The Little Mermaid Blu-ray Review

Disney's latest Blu-ray and 4K UHD release of "The Little Mermaid" offers a distinctly upgraded visual experience compared to the previous Diamond Edition. This new remaster corrects many of the minor issues that characterized the 2013 release, such as slightly soft picture quality and faded colors. The richer color palette and deeper blues significantly enhance the undersea scenes, making them more vivid and engaging. Equally notable is the absence of color banding present in the original edition, while improved background detailing brings the animation to life in ways the first release couldn't achieve. Although the improvements might not be drastic, the deeper blacks, precise color timing, and reduced artifacting elevate the transfer to a level that embodies what the Diamond Edition should have delivered years earlier.

From a technical perspective, the Signature Collection edition shines with a sharpened color depth that covers everything from the bold reds of Ariel's hair to the stabilized palette of Flounder's yellow and Ursula’s purples. Despite maintaining a light grain structure to keep the film's inherently cinematic feel, Disney has ensured that no notable print wear or encode artifacts detract from the viewing experience. While the textural differences between this release and its predecessor aren't vast, enthusiasts will find the enhanced colors a welcome addition. For those capable of viewing it, the 4K UHD version, with its robust HDR palette and marginally crisper textures, offers an even more compelling upgrade. Nonetheless, fans restricted to 1080p will still gain a substantial improvement over earlier editions.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "The Little Mermaid" employs a 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix, the same exceptional track utilized in the Diamond Edition released six years ago. The mix remains outstanding, offering an energetically robust sound design, particularly during the musical numbers. Dialogue is firmly anchored in the center channel, augmented by effective panning effects that enhance the on-screen activity. There is a remarkable dynamic range that captivates the listener, with sequences shifting seamlessly from intimate underwater conversations to intense sonic experiences such as fierce gales that land and shake the entire listening position with LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) and 360-degree immersion.

Surround channels are fully engaged, creating an enveloping audio environment. The soundscape vividly captures the swirling chaos of storms and integrates subtle ambient details like Ursula’s minions' whisperings and murmurs in quieter scenes. The LFE component is meticulously crafted, providing deep, percussive impacts for storm sequences and a resonant low end for the musical score without becoming overly intrusive or aggressive. The musical arrangements and songs are a particular highlight, showcasing the film's enchanting melodies with clarity and vibrancy that evoke nostalgia and charm. This DTS-HD MA 7.1 mix contributes significantly to the overall emotional and auditory experience of the film, reaffirming its timeless appeal.

The Blu-ray release of "The Little Mermaid" Signature Collection impresses with an array of engaging and insightful extras, reflecting both new and classic content. Each supplemental feature offers unique insights into the film's creation and legacy, providing an enriching experience for Disney aficionados and film enthusiasts alike. Highlights include in-depth discussions with the film's voice actors and creative minds, heartfelt retrospectives on iconic music, and a glimpse into Walt Disney’s personal collections. The diverse set of extras are well-produced, maintaining the high standards expected from Disney's releases, making this collection a valuable addition to any Disney library.

Extras included in this disc:

• Sing-Along Mode: Sing along to the movie in this dedicated mode.
• Alan Menken & the Leading Ladies Song: Celebratory discussion and performance with Alan Menken and Disney leading ladies.
• What I Want From You…Is YOUR VOICE: Behind-the-scenes look at original recording sessions.
• Stories From Walt's Office – Gadgets & Gizmos: Exploration of Walt Disney’s personal collections.
• #TreasuresUntold: Fun facts about "The Little Mermaid" with Ruby Rose Turner and Olivia Sanabia.
• DCapella Part of Your World Music Video: Modern take on a classic song.
• Classic Bonus Features: Includes deleted scenes, art insights, and commentary from previous editions.

"The Little Mermaid," a cherished classic from Disney's animated repertoire, continues to captivate audiences through its enthralling narrative and iconic musical scores. Ariel, a 16-year-old mermaid and King Triton's favorite daughter, embarks on a daring journey, driven by a longing for freedom and adventure. The film portrays Ariel's rebellious spirit as she disregards her father’s prohibitions and collects human artifacts from shipwrecks. Her fascination peaks when she encounters Prince Eric, leading to a fateful agreement with Ursula, the malevolent sea witch. Trading her voice for human legs, Ariel has only a few days to earn Eric's love or face dire consequences.

The technical aspects of "The Little Mermaid" significantly contribute to its enduring legacy. The animation quality is remarkable, marked by vibrant colors and fluid motions that enhance the underwater and terrestrial scenes. This re-release within Disney's 'Signature Collection' ensures the film's pristine visual and auditory elements are preserved, offering a heightened viewing experience. The voice acting is superb, with Jodi Benson's portrayal of Ariel bringing an evocative charm to the character. Notable performances by Samuel E. Wright as Sebastian and Pat Carroll as Ursula provide depth and personality, elevating the narrative to compelling heights.

The strength of "The Little Mermaid" lies not only in its visual splendor but also in its unforgettable soundtrack—songs like "Under the Sea" and "Part of Your World" transcend generations. Supporting characters like Sebastian, Flounder, and Scuttle infuse humor and warmth, balancing the darker undertones of Ariel's struggle and rebellion. While some may find Ariel's romanticized defiance and its implications on youthful influence contentious, the film endures as a quintessential Disney classic—combining enchanting music, richly developed characters, and a timeless tale of love and self-discovery.

Disney's 30th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray release of "The Little Mermaid" is an impressive enhancement from its Diamond Edition predecessor. The remastered 1080p video quality elevates the visuals to fantastic levels, bringing new vibrancy and detail to this beloved classic. Paired with an English DTS-HD MA 7.1 soundtrack, the film's iconic songs and score by Alan Menken are delivered with remarkable clarity and depth. The package includes a wealth of supplementary materials, blending cherished classic extras with fresh new additions that are delightful for both long-time fans and newcomers.

The aspect ratio remains at 1.78:1 AVC, maintaining the film's original framing and presentation. Subtitled in English SDH, Spanish, and French, accessibility is well-considered. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, and starring notable voices such as Jodi Benson and Pat Carroll, the film's timeless charm is undoubtedly enhanced by these technical upgrades. Disney aficionados might be particularly interested in the 4K UHD version, which offers a superior HDR accompaniment—perfect for those equipped with advanced home theater systems.

In conclusion, "The Little Mermaid" is a standout Disney classic whose latest Blu-ray incarnation does it significant justice. The 30th Anniversary Edition enhances visual and auditory experiences markedly over previous editions. While those with more sophisticated setups should consider the 4K UHD release, the Blu-ray edition is a highly commendable alternative for those without. Enthusiasts may want to retain the Diamond Edition for its exclusive extras, but this new release is an essential upgrade for any collection.

Technical Specifications:

• Starring: Christopher Daniel Barnes, Jodi Benson, Pat Carroll, Rene Auberjonois
• Directed by: Ron Clements, John Musker
• Written by: Ron Clements, John Musker
• Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 AVC
• Audio: English: DTS-HD MA 7.1, Spanish, French DD 5.1
• Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
• Studio: Disney/Buena Vista
• Rated: G
• Runtime: 83 Minutes
• Blu-ray Release Date: February 26th, 2019