I saw this first when I was around 5/6 years old and loved it. Preferred the Disney when I was a child, but still loved this one as well. Now as an adult I have a different love and understanding for this adaption than I did when I was younger. It's nothing like the Disney version. The sea witch is not the villain, the father is not overprotective, there is no rule against going to the surface when your of age. It's very different. There are things that were not added that were in HCA's book, but this is closest to the book along with the short of the little mermaid from fairy tale theatre. This story teaches about sacrifice, about pain, about loss, about feeling let down. It is, in a sense, spiritual, compared to the Disney adaption.
If you want a happy ending and the Disney magic, got with the Disney version. If you want a good cry, a tragedy and a version that is closer to the book, watch this version.
Another version that is similar to this one and closer to the book is "Fairy tale theatre's The Little Mermaid." It is not a fancy or high budget production, it's definitely dated, but it is similar to this and live action.
If you want a happy ending and the Disney magic, got with the Disney version. If you want a good cry, a tragedy and a version that is closer to the book, watch this version.
Another version that is similar to this one and closer to the book is "Fairy tale theatre's The Little Mermaid." It is not a fancy or high budget production, it's definitely dated, but it is similar to this and live action.