The Little Mermaid (1989)

A mermaid princess makes a Faustian bargain in an attempt to become human and win a prince's love.

Directors:

Ron Clements, John Musker

Writers:

John Musker, Ron Clements

Stars:

Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright, Rene Auberjonois

Won 2 Oscars. Another 10 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Rene Auberjonois	...	Louis (voice) (as René Auberjonois)
Christopher Daniel Barnes	...	Eric (voice)
Jodi Benson	...	Ariel (voice)
Pat Carroll	...	Ursula (voice)
Paddi Edwards	...	Flotsam / Jetsam (voice)
Buddy Hackett	...	Scuttle (voice)
Jason Marin	...	Flounder (voice)
Kenneth Mars	...	Triton (voice)
Edie McClurg	...	Carlotta (voice)
Will Ryan	...	Seahorse (voice)
Ben Wright	...	Grimsby (voice)
Samuel E. Wright	...	Sebastian (voice)
Hamilton Camp	...	Additional Voices (voice)
Debbie Shapiro Gravitte	...	Additional Voices (voice) (as Debbie Shapiro)
Robert Weil	...	Additional Voices (voice)

Storyline

In Disney's beguiling animated romp, rebellious 16-year-old mermaid Ariel is fascinated with life on land. On one of her visits to the surface, which are forbidden by her controlling father, King Triton, she falls for a human prince. Determined to be with her new love, Ariel makes a dangerous deal with the sea witch Ursula to become human for three days. But when plans go awry for the star-crossed lovers, the king must make the ultimate sacrifice for his daughter.

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Plot Keywords:

fork | 2d animation | mermaid | princess | old english sheepdog | 

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Taglines:

Somewhere under the sea and beyond your imagination is an adventure in fantasy.

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Genres:

Animation | Family | Fantasy | Musical | Romance

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Certificate:

G

Did You Know?

Trivia

Previous to The Little Mermaid (1989), the songs for animated films were written beforehand. With this film, composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman worked alongside directors John Musker and Ron Clements throughout the whole storyboarding process, in order to make the songs a more organic part of the film.

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Goofs

When Ariel is singing "Part of Your World", she is lying on the sand, and when she gets up, her hair parts on the right side of her head. Then all of a sudden, it is parted on the left side.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Prince Eric: Isn't this great? The salty sea air, the wind blowing in your face. Aaah, the perfect day to be at sea!
Grimsby: [leaning over rail] Oh, yes. Delightful.

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Alternate Versions

For the 1997-1998 re-release, the end credits were changed to have altered music: a shorter version of "Under the Sea" and then "Part of Your World" as sung by Ariel.

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Connections

Referenced in A Kid Like Jake (2018)

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Soundtracks

Daughters of Triton
(1989) (uncredited)
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman
Performed by Disney Chorus (Daughters of Triton)

User Reviews

Gorgeous

Ariel is a fiery, independent teenage mermaid who falls in love with a prince. She literally makes a deal with the devil to get her man. I love how sweet Ariel is with Eric, especially when she can't talk! Sebastian, Scuttle, and Flounder are all very funny, the animation, voice-overs and music are incredible! Who can resist the urge to sing and dance to "Under The Sea"? A fun, enjoyable movie that the whole family will love and treasure.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English French

Release Date:

17 November 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Little Mermaid 3D

Filming Locations:

Walt Disney Feature Animation - 500 S. Buena Vista Street, Burbank, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$40,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$6,031,914, 19 November 1989

Gross USA:

$111,543,479

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$211,343,479

Company Credits

Production Co:

Walt Disney Pictures, Silver Screen Partners IV, Walt Disney Animation Studios

Technical Specs

Runtime:

83 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo Dolby Atmos (Ultra HD Blu-ray release) (2019) SDDS (re-release) Dolby Digital (re-release) DTS (re-release)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1