Instead of continuing the adventures of Ariel this time we go back to before the first film. The sequel is sure to please the young-uns, but it might be a bit much for the adults as well as shadowing some of the hit film.
King Triton’s (Jim Cummings) wife was killed in an accident and in his grief he’s banned music in the undersea kingdom of Atlantica. He keeps the corralling of his daughters to their governess Marina Del Rey (Sally Field).
She has eyes on the job of royal attaché, but that job is currently occupied by Sebastian the crab (Samuel E. Wright), with whom she has a rivalry.
Meanwhile, Marina has discovered that Sebastian is the ringleader at the music club and reports this to Triton and gets him removed from his position.
Ariel gets mad at her father and runs off with Sebastian and the members of his band. The maniacal Marina is drunk on her newfound power and decides to send her bloodthirsty electric eels to dispose of our band of heroes.
The songs are no more than pale imitations of the originals, if not entirely forgettable. The only tune that comes close is an already established one, “Jump in the Line” made famous by Harry Belafonte.
To play devil’s advocate, this one is well animated and will entertain if you don’t expect too much out of it.
The “Music and More” section separates out four of the songs from the film with optional onscreen lyrics for you to sing along with.
The 10 minute “Little Mermaid: Under the Sea and Behind the Scenes on Broadway” looks at the stage show that has been adapted from the hit film.
That being said, the film will entertain the rug rats and they’ll probably watch it over and over again. Once was enough for me, but it was better made than some of the earlier Disney sequels.
The Little Mermaid - Ariel's Beginning is now available at Amazon and AmazonUK . Visit the DVD database for more information.
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