauty and the Beast had a deliberate Christmas-themed sequel, and Pocahontas told the tale of her historical trip to England, the plot here is very forced. It is pretty much a rehash of the first film with different characters. Tip and Dash are a reincarnation of Timon and Pumbaa, and Morgana is exactly like her sister, except thinner. Besides the stellar music, this unneeded sequel also misses another important aspect of the original--heart. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Animated
• NTSC

Reviews (139)

just as usual - another sequel!
Little mermaid was just the same as the first! The first one the story was complex and it fit nicely together, but they should have made another story line for it!
I liked seeing Melody but she took away Ariel's free spiritedness that all girls would like to copy.
The villian is the exact same! For the same goal too! It was totally predictable what would happen!!
I think the songs weren't all that except "For a Moment" that was cute. The jokes were corny and Scuttle is soooo dumb in this sequel!!! Honestly! In the first one he had SOME sense but in this one, he couldnt answer, "whats kickin'"!!!
Tip and Dash.. I think I've seen them somewhere before *cough cough* the drawings or the art didn't look that good.
COme on Disney!!! Make another movie stop with the sequels!
I was a BIG fan of little mermaid but this movie kinda ruined it.
sorry, but this sequel was just plain OK

A WORTHY SEQUEL !
Great animation, great plot, great songs, great new characters! A cute introduction of Ariel's daughter Melody. Worth seeing and owning!

What have they done to Ariel
Oh my goodness what have they done to the little mermaid.
They sucked the soul out of her and made an obnoxious clone aka her daughter.
This movie is very terrible. I believe the original isn't on sale anymore because if that were the case this movie would have been sent back to the vault in a hurry. ... Read more

Asin: 6305940932
Subjects:  1. Feature Film Family   

The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventures - Whale of a Tale
Director: Jamie Mitchell
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (23 February, 1993)
list price: $12.99
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Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Animated
• NTSC

Reviews (1)

If you loved the movie you'll love the series.
I loved this series as a kid and now my toddler enjoys them.This video contains two stories from the little mermaid the series.In Whale of a Tale Ariel finds a lost killer whale. This features the songs, "Just a little love" and "You've got to be you."In the second story 'Urchin' Ariel meets an orphaned mer-boy.This story features a song called "Lobster Mobsters Mob"You'll love the new songs and stories! ... Read more

Asin: 6302642299
Sales Rank: 4090
Subjects:  1. Children's Video   

Little Mermaid 2-Return to the
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 December, 2000)
list price: $19.99
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Editorial Review

Here's your chance to reunite online with the entire undersea gang.The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea brings Ariel, her daughterMelody, Sebastian, and all the other characters from the two Disney filmsstraight to your computer, in a package of games and activities certain toplease young players.

Return to the Sea features two arcade games--Melody's Daring Dive and TooCool!--and a trio of creativity-oriented activities. In the first game, Melodydives for jewels and pearls while dodging sharks and other hazards. In thesecond, she collects gems in an effort to thaw out a trident, which she mustthen use in battle with the nefarious Morgana. Both games are fast paced andwell designed, boasting 20 levels of difficulty. Unlike some games for this agegroup, these genuinely get harder, ensuring significant replay potential.

The noncompetitive activities include Aquabatics, where players design anunderwater dance show; Mermaid Memories, an interactive sticker book; andMelody's Melodies, a karaoke program featuring two songs from Disney's newestLittle Mermaid film. Setting up the routines in Aquabatics is a lot offun; players can flip and spin their favorite characters in a variety ofswimming twirls. Though almost all games for girls include a program likeMermaid Memories, the one featured in this game is put together extremely well.The backgrounds are flexible, the graphics meld seamlessly into the scenery, andplayers can even add sounds and movements to the scenes they create. Finally,Return to the Sea comes with a second CD-ROM, Ariel's StoryStudio, a gateway to even more undersea adventure.

The one real disappointment of this package is Melody's Melodies, which onlyfeatures two songs and a few simple options for singing them. Kids learning toplay musical instruments might also notice that the presentation of the musicisn't correctly laid out on the staff. However, the program's other delightsmore than compensate for this weakness. Broad enough in scope to ensure wideappeal, and of the highest quality to guarantee player entertainment, Returnto the Sea provides hours of fun for the whole family. --AlyxDellamonica ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Down To The Sea We Go...
Forteen years ago, Walt Disney Pictures released the ever-popular, (will come out on DVD in 2004) The Little Mermaid. Then, ten years after that, they released the sequel, The Little Marmaid 2: Return to the Sea. Though it could never over-take the original popuarity-wise, it did score this great CD-ROM. Though maybe, & then maybe not, better than the original Little Mermaid CD, Ariel's Story Studio (see my review), this has five entertaining activities. First, there's Melody's Melodies. Here, you can sing all your favorite songs, with or without the characters. There's really not much else to tell about this one, so let's move on. In Aquabatics, you choreograph your own underwater play, with some of your favorite characters, sea turtles, dolphins, Flounder, (how'd he get in there?) and much more! Then, in Mermaid memories, you can create your own sticker-book, and decoraate the pages with scenes from The Little Mermaid 2! I alwayas loved those kinds of games. Next, we have Melody's Daring Dive. Here, help Melody collect jewels, pearls, and all sorts on good things. You better watch out though, for as you progress through levels, it gets harder to find things, you have to go up to get air more often, and there's the ever-looming danger of sharks. Finally, we come to the "piece of resistence." Too Cool! is a maze game where you have to collect crystals to melt the ice surrounding the trident. Once you free the trident, you have to use it to chase after and, oh, how can I put this... FRY Morgana! This game is especially fun, and even more enjoyable and/or challenging as you progress. Overall, this is a great game, but the movie is not as good as the CD-ROM, though. Well, that's it. I hope this Review has helped you annd encourages you to get this CD-ROM.

the best of the bunch
This came in a pack with three other princess games. Of the four it is the best with enough different activities to keep the kids amused. There is diving for gems, which has you diving down and having to collect air bubbles to breath while you also pick up gems until you have enough. An arcade type in too cool, a sticker game where you make a picture and the singing which only has two tunes that you can play. The last and probably most interesting was designing the dances and then watching the show, then are several dance patterns that you can add different movements too and two mermaids and three sea creatures that you can choose to dance.
Overall its quite a good game.

Awesome game!
I loved this game. It's completely awesome. This game is wonderful for anyone who loves the Little Mermaid and games that take place in the water. The first game is Melody's Daring Dive and sports 3 levels. The first is Hope Reef which is easy. Next is Quakey Caverns which is a bit harder. An finally there is Pirate Point which is the hardest. The game is introduced by Sebastian. You need to help Melody collect gems below the sea while avoiding sharks, eels, and falling rocks. The next game is Too Cool and is introduced by Ariel. You need to help Melody collect gems in order to unfreeze the trident and zap Morganna. Tip and Dash throw snowballs for you to use to temporarily freeze Morganna and her cohorts. This is a great arcade style game that has twenty levels. The next game is Aquabatics which is introduced by Tip and Dash. This is my favorite game in which you get to organize an undersea dance extravaganza. You pick the dancers, the patterns, the stunts and the music. You can put up to five dancers in at a time. Your dancer choices are Ariel, Melody, Flounder, a turtle, and a dolphin. Next is the picture album where you get to make the scene. You pick the characters, backgrounds, sounds, props, and even special wallpapers. You can then print your picture. The last game is Melody's Melodies and is Karioke style. There are only two songs to choose from but it can be a great learning tool for people who want to learn how to play music as it shows all the notes on a standard staff paper setting. This game rocks and if you think it is only good for kids, let me tell you I am 26 and love it. It's well worth buying. ... Read more

Asin: B00004U5R0
Subjects:  1. Two (II)    2. Computer software (programs)    3. Kids (Children)    4. Computer Games    5. Action    6. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple   

The Little Mermaid 2
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (30 September, 2000)
list price: $29.99
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Features

• Solve puzzles with Ariel, Melody and other Little Mermaid characters
• 15 levels of varied gameplay
• Easy to learn controls
• Game story told with over 30 minutes of movie footage
• For 1 player

Reviews (13)

Cool just cuz Ariel is in it...?
This game is not the best, not the worst. Not the funnest, but not exactly boring, Its not good but not bad.Bassically its just there...its fun because its about the Little Mermaid, but theres not really a point to it.I would recommend this to all u little Mermaid Fans out there.

What a Great Game!!!
This game is very fun and cool. Has good graphics, funny sounds, a beautiful underwater scenario, there're only 2 things that are not good: has only 12 levels and load slowly. But, anyways, it's really good. Also, when you play the underwater levels, it's just like you are the mermaid, swiming truely!!! This game rox! If you want a good game, just buy it!

THE BEST GAME EVER MADE AND ALWAYSTHE BEST FOR ME
this is the best game . i love it i also love the movies 1 & 2 .THE LITTLE MERMAID IS THE BEST! it is very good and the graphics are cool! i like everything about it the other people thet dont like it are ............... sorry, but it is the best gamei could nt find it and now i play it it is very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very a thousand pr more times is the best game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 ... Read more

Asin: B00004WKFJ
Sales Rank: 6938
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Sony Playstation (Play station)    3. PSX (PS1 PSOne PS (1 one I)    4. Action Fantasy    5. Adventure    6. Great Deals (Outlet store)   

The Little Mermaid II Pinball Frenzy
Average Customer Review:
Game Cartridge (12 April, 2001)
list price: $34.99
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Editorial Review

The Little Mermaid II: Pinball Frenzy contains tables for both Ariel and her young daughter Melody. The pinball games feature skills shots, and players can bump the table to save a ball. The game offers a choice of two different ball speeds, and supports up to four friends in alternating mode. With the separately sold Game Boy Printer, players can print out screens and high scores. Excellent players will discover 16 minigames in which they will be challenged to rescue sailors, save Flounder, free lost souls, collect "human things," outwit a wily shark, and help Sebastian make a romantic pond setting. In Melody's minigames, players save innocent villagers from a fiery volcano, sneak past guards to steal the Trident, free the baby penguins from a polar bear's trap, force manta rays to behave, keep Dash on track, escape from Morgana's icy prison, and chip away at a huge iceberg to save Tip. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

My favorite pinball
It seems silly for a grownup, but of all the pinball games I've had for my gameboy, this is the best. When the old one I had died, I bought a replacement! It's both 1 and 2, there are lots of level and speed setting combos, and lots of minigames. I play it every week!

Really good!
This is a really addicting Pinball game! It is really fun and challenging. you have to spell the names of either Ariel or Melody (depending on which table you play) to open up secrets and mini-games. this game is extremely addictiong and is good for a long car trip!

Pinball Addiction
We are a family of pinball addicts and absolutely love this game.It is a constant battle to see who can outdo whom in the high score range.The graphics are good as is the music.Good color and the mini-screen turns aren't as easy as they look but they're still alot of fun!This is great for all ages!! ... Read more

Asin: B00004U5IG
Subjects:  1. Great Deals (Outlet store)    2. Video Games    3. Nintendo Game Boy (Gameboy)    4. Classics (Classic)    5. Pinball   

The Little Mermaid
Average Customer Review:
Game Cartridge
list price: $19.99
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Features

• As Ariel, it's up to you and your friends to stop Ursula
• Work your way through five levels to complete your mission
• Stop Ursula and save the sea before it's too late
• Enter the watery world of The Little Mermaid on your GameBoy
• The evil witch Ursula has cast a spell on all the creatures of the sea

Reviews (5)

short game
this game is very short . i played it its kind of good and it is very easy to control! its good for kids 4/8 because it can get borring when you pass it and then start it again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

short game
this game is very short . i played it its kind of good and it is very easy to control! its good for kids 4/8 because it can get borring when you pass it and then start it again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mermaid
ariel has to fight urslea to save her friends and family.and the sea. ... Read more

Asin: B00002ST1O
Sales Rank: 2921
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy (Gameboy)    3. Action    4. Cartoon    5. Fantasy   

Disney Presents Ariel StoryStudio (Jewel Case)
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (29 August, 2001)

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Editorial Review

Ariel's Story Studio lets you dive into an ocean of activities swimming with fun. You create, learn, and play in a world filled with games, activities, and surprises. Explore an amazing story and build skills in reading, writing, and problem solving. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An Under The Sea Adventure!!
Ariel's Story Studio is a fun filled, action packed adventure as Ariel, Sebastian, and Ursula the sea witch take you through the story of The Little
Mermaid. King Triton's seahorse of a henchfish is your guide, as well. Whenever you click on him, he will let you either go to the pick a page screen, or quit the game. Whenever you click on Ariel's, Sebastian's, or Ursula's bubble when there is a star in the top left corner of the bubble, then that character will read the text again. If you click on Ariel's, Sebastian's, or Ursula's bubble without a star in the top left corner of the bubble, then they will say something to you.

On every screen there will be a special message in a bottle. When you click on it, it will show you a very special sticker that will go into your storybook,
more about that later. On other, certain screens, you can play fun games. In Rolling Plates, help Ariel store all of her china plates in a treasure chest. In Scuttle's Spyglass, you can take a close up look at Eric's ship. At Ariel's Shelf, help Ariel put all of her things back on the shelves. Along with Ariel's Shelf, there is the Statue Puzzle. King Triton has destroyed Ariel's statue of Eric! Ariel needs your help to put the statue back together. In Dig For Little Treasures, There will be a crab (but not Sebastian) to help you dig under the lumps in the sand and find little trinkets. To get the crab, click on the biggest
Lump in the sand. In Spell Making, Flotsam & Jetsam will tell you what colored bottles to put in Ursula's cauldron, so you can see clips from the movie!!

Whenever you click on a starfish, it will take you to an activity. There are three in all. There is the Make Your Own Music activity. That will allow you to create your own musical numbers and have different groups of fish sing your song using the number keys on your keyboard. There are instructions on what to press and when in the program manual. There is also the Make Your Own Grotto activity. You know Ariel's grotto, right? Well now you have your own! You can invite fish and plant sea shrubs. When you
Click on the camera, then you can click on anything else to find out fun facts
About that thing. The last activity relates with the first game I told you about
Earlier. The Make Your Own Storybook activity. This activity lets you write, illustrate, and color you own book about the story of The Little Mermaid. If you see a bottle with a half wrinkled note in it, that is all the special stickers you found throughout the story.

This is just like an Animated Storybook, only better. There are no other Story Studios besides Ariel's. Note: this CD-ROM is in no possible way scary. Even though Ursula is a witch, she is not a scary one like some other
Witches in the world. Well that's it. I hope that this review has helped you and encourages you to get this CD-ROM. ... Read more

Asin: B00005NCBN
Subjects:  1. Computer software (programs)    2. Kids (Children)    3. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple   

Little Mermaid (Special Edition Double Pack)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (2000)
list price: $16.49 -- our price: $16.49
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Import
• Soundtrack

Reviews (4)

What is Wrong with Everyone???
Why is everybody saying this CD was bad, save one person??? The soundtrack for the original movie was wonderful, as can be expected. As for the second one, that was pretty good...at least most of them. I loved that lullaby Ariel sings to baby Melody, as well as a few others (something I can't currently remember). However, if unsure as to whether to buy this complete collection, I STRONGLY suggest buying just the regular ole Little Mermaid soundtrack, seeing as how so many people weren't pleased with the second...

uuuhhhhhhhh........
Well, the original soundtrack is awesome. But the Return to the Sea..... not the best. I recommend that you get the original soundtrack and leave the double pack.
P.S. Also Highly Recommended Soundtracks: Aladdin, The Lion King

Follow your heart ...
Unlike the previous reviewer, I and my six year old absolutely loved the movie & Cd "Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea". It is a classic mother/daughter tale ... depicting the struggles of little girls to create their own autonomy, and of mothers to allow their daughters to grow while still supporting them with unconditional love and guidance. Such a great movie to watch with your daughter.
And the music was wonderful. In fact, 2 songs brought me to tears ... the duet between Ariel & her daughter Melody, and the song Ariel sings to Melody when she is an infant. "Mother-love" songs.
I am not a music expert, but I know that if music moves you in some way, then it must be "good"... at least to you. And that is all that matters. ENJOY ... ... Read more

Asin: B0000507BX
Sales Rank: 37765
Subjects:  1. Soundtrack    2. Soundtracks   

The Little Mermaid: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 October, 1997)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $13.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Before Broadway was Disneyfied and Times Square became a mall, the best Broadway musicals were being written for Disney animated features by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman. Their songs for The Little Mermaid created the mold from which their even more popular work (Beauty & the Beast, Aladdin) would be cast. Almost every tune in Mermaid has its (slightly inferior) counterpart in Beauty, for example. But there's no topping the Oscar-winning calypso show-stopper, "Under the Sea"--in which a Caribbean crab convinces you that "Darlin' it's better/Down where it's wetter." Other songs, just as delightful, are even more impressive in the context of the movie. The rapturous "Kiss the Girl" accompanies a scene in which, despite the whispered urgings of creatures all around, the romantic hero does not act on the title's advice!That's the kind of abstract dramatic (OK, comedic) conceit you'd expect from Harold Pinter rather than Disney. And the gruesomely hilarious "Les Poissons" gives us a fisheye view of a kitchen where the seafood chef is a sort of French Ed Gein--a sadistic murderer who brutally tortures and chops up his victims, then eats them! Who says Disney never did black comedy? "...I stuff you with bread/It won't hurt, 'cause you're dead/And you're certainly lucky you are...." Lyricist Ashman may not have been Cole Porter, but he was the next best thing. --Jim Emerson ... Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (29)

A great soundtrack to a wonderful movie!
You will never hear anyone saying that the music of Little Mermaid is bad! The soundtrack is the Little Mermaid is a classic by itself. This soundtrack is the main reason why the movie became a classic. Even though the movie was excellent, the soundtrack uplifted the movie to become one of the biggest hits of 1989, and one of the best animated movies ever.

The music for this soundtrack is beautifully composed by Alan Menken, who later continued to show his talents with Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas and Hercules. In fact, it was the turning point of Menken's career from writing music for Sesame Street, to winning a numerous number of awards for his compositions in movies. In teaming up with the late Howard Ashman, the duo created really catchy tunes for this movie like `Under the Sea' and `Kiss the Girl', and well as moving songs like `Part of your World'. All the songs fit perfectly into the movie and goes really well with the story, not stalling it in anyway. You really feel for the characters while they are singing, like Ariel during `Part of your World'.

It is really hard to pick a favorite track since all of them sound so good, even the entire score of the movie. It is not surprising that this movie won 2 Academy Awards, one for Best Score, and the other for Best song `Under the Sea'. `Kiss the Girl' was also nominated for Best song It also won a Golden Globe award for the same song. After listening to the soundtrack, I am sure that at least one of the songs will remain glued to your head. This is one of the few soundtracks which both kids and adults will enjoy alike.

Return from the Abyss.
At the time that THE LITTLE MERMAID came out, the Walt Disney studio was in major trouble. They helped paved the way in animation and CGI, but they hadn't had a major hit on their hands in a long time. The animation department at the studio had failed to produce a solid success in a long time and rumors were circulating that the company might end up doing something drastic, like selling off assets.Then THE LITTLE MERMAID came out and Disney saw a complete turn around. The movie revived the art of animation and helped secure Disney's foundation so that it could produce later films such as BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, ALADDIN, and THE LION KING.THE LITTLE MERMAID has a good story and the plot is still memorable today. However, the thing that sets the film as almost being a classic is the soundtrack. THE LITTLE MERMAID set a whole new course for Disney and in some ways paved the way for the revival of movie musicals. After all, the movie is basically an animated musical. The songs from the film are sung so much nowadays that they are commonplace, but they are still memorable and just as moving as they were the first time I heard them.Some of the main songs include:

"Daughters of Triton"

"Part of Your World"

"Under the Sea"

"Poor Unfortunate Souls"

"Les Poissons"

"Kiss the Girl"

My favorite song in the arrangement is "Kiss the Girl", though "Part of Your World" is a close second. I am also one of the few people I've met who enjoy "Les Poissons".

The second half of this album includes the rest of the score from the filmThe score won a 1989 Academy Award for Best Score. A must have for Disney fans and a great piece of music to listen to in general.

I love this cd, but..!
I adore the movie and I love the music, but how could they leave out Vanessa's Song? That's my favourite song in the movie! ... Read more

Asin: B000001M3Z
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

The Little Mermaid: A Read-Aloud Storybook (Read-Aloud Storybook)
by Amy Edgar
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (03 August, 1999)
list price: $8.99 -- our price: $8.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (2)

Great addition to the Little Mermaid video!
What a great addition to our bookshelf!My 3 year old daughter loves the Little Mermaid video, but I try to limit her viewing time.This book is a top choice to fill in on those days we skip the videos.

This book includes all the major story elements and characters, a feature that is unavailable in the shorter versions I've seen.It also uses direct quotes from the video, which my daughter loves.The beautiful images from the movie are on each page, with short paragraphs, which keeps her engaged, and doesn't take nearly as long to read as you might think.

I only gave 4 stars because I think that with the vast amount of material included, this book is just a little dry.I'm not sure how engaging it would be as a stand-alone read, versus as an accessory to the movie.

For our purposes, though, this a great book, and we read it frequently.Money well spent!

true under the sea story
My kids love this story and so do I.It tells every important detail in a short description.Each page has beautiful pictures with only a few paragraphs so the kids get to turn the pages often.The language comes straight from the movie so that the story teller can use the character voices.This will become a favorite with your family too. ... Read more

Isbn: 073640161X
Sales Rank: 48733
Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Children: Preschool    5. Fiction    6. Humorous Stories    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Marine animals    9. Mermaids    10. Movie Tie - In    11. Preschool Picture Story Books    12. Princes    13. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    14. Juvenile Fiction / Movie or Television Tie-In   

Disney's the Little Mermaid Ariel Doll
Average Customer Review:
Toy (31 October, 2001)

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Editorial Review

The Little Mermaid was a fairy tale for the ages, not to mention a darn fine musical. Now this beautiful Ariel doll can help young princesses everywhere reenact the story, sing the songs, and embellish the adventures. Dressed in her mermaid outfit with a shimmery green fin and lavender halter-top, this blue-eyed beauty is smiling like she hasn't a worry in the world. Accompanying her are flimsy cardboard shapes of Flounder, Sebastian, and a quartet of seahorses that can be propped up on cardboard stands. A lavender plastic brush is also included for combing out Ariel's bright copper tresses. --Pam Lauer ... Read more

Reviews (8)

The doll is played with daily
My daughter received this doll for her 3rd birthday and has played with it in the bathtub just about every night since then.The velcro on her top is *just now* starting to show wear.In my opinion, that's not bad for a toy that has been played with in water for the last 7 months.She likes to have the fins on and then take them off so that Ariel has legs by the end of her bath so the fins are handled often...still not torn or damaged in any way.

I think the doll is as durable as I would expect.My daughter isn't necessarily gentle with the clothing as she pulls them on and off so I can't imagine why the other reviewers have damaged clothes after a short amount of time.

Beautiful Ariel doll
Wow! This doll is gorgeous! Her long flowing red hair, shimmering tail, and sparkling bikini top make this the perfect Ariel doll. This is much nicer than the one at the Disney store. Most of these reviews complain that the doll is not durable and the clothes come off, well don't give it to a little kid! I think this doll is intended more for collectors. This doll is perfect for me, because I've loved Ariel ever since I was a little girl. If you want a doll for a little one, try "Bathtime Ariel" That is a cloth doll that would be more durable.

Beautiful Ariel doll
This doll is simply beautiful. Most of these reviews say that the doll's clothes don't stay on, and the doll is not durable. Well it's perfect for me! I'm a 16 year old who loved the little mermaid while growing up. This is the best Ariel doll out there, much nicer than the one at the Disney store. That one is so awful, you can see the legs through the tail, and the top is blue! Ariel's top is NOT blue, it's purple! But enough about that, THIS doll is wonderful. If you are buying for a young one, I recommend also buying "Sparkling Ariel". That one is Ariel in her shimmery pink dress from when she has dinner with Eric. The reason I said buy that too, is that one is Ariel as a human, and this one featured here is her as a mermaid. That's easier for a little one playing so she won't have to take off the tail when she wants Ariel to be a human. ... Read more

Asin: B00005NH5W
Subjects:  1. Dolls    2. Princesses