When Does The Little Mermaid Come to Disney?
The Little Mermaid, a beloved animated film based on the 1989 Disney animated film, has been a staple of the Disney universe for over three decades. However, the question on everyone’s mind is: when exactly does The Little Mermaid come to Disney? In this article, we will delve into the history of The Little Mermaid, its production and release, and the various milestones that made it a Disney classic.
Production and Development
The Little Mermaid was first conceived by Disney animator and director, Glen Keane. Keane was inspired by his own love of the sea and his desire to create a story that would appeal to children. Keane began working on The Little Mermaid in the early 1980s, but it wasn’t until the 1986 revival of The Little Mermaid that the film began to take shape.
The Voice Cast
The main voice cast for The Little Mermaid was announced in 1987, with Jodi Benson as Ariel, the main protagonist. Benson’s voice and performance of Ariel have become iconic, and she remains the best-known voice of the character to this day. Other notable voice cast members include:
- Samuel E. Wright as Sebastian, the wise-cracking crab
- Christopher Daniel Barnes as Prince Eric, the human prince
- Pat Carroll as Ursula, the sea witch
- Brad Kane as Flounder, the fish
- Buddy Hackett as Sebastian’s sidekick, Scuttle
Release and Marketing
The Little Mermaid was first released on May 25, 1989, in the United States. The film was produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and was distributed by Walt Disney Pictures. The release was met with widespread critical acclaim and commercial success, grossing over $250 million worldwide.
International Release
The Little Mermaid was first released in Japan in 1989, and was released in Europe and other countries a year later. The film’s success in these international markets helped establish The Little Mermaid as a global phenomenon.
The Golden Age of Disney Animation
The Little Mermaid marked the beginning of a new era in Disney animation, which would go on to produce some of the studio’s most iconic films in the following years. The success of The Little Mermaid paved the way for future Disney classics, including:
- The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea (2000)
- The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning (2008)
- Tangled (2010)
- Frozen (2013)
- Moana (2016)
Home Video and DVD Releases
The Little Mermaid was first released on home video in 1990, with a VHS release in the United States. The film has since been re-released on various home video formats, including DVD, Blu-ray, and Digital.
Awards and Recognition
The Little Mermaid was nominated for several awards during its release, including three Academy Awards. In 1990, Jodi Benson won the Saturn Award for Best Actress for her performance as Ariel.
Legacy and Impact
The Little Mermaid has had a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring countless adaptations, parodies, and references in film, television, and other media. The film’s iconic songs, such as "Under the Sea" and "Part of Your World," have become a staple of Disney’s classic soundtrack.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- The Little Mermaid was the first Disney animated film to be produced on a computer, using a proprietary animation system called Olliance.
- The film’s iconic character design was created by artist Emile Cohl, who was also responsible for creating the film’s black-and-white animated sequences.
- The Little Mermaid was one of the first Disney films to feature a female protagonist who was not a princess, instead, she was a free-spirited mermaid who fell in love with a human.
Table: Major Milestones in The Little Mermaid’s History
| Year | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | The Little Mermaid is revived | A new adaptation of the original story begins to take shape |
| 1987 | Voice cast announced | Jodi Benson is announced as the voice of Ariel |
| 1989 | The Little Mermaid is released | The film premieres in theaters and becomes a commercial success |
| 1990 | Home video release | The Little Mermaid is first released on home video in the United States |
| 1990 | Academy Award nominations | The Little Mermaid is nominated for three Academy Awards |
| 2000 | The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea is released | A sequel to The Little Mermaid is released |
Conclusion
The Little Mermaid has come a long way since its release in 1989. From its humble beginnings as a small-scale animation project to its current status as a global phenomenon, The Little Mermaid has left an indelible mark on the world of animation and entertainment. With its iconic songs, memorable characters, and timeless story, The Little Mermaid continues to captivate audiences of all ages.