The much-anticipated announcement regarding the home media release of Disney’s live-action reimagining of “The Little Mermaid” is finally here. Having bagged significant success in cinemas, the film, featuring Halle Bailey as Ariel, is set to charm fans in their personal space. The official declaration suggests the movie will be available for purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Prime Video, and Vudu/Fandango starting July 25. Physical formats such as 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD releases are slated for September 19, 2023. An exciting teaser promoting the home media release has also been unveiled, stimulating anticipation.
For music enthusiasts, Disney’s home media release brings a delightful surprise, featuring Sing Along versions for their musical movies. Fans of “The Little Mermaid” are in for a treat with the all-new Sing Along version included in the film’s home media release. This is particularly thrilling for those who reveled in the innovative blend of music in the film, featuring a creative mixture of cover songs from the original animated film as well as original tracks crafted solely for this remake.
The driving forces behind this blockbuster are director Rob Marshall and screenwriter David Magee. The film is a production collaboration between Marc Platt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, John DeLuca, and Rob Marshall. Joining Halle Bailey in the star-studded cast are Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy, Javier Bardem, Noma Dumezweni, Art Malik, Daveed Diggs, Jacob Tremblay, and Awkwafina.
A glimpse into the synopsis reveals “The Little Mermaid” as Rob Marshall’s innovative live-action take on Disney’s cherished animated musical classic. It tells the tale of Ariel, a spirited young mermaid full of curiosity and a desire for exploration. Being the most rebellious among King Triton’s daughters, Ariel is determined to unravel the mysteries of the world beyond the ocean. This leads to a romantic entanglement with the dashing Prince Eric, despite the forbidden nature of interactions between mermaids and humans. Ariel’s pursuit of her heart leads her into a dangerous bargain with Ursula, the sinister sea witch. This not only offers her an opportunity to experience life on land but also threatens her life and her father’s kingdom.
A Sneak Peek into the Bonus Features
Beyond the film itself, the home media release also includes an assortment of entertaining extras that augment the Sing Along version. Some of the highlights include:
A Sing Along Version enables you to enjoy your favorite songs with on-screen lyrics. Several behind-the-scenes documentaries help unravel how the director and his team brought “The Little Mermaid” to life. An array of features allows the audience to join the cast members and dive into their experiences while working on this iconic film. The bonus materials also offer a deep dive into the breathtaking underwater world created using visual effects and explore the above-the-sea locations with intricate production designs. A highlight of the extras is the insights into how legendary composer Alan Menken joined forces with Lin-Manuel Miranda to create new songs that complement the original classics.
Fans also get to delve into song breakdowns and featurettes about characters and experiences behind the scenes. There’s a host of special features ranging from the exploration of the songs written for Prince Eric to insights on how professional dancers brought director Rob Marshall’s vision to life. Melissa McCarthy takes us on the journey of creating her character’s signature song, and there’s even a fun-filled bloopers section.
In conclusion, “The Little Mermaid,” following its digital release on July 25, 2023, is set to make a splash in physical formats with 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD releases on September 19, 2023. The home media release promises not just the enchanting tale of Ariel but also a treasure chest of bonus features that enrich the viewing experience. The wait, as it seems, is undoubtedly worth it.
