“The Little Mermaid” swims onto Disney Plus: A guide to watching the beloved classic

Review and Analysis: The Live-Action Remake of “The Little Mermaid”

Disney‘s live-action remakes of its animated classics have become a staple in the film industry, but they often come with mixed reviews and controversy. The recent release of the live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid” is no exception. While it has made a significant splash at the box office, earning an estimated $163.5 million worldwide in its opening weekend, the film has received both praise and criticism from viewers and critics alike.

Mixed Reviews and Performance

In her review for Mashable, Film Editor Kristy Puchko highlighted both the splendors and shortcomings of the film. She praised the performances of Halle Bailey as Ariel and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, noting that they were able to recapture some of the joyful magic of the animated classic. However, Puchko also pointed out some questionable choices in the film, such as the dim, grey color palette and the mediocre song additions. She expressed a desire for more from the film, echoing the sentiments of many who felt that it fell short of expectations.

Other viewers have also raised concerns about certain character portrayals, with Flounder and Scuttle standing out as slightly creepy. However, it’s worth noting that different viewers may have different interpretations and reactions to these characters.

Nostalgia and the Disney Fan Experience

Despite its flaws, “The Little Mermaid” still holds a special place in the hearts of many Disney fans. If you are a die-hard Disney fan or simply someone who enjoys the nostalgia of singing along with Ariel and friends under the sea, it may be worth watching the live-action remake. However, it is essential to manage your expectations and be prepared for some potential disappointments.

Will “The Little Mermaid” Come to Disney+?

One of the most significant advantages of streaming platforms like Disney+ is their ability to bring films directly to viewers’ homes. As with all major releases from Disney, it is highly likely that “The Little Mermaid” will eventually be available on Disney+. However, the exact timing of its release on the streaming platform remains uncertain.

Based on past releases, we can expect “The Little Mermaid” to be available on Disney+ as early as the end of August, but it is more likely to arrive sometime in September after its physical release on Blu-ray and DVD. If you are eager to secure a Disney+ subscription ahead of the release and enjoy the original film along with other Disney content, you can sign up for a monthly subscription starting from $7.99/month with ads or $10.99/month with no ads. Disney also offers bundle options with Hulu, starting at $9.99/month, which could be an attractive choice if you already have a Hulu account.

How to Watch “The Little Mermaid” at Home

If you cannot wait for “The Little Mermaid” to be available for streaming on Disney+, you still have the option to explore the magical world of Ariel and friends with the film’s digital release. As of July 25, you can purchase the movie on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Vudu. For those who prefer physical copies, the film will be available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on Sept. 19. Rental details are yet to be announced.

While streaming releases offer the convenience of watching the film at your leisure, purchasing “The Little Mermaid” for your digital or physical collection comes with its own benefits. With your purchase, you gain access to exclusive bonus features, including a sing-along version of the film, song breakdowns, bloopers, and featurettes that take you behind the scenes. These bonus features can enhance your viewing experience and provide additional value for dedicated fans.

Best Platforms for Purchasing the Film:

• Buy in UHD on Amazon Prime Video — $19.99
• Buy in 4K UHD on Vudu — $19.99
• Buy in 4K on Apple TV+ — $19.99
• Buy in 4K on Google Play — $19.99
• Buy in UHD on YouTube — $19.99

Exclusive Bonus Features:

Purchasing the film not only grants you access to the movie itself but also comes with exciting bonus features:

• Sing-Along Version — Enjoy a karaoke watch party with on-screen lyrics for all the songs.
• Hotter Under Water — Dive deep into the making of the film with this documentary, which explores the behind-the-scenes process from set design to virtual ocean effects, music production, and more.
• Song Breakdowns — Delve into the music of “The Little Mermaid” with special features that break down each song’s creation, from writing and recording to dancing and set-building.
• Featurettes — Laugh along with the cast in a blooper reel, meet the sidekicks Flounder and Scuttle, and witness the magic of Halle Bailey working alongside Jodi Benson, the original voice of Ariel.

Watching the Original “The Little Mermaid”

If you want to relive the magic of the original “The Little Mermaid” film while you wait for the live-action remake to arrive on Disney+, or if you simply want to revisit the animated classic before diving into the new version, there are a few options available to you:

If you are a Disney+ subscriber, you can stream the original animated film for free with your subscription. Non-Disney+ subscribers can rent or buy the film on digital platforms like Apple TV and Amazon.

By signing up for a Disney+ subscription, not only can you stream the original film, but you also gain access to the film’s sequels and ABC’s “The Little Mermaid Live!” Additionally, you will be ready to watch the live-action remake when it becomes available on Disney+ in the near future.

Disney+ Subscription Options:

• Disney+ — $7.99/month with ads or $10.99/month with no ads
• Disney Bundle Duo Basic (Hulu + Disney+) — $9.99/month with ads

By choosing a Disney+ subscription, you not only enjoy “The Little Mermaid” but also gain access to a vast library of other Disney content, making it a worthwhile investment for Disney fans.