Mermaids are supposed to stay under the sea, but Ariel, a headstrong teenager, longs to be part of the magical world on land. When she falls in love with a human prince, Ariel strikes a bargain with the diabolical Sea Witch to win the prince's love. THE LITTLE MERMAID is a beautiful splash of art and music that revived the classic Disney tradition.

THE LITTLE MERMAID is Disney's animated version of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale about a mermaid who falls in love with a handsome prince whom she rescues from drowning. Disobeying her father, lord of a great sea kingdom, the mermaid makes a deal with an evil enchantress. In exchange for a pair of legs, the mermaid must sacrifice her exquisite voice to the witch, who, unbeknownst to the mermaid, uses it to beguile the prince into marrying her.

Theatrical release: November 17, 1989.
Rereleased November 14, 1997.

THE LITTLE MERMAID is the 28th full-length animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures.

Alyssa Milano confirmed to Premiere magazine that her body was used as the inspiration for Ariel.

Shot in 70mm; color by Technicolor.

THE LITTLE MERMAID is the 28th animated feature to carry the Disney name and was originally released in theaters November 17, 1989.

David Dunnet was the layout supervisor and Donald Towns was the backgrounds superior.

Budget estimate $20 million.

Rated BBFC by the British Board of film censors.

The original Hans Christian Anderson story, "Little Mermaid," was published in 1836.

25 special effects artists and animators were used to create the special water effects of the film. Over 400 artists and technicians were used to make the film, overall.

The making of the film produced nearly 150,000 painted cells, 1,100 backgrounds, 1 million drawings (including sketches, pencil animations, and layouts) and 7,000 feet of hand-drawn film, and utilized more than 1,000 different colors.

The two-and-a-half-minute storm scene in which the prince's ship runs aground took eight weeks to choreograph.

Two-thirds of the film is set underwater.

DVD Features:

2-Disc Set
Region 1
Keep Case
Full Frame - 1.33
Widescreen - 1.78
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround - English, French, Spanish
Additional Release Material:
Bonus Footage: Exclusive Animated Short, "The Little Match Girl"
Deleted Scenes: Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes
Trailers: THE LITTLE MERMAID III Musical Sneak Peek
Featurette:
1. Treasures Untold: The Making Of Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID
2. All-New "Kiss the Girl" Music Video Performed by Ashley Tisdale
Interactive Features:
1. "Under The Sea" Adventure: A Virtual Ride Inspired By Disney Imagineering -- Experience The Theme Park Ride That Was Almost Built -- Ride It And Go Behind The Scenes
2. DisneyPedia: Life Under The Sea -- Learn About The Real-Life Animals That Inspired The Movie Characters

Distributor Notes: The Little Mermaid

All the music, fun, and excitement under the sea resurface in this magical, special edition of Disney's 28th animated masterpiece. Awash with breathtaking animation, unforgettably colorful characters, and two Academy Awards(R) for score and song, "Under The Sea," THE LITTLE MERMAID is one of Disney's most cherished films. Ariel, the fun-loving and mischievous mermaid, is enchanted with all things human. Disregarding her father's order to stay away from the world above the sea, she swims to the surface and, in a raging storm, rescues the prince of her dreams. Determined to be human, she strikes a bargain with the devious seawitch, Ursula, and trades her fins and beautiful voice for legs. With her best friend, the adorable and chatty Flounder, and her reluctant chaperone Sebastian, the hilarious, reggae-singing Caribbean crab, at her side, Ariel must win the prince's love and save her father's kingdom -- all in a heart-pounding race against time!

Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment

John Musker: Anim. Director/Screenwriter
Ron Clements: Animation Director

Howard Ashman: 
John Musker: Anim. Director/Screenwriter

John Musker: Anim. Director/Screenwriter
Ron Clements: Animation Director

Alan Menken: 

Mark Hester: Film editor

Included in the New York Times "10 Best Films of 1989" List
"...Glorious....THE LITTLE MERMAID is a marvel of skillful animation, witty songwriting and smart planning. It is designed to delight filmgoers of every stripe..."
"...The animators fill the water with shimmers and sparkles, wraiths of weed and shiny crops of coral, and they create amazing illusions of underwater movement..."
"...The songs are fresh, the script is tight..."
3 stars out of 4 -- "The 1989 film that ignited the second golden age of Disney animation..."