The Little Mermaid - Based on Hans Christian Andersen's Classic Tale (UAV Corporation) [DVD]

When I had first found out 12 years ago that Disney had pulled "The Little Mermaid" from home video distribution when first released to VHS, I was shocked. I have been saving up my own money over the past 11 to 12 years just so I could purchase a copy of the Black Diamond Classics edition on VHS. It didn't matter if it was used or new of course it was a gently used copy which was capably fine with me. A little bit pricey but it was well worth the price for a gently used VHS.

I want to encourage those of you who might be discouraged from seeing the movie based on some of the other reviews to instead see the movie and make up your own mind about its appropriateness in your children's lives.I love this movie. I have loved it since I first watched it at the age of three. My experience with this film was completely different from the reviewers who have posted kid warnings arguing against it. I do think other posters raise a valid concern: this is a sad film, and for some kids, it may be too much. But for most kids, this movie has a lot of good lessons to impart.First and most importantly, anyone who wants to see this movie should realize it is an entirely different story than the Disney version. They happen to have the same title, but the two films bear little resemblance to each other otherwise. To me, this is a good thing. This movie is melancholy and poignant. It is not an easy story, but it's tremendously worthwhile with a weighty moral at its heart. Usually I prefer happy endings, but in this story, to end it happily is to change the entire message of the story.When I watched this film as a three-year old kid, I was struck by her final decision to give her life for the sake of the prince so he could live. Yes, I cried, but then I begged my parents to watch it again and again. I loved this little mermaid for her brave self-sacrifice. At age 31, this movie still holds much meaning for me, and my understanding of the themes has deepened over time. As a kid, I learned that the mermaid was brave and I wished so much that she could marry the prince! As a teen I learned you cannot force someone to love you - much like my own crushes who never realized I was burning with unrequited love for them. As an adult, I am fascinated by the themes of love and sacrifice, youth vs. maturity, and infatuation vs. selfless love. This movie portrays triumph of the spiritual and altruistic nature over selfish desires by setting the mermaid up a terrible bind. Her previous rash choices lead her to a situation where she has only two options left - kill the prince and live for three hundred years, or face up to the consequences (death) and sacrifice herself to spare his life. She has a chance to dodge the consequences of her choices by doing something truly wrong, but instead, she recognizes the mistake it would be and she does the right thing. Through selflessness she develops an immortal soul. I think the mermaid becomes very noble by the end of the film. She does not make the prince pay for her mistakes. I do think true love wins in this movie - infatuation and romantic love certainly don't win, but true love - the consideration of others before oneself - shines forth. Should we really omit this lesson from our children? Only you as a parent can decide.I believe you should watch this movie first and decide if you think it is worthwhile and your kids are ready for it. Some people will not like the ending of this movie. Others will find fault with the strategically placed mermaid hair instead of shell bikini tops, but for me, these concerns are eclipsed by the important lessons about choice, consequences, love, mistakes, wisdom, youth, obedience, free will, sacrifice, and love presented by the story. I think is captivating, beautiful, and bittersweet, and my kids enjoy the movie much like I did. So far we have watched the version taped from TV forever ago. It has most (if not all) the scenes that are apparently deleted from this DVD version. They came away with a sense of wonder and wistfulness. I can say with confidence that they are not scarred for life, nor have they had any nightmares. I would argue that sad movies can be enjoyable and can teach your kids important life lessons. Now all I have to decide is if I can handle the reportedly choppy editing enough to purchase the DVD version. I've wanted it for a long time, but am annoyed that it is different than the original.

This was the form of the Little Mermaid that I knew before Disney ever got to it. I have to admit that it's not nearly as fun as the latter version but it does have its perks. This classic story follows a little mermaid at her 'coming of age' named Marina and her little dolphin friend, Fritz. As in all the stories, Marina ends up defying her parents and saves a drowning Prince. Marina, having fallen in love with the prince, visits the sea witch to have her turn her into a human. THis is agreed upon, only under the pretenses that she may never become a mermaid again (i.e. give up her family), would have her voice taken away, and she would die if she didn't win over the prince and be turned into seafoam because of it. She goes on land, courts the prince, is shot down by his royal family as a suitor, and he is married off to a different exotic princess. On the eve of his wedding night cruise, Marina is visited by her mermaid sisters and is given a second chance at life from the sea witch. Her only options are to either accept her death or she can force herself to stab the Prince with an enchanted knife in his heart and spill his blood on her feet to transform her gams into fins. Because of her love, Marina chooses not to kill her Prince on his wedding night and instead jumps into the sea with a broken heart and is transformed into seafoam. As you can tell, this is not the Disney version everybody else knows about. The only part I think is missing is when the sea witch literally cuts out her tongue (as told in the original Hans version). This was obviosly replaced with a magical way of 'losing her voice' in order to keep the story okay for children. Although the animation and production isn't nearly as good of quality, this DVD does stay true to the story and certaintly doesn't sugar-coat anything. It teaches such lessons in life as sacrifice, dedication, and punishment for one's actions. Obviously there is a deep rooted lesson to be learned in love. It can be viewed in a romantic way, with her actions interpreted in the end of the movie as 'selfless' and representative of 'true-love'. Or you may be slightly more cynical and recognize Hans' bitter remorse for amour, representing it by showing that no matter how much Marina sacrifices for her love, it will never be returned. Maybe a 'lesson on punishment' is left for forsaking your family for a man/world you don't even know. I have probably read WAY to much into that story but it's still fun to analyze! I think, ultimately, the story will get lost on young children nowadays who are used to the big Disney productions; but on the other hand, it is perfect for any TRUE Little Mermaid/Hans Christian Anderson fans, a slightly older audience ( ages 6-10), and those looking to expand their views.

The Little Mermaid is a great story.I was surprised when I realized that this is not the disney version but it is still very good.I would recommend it.

This is the real Hans Christian Andersen's story with the most beautiful drawn images. The music touches the heart. Very, very sad, but it teaches the viewers true love and sacrifice for friends.

I saw the movie when I was little. Had more impact on me. This one is different from the one from Disney. This one has no happy ending, but moral is there. I think this one is not suitable for little children. For the age of the movie is it good quality.