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Post by Briar Rose's Dark Knight on Feb 18, 2008 0:34:32 GMT -5
I think you've touched upon the real power of the classic Disney films. As we grow older, these films grow with us. While the story doesn't change, our understanding of the story does as we change. We find a new depth and appreciation for the story that we did not/could not see when we first watched the film.
Those thoughts are why I believe The Little Mermaid was such a huge success for Disney. It was the first Disney film in years to really connect with audiences. In so many ways it brought to mind the Disney classics from Walt's lifetime.
I think this film was also important in how it portrayed Ariel. As has been pointed out on this thread, she is perhaps the only lead female heroine to show flaws. At the same time, I think many people could relate to her desire to break free.
As I think about it, this film is similar in some ways to Snow White. Just as Snow White launched Disney feature films, Mermaid heralded a renaissance for Disney animation. When Snow White first partook of the apple, audiences were in tears because of the sadness of that moment. I suspect that there were some people with similar emotions as Ariel sees everything begin to fall apart.
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Post by Shenzi on Feb 18, 2008 1:01:12 GMT -5
I really love this movie, and the lesson it teaches about accepting who you are and not try to change yourself for someone else. Or at least the original story has that moral because Ariel has to choose between the Price's death or her own and she chooses her own. I really love that moral, its a great message to send out to children but of course they had to 86 that in the Disney version because its too harsh. I love it anyhow though.
I love the idea of forbidden love one reason I also love films like Pocahontas. I think its wonderful when someone risks themselves to be in the presence of the one they love, although as I demonstrates above it can also have its bad effects. This film has an adorable cast of characters great suspense and a great soundtrack. Kiss the Girl is one of my all time favorite Disney songs.
This movie also happened to be my dad's favorite, God rest. He even held my copy hostage for many years. Hehe.
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Post by Silver on Feb 18, 2008 1:12:06 GMT -5
I completely agree with your statement on forbidden love! ^^ There's a bit of adreneline you recieve because you're determined to find the outcome. It's very compelling and suspenceful. But it is also an admirable quality. I think Eric and Ariel are kindered spirits therefore they have this sixth sense their love is almost fate. (True that does make it more fairitalish) Their situation is almost identical. Both have high expectations to follow, and yet they have a strong will to find something more profound in life. Actually Ariel & Eric are one of my favorite Disney couples! It's just a sweet but moving relationship.
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~~Ursula~~
Disney Member
Why don't you let me take your dreams and make them REAL!
Posts: 142
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Post by ~~Ursula~~ on Feb 19, 2008 19:57:11 GMT -5
That is a spectacular statement. To go on my own way with this.....sorry If I'm cutting anyone off, but this move clearly defined what Disney stood for. It brought it back from the ashes...hate to sound analogical, but it was like a Phoenix. This movie also introduced everyone...to me!
Ever since I saw The Little Mermaid I became....a little (sarcasm) obsessed with a certain character, her song, and her looks. Based off of actor Glen Harris Milstead (Better Known As: Divine), Mae West, and Bea Arthur, Pat Carroll brought this exquisite Disney diva to life. I probably know more about that character, than many other Disney Villains, but I do love all of them...just one is loved more so than the others. ;D
But this is my favorite Disney Film out of all of them. The only one I honestly love a little less than TLM, but more than the others is 101 Dalmatians...because of another diva.
So yea..that's my two cents on the matter....now the Broadway version...that's another story ENTIRELY!!! I have more complaints about Ursula and Sherie Rene Scotts performance and costume than I do about the presidency....and that is saying something.
~Ursula
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Post by lowexpectations on Mar 4, 2008 20:34:28 GMT -5
OH MY GOODNESS! Little Mermaid is my all time favorite movie. And not just out of Disney movies, like out of all the movies in the world. hehe. Did you know that they're making a third one? It's really a prequel. It's about Ariel and her mother, Athena. I'm really not expecting it to be super, but I'm still pumped up for it!
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Post by lizzie7 on Mar 16, 2008 18:41:38 GMT -5
one of my favs yummi Prince Eric
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Post by Silver on Oct 30, 2008 20:13:16 GMT -5
Among the featurettes on this DVD is how the story developed. The behind-the scenes feature includes a shocking point in which Former President of the Disney Company Frank Wells was adement about editing out the entire "Part of Your Word" sequence. According to an early try-out at a local theater, this scene was declared "Tedious" to most young viewers. The majority of the creative team begged Frank to let them revamp it. Howard Ashmen was especially heartbroken! This was one of his biggest passions. And Jodi Benson's performance was so stirring almost everybody knew how large of mistake it was. Thank goodness for Glen Keene! He was the only person who could convince Frank that this scene could be both emotionally driven and entertaining at once. So he then decided to include Sebastion's comedic antics in the grotto while still keeping the heartfelt actions and longing in Ariel's lyrics. And I'm so glad they did keep it! As one of Disney's most beloved songs and crucial turning points for it's heroine, I seriously do believe the film wouldn't have been the same enchanting story without it. Once again thank you to the extrodinary Glen Keene!
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Post by Briar Rose's Dark Knight on Oct 30, 2008 21:02:39 GMT -5
What's interesting here is that Wells is highly thought of in Disney circles. To me it reinforces the point that some execs, while possibly well meaning, can make a decision that can devastate a film. TLM would have been a much different film, and probably nowhere near as beloved had the heart and soul of the story been dropped. It may have not even survived.
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Post by Mrs. Nesbit on Jan 27, 2009 13:20:35 GMT -5
Don't forget folks! The Little Mermaid will be returning to the Disney vault on January 30th! If you really want this movie on DVD I suggest you pick up your copy soon!
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Post by Persephone on Jan 27, 2009 13:26:12 GMT -5
O: I FORGOT.
I don't get paid 'til Sunday. D: [/blockquote]
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Post by Mrs. Nesbit on Jan 27, 2009 13:27:49 GMT -5
When Disney movies go back into the vault there are always a few copies floating around stores for quite some time afterward. I wouldn't worry too much.
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Post by Persephone on Jan 27, 2009 13:29:41 GMT -5
That's true.
I hardly ever buy Disney movies in stores, they're so expensive... [/blockquote]
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Post by Disney Diva on Jan 27, 2009 16:00:35 GMT -5
I got my copy as soon as it was released on DVD. I just love this movie. All the characters and the songs! It's definately at the top of my list.
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Post by barkydog2000 on Jan 28, 2009 1:17:38 GMT -5
A note on the DVDs in stores: I saw that Wal-Mart has a cool deal that if you buy the package with all 3 movies, they have also in the package 3 lithographs. I thought that was cool..
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Post by Persephone on Jan 28, 2009 1:19:39 GMT -5
Ooo, I wonder if the Wal-Marts around here have that. I'll have to check. [/blockquote]
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