From Ultimate Disney (http://www.ultimatedisney.com/)
September 16, 2005 - Disney has officially declared October 3, 2006 as the release date for The Little Mermaid: Platinum Edition. The first preview for this much anticipated two-disc DVD reissue appears on the forthcoming Cinderella: Platinum Edition. The following four screencaps stem from this 80-second promo:
I should probably prepare for the double-dip by selling off my current DVD before too long.
TomOpus
09-17-05, 09:57 AM
Can't wait for this one :up:
Snowmaker
09-17-05, 10:16 AM
I should probably prepare for the double-dip by selling off my current DVD before too long.
Same here.
Its my wife's, but she'd never even know it was gone. :D
GoldenJCJ
09-17-05, 10:37 AM
This is actually my most anticipated Platinum release. I think the songs are well above other Disney flicks.
dbmottle
09-17-05, 11:38 AM
Is it being released on Blu-Ray as well?
Big Worms
09-17-05, 01:14 PM
Awesome! :up:
The Monkees
09-17-05, 02:02 PM
Good now I'm glad...this was one of my favs when I was a kid...this and Beauty and the Beast
asianxcore
09-17-05, 03:25 PM
great news!
:) i'll have to sell of my current DVD when this one drops.
Charlie_Chaplin
09-17-05, 09:15 PM
Sick!!! My fingerprints will be all over this one. The only Platinum DVDs I have are Snow White and Bambi. Will be waiting for Cinderella, Lady and the Tramp and THE LITTLE MERMAID!
LorenzoL
09-17-05, 09:20 PM
I can't wait!!! Thanks.
:banana:
DarthPrime
09-17-05, 11:26 PM
Looks good. I will be picking this one up.
onebyone
09-17-05, 11:44 PM
Well, this time next year, I'll have it preordered and will be looking foward to picking it up.
animefan
09-18-05, 01:16 AM
Great News!!!
I sold my limited edition for this. Hope it comes out with the Giftset, I will be all over that. This is definitely my favorite Disney movie of all time. Next year seem so far away...
eau
09-18-05, 05:37 AM
Great News!!!
I sold my limited edition for this. Hope it comes out with the Giftset, I will be all over that. This is definitely my favorite Disney movie of all time. Next year seem so far away...
How much is the LE (used but mint) worth now? I'm comtemplating on selling mine too in anticipation for the nice Platinum Edition :p
Selling my LE or not, I'm going to get the PE anyway.
Calum Waddell
09-18-05, 09:01 AM
This is one of my less favourite Disney films. I wish Disney had chosen Jungle Book, Song of the South, The Three Caballeros, Dumbo, Lady and the Tramp, Pinnochio, Robin Hood or The Fox and the Hound for the 2 disc treatment long before this. On the other hand, Cinderella couldn't bemore welcome.
TomOpus
09-18-05, 10:24 AM
This is one of my less favourite Disney films. I wish Disney had chosen Jungle Book, Song of the South, The Three Caballeros, Dumbo, Lady and the Tramp, Pinnochio, Robin Hood or The Fox and the Hound for the 2 disc treatment long before this. Sorry to disagree but I always thought The Three Caballeros, Robin Hood and The Fox and the Hound, while very entertaining, do not deserve the 2-disc treatment. A really nice 1-disc would be better.
The Little Mermaid has some historical significance because it brought Disney back from a box office slump. Without it's huge success (over $200 million worldwide) we might not have had Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin or The Lion King. For this reason alone it should be given the ultimate treatment.
Well The Three Caballeros has interest in mixing live action with animation in the lead up to Song of the South, and also having come from Disney's visit to South America during the artist's strike - so I'd say it definately has a lot of significance.
The Fox and the Hound has never been seen in its proper ratio, and Robin Hood was the studio's biggest animated hit of the seventies.
I agree The Little Mermaid was the one that really brought the studio into the nineties (to be honest, the huge success of Oliver and Company - whlst not on Mermaid's scale - had already convinced Eisner and co to badger ahead with more animated features) but it's a bit too kiddie-orientated for me, and hard to enjoy as an adult. A crime that the best Disney flicks are just not guilty of. In saying that, I also find The Lion King a tad overrated and think Beauty and the Beast was the true high point of the Eisner years.
Michael Corvin
09-19-05, 09:20 AM
How much is the LE (used but mint) worth now? I'm comtemplating on selling mine too in anticipation for the nice Platinum Edition :p
Selling my LE or not, I'm going to get the PE anyway.
about the price of a dvd. As soon as I saw this I hit half.com with mine. I put it up around 10pm for about $15(not bad for used), and sold it by the morning.
RichardW
09-19-05, 11:31 AM
Another Limited Edition to replace. :up:
I know it's not an LE, but I hope Disney replaces Hercules at some point like they did with Mulan.
grim_tales
09-19-05, 12:10 PM
I just sold my banned cover VHS tape.. wooo.
Why was it banned?
I havent seen this since.. 1989 but I remember liking it :) The songs are tops - I love the calypso classic Under The Sea :D
The Infidel
09-19-05, 12:25 PM
Why was it banned?
Some people (probably sexually-repressed middle-age housewives) decided that one of the towers in the background looked like a penis. At least, that's what I remember.
EDIT: I found a link that tells more about it:
http://www.animatedbuzz.com/WB/39.html
Michael Corvin
09-19-05, 04:14 PM
Another Limited Edition to replace. :up:
I know it's not an LE, but I hope Disney replaces Hercules at some point like they did with Mulan.
I actually put up Lady & the Tramp at the same time as TLM, and it just sold already as well. Nice. :up:
GoldenJCJ
09-19-05, 11:37 PM
Some people (probably sexually-repressed middle-age housewives) decided that one of the towers in the background looked like a penis. At least, that's what I remember.
EDIT: I found a link that tells more about it:
http://www.animatedbuzz.com/WB/39.html
and don't forget about the priest's erection.
dolphinboy
09-20-05, 12:16 AM
Is there a difference between how Disney handles these Platinum releases and their regular SEs, like the new The Emperor's New Groove?
I know the Platinums get sold for a certain amount of time and then get "put in the vault."
Do all of their titles go into the vault, because I'm not interested in TENG right now, but we have a lot of Disney in the house and I'll get it if it's gonna be locked away and selling for $50 or more for the next decade?
Thanks.
TomOpus
09-20-05, 12:29 AM
and don't forget about the priest's erection.10 more sessions with my therapist and I will.... :sigh:
;)
darmok
09-21-05, 05:17 PM
let's hope they don't digitally edit the movie to death like the Lion King Platinum release.
Cameron
10-14-05, 12:42 PM
Is there a difference between how Disney handles these Platinum releases and their regular SEs, like the new The Emperor's New Groove?
I know the Platinums get sold for a certain amount of time and then get "put in the vault."
Do all of their titles go into the vault, because I'm not interested in TENG right now, but we have a lot of Disney in the house and I'll get it if it's gonna be locked away and selling for $50 or more for the next decade?
Thanks.
Disney seems to vault everything sooner or later. The platinum titles have a set rotation of seven years. Once a title is released as a platinum, it is printed for roughly three months to a year. Disney promos the release, and then promos the vaulting. You usually have around a year to pick up the title, before the well dries up and you have to go online. After that there is still a fair amount of time before the prices get to absurd. Lion King is OOP, but can still be found online for a fair price. I would suggest seeking out the old 2 disc CE of New Groove while you can. The only places that might still have them are Ultimate Electronics, and Suncoast. You will have a fair amount of time for the new release, and should know when its going OOP if you visit this board.
island007
10-14-05, 03:14 PM
I guess this means it is time to sell the LE, or did I miss that boat already?
AllHallowsEve
10-14-05, 04:48 PM
We actually saw the box art to this movie in our Psychology class.
The issue was that if looked at in a certain way, the castles looks like penis kingdoms.
The funny thing is most of us did see the effect. It was kind of funny really.
And yes. The priest does get an erection. We also saw this part of the movie. Let's just say I had a very interesting Psychology section. It was fun though.
Also there was the moment is The Lion King with the sand & in Aladdin with the Princess Jasmine potty mouth scene.
Michael Corvin
10-14-05, 04:55 PM
I guess this means it is time to sell the LE, or did I miss that boat already?
I don't think there was a boat unless it was sealed. Even then not much. I put mine on half.com the day I read this thread. Sold it the following morning.
Going the half route you are looking at around $15. ebay about the same up to about $25.
Alan Smithee
10-14-05, 06:13 PM
The 'erection' is really the priest's knee- it just looks like an erection if you want to think it is.
Kris81
10-14-05, 07:06 PM
i can't wait for this one!
the one movie i never got to own on vhs or dvd... the only one i saw in theatres as a kiddie..
can't wait to watch it again with my neice!
Skoobooz
10-15-05, 11:34 AM
Definitely glad that this is coming out sooner rather than later. Looking forward to watching this...in just under a year from now.
cinephan
01-26-06, 12:40 AM
Okay, this is coming out in October. Any news on what the extras are going to be? I've been waiting forever for it.
Cameron
01-26-06, 01:29 AM
not to many details floating just yet...i assume a new trailer will come with lady & the tramp, and possibly cover art at the same time....
Michael Corvin
01-26-06, 08:28 AM
Details were just released for Lady & the Tramp and that comes out soon. So I wouldn't expect any details for this one until summer.
speedy1961
02-02-06, 09:27 PM
From our friends at HMR:
'Mermaid' Swims to DVD Oct. 3
Author: THOMAS K. ARNOLD
tarnold@questex.com
Posted: February 2, 2006
Email this Story to Friend
The Little Mermaid will be the next Walt Disney animated classic to get the full VIP treatment on DVD.
The 1989 film won two Oscars (for best song and best original score) and is credited with revitalizing Disney’s animated features after a long dry spell. It will arrive in stores Oct. 3 (prebook Aug. 8) at $29.99 as the studio’s eighth “Platinum Edition” DVD, a designation that brings with it significantly more bells and whistles than a standard DVD release.
The film is Disney’s eighth Platinum Edition DVD — following Lady and The Tramp, which streets Feb. 28 — and marks the first time The Little Mermaid will be available on DVD in seven years.
“The Little Mermaid is a monumental film in the history of Disney animation that is beloved by everyone,” said Gordon Ho, EVP of brand marketing and business development for Buena Vista Home Entertainment. “It signaled the beginning of a new era of animation at the Walt Disney Studios that included Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Lion King.”
Ho said Mermaid is the most-requested Disney movie for release on DVD and will be backed by a massive marketing campaign similar to that for Cinderella, last year’s holiday-season Platinum Edition release. Cinderella went on to sell more than 6.5 million units and, according to Nielsen VideoScan data, is the No. 8 DVD seller of 2005, outselling such major new theatricals as Batman Begins and Ray.
Like other Platinum Edition releases, The Little Mermaid will be a two-disc set, with one disc reserved solely for bonus materials. Several cutting-edge features still are being developed, along with such expected extras as deleted scenes, commentaries, and featurettes on various aspects of the making of the movie. The DVD also will include several musical bonuses.
Ho said the film itself has been digitally restored, as has the audio track.
And like Cinderella, Ho said, Disney Consumer Products is working with a variety of partners to develop “a whole range of licensed products” to hit stores at the same time as the DVD, from costumes and other apparel to dolls and toys — more than 2,000 new products, in all.
“One of the greatest things about working on DVD releases like The Little Mermaid is that unlike a big theatrical release, we have the ability to plan very far in advance because we don’t have to guess whether the film will become a hit,” Ho said. “It already is.”
'Mermaid' Swims to DVD Oct. 3
TomOpus
02-02-06, 09:32 PM
I can't wait for this one. :up:
grem458
02-02-06, 09:36 PM
EXCELLENT!! :banana:
speedy1961
02-02-06, 10:30 PM
I can't wait for this one. :up:
Me too....
Atreus
02-03-06, 12:02 AM
I will probably even buy the collectors set of this even though they usually just come with some extra fluff thing like a story book.
eau
02-03-06, 01:41 AM
:banana::banana::banana:
The Monkees
02-03-06, 02:09 AM
I will probably even buy the collectors set of this even though they usually just come with some extra fluff thing like a story book.
Yeah, me too. I really loved this film as a kid and it still stands up today.
I bought the box set of Aladdin when that came out
Lemdog
02-03-06, 07:17 AM
Best news of the year. Hands down.
FantasticVSDoom
02-03-06, 08:34 AM
One of my most anticipated...:up:
ryuryu2949
02-03-06, 03:14 PM
i hope they keep the "penis" castle.
joliom
02-03-06, 04:02 PM
Awesome. Now all I need are Platinum Editions of 101 Dalmatians, The Fox and the Hound, Lilo & Stitch, Pinnochio, and maybe Dumbo (it really needs the full Platinum treatment) and my Disney want list is completely checked off.
joltman
02-03-06, 04:13 PM
Awesome. Now all I need are Platinum Editions of 101 Dalmatians, The Fox and the Hound, Lilo & Stitch, Pinnochio, and maybe Dumbo (it really needs the full Platinum treatment) and my Disney want list is completely checked off.
Well, your want list won't ever get checked off, as 101 Dalmatians and Pinnochio are the only ones set for the Platinum line. Dumbo is gonna get a new special edition this year (no details yet), Lilo and Stitch is supposed to get the 2-disc special edition that other regions already have, but the Fox and the Hound is the only one with no special/platinum releases currently on the schedule. For more Disney DVD info, check out www.ultimatedisney.com
joliom
02-03-06, 04:40 PM
It doesn't have to carry the actual Platinum Edition banner so long as it's on par quality-wise. So a 2-Disc Special Edition of Lilo & Stitch is just fine by me. The 60th Anniversary Edition of Dumbo is pretty solid, but I'll definitely double-dip on a 2-Disc release no matter what they decide to call it. Weird, though, that Disney isn't planning on making it a Platinum Edition, since it is clearly one of their greatest animated features. And thanks for the heads up on 101 Dalmatians and Pinnochio.
Btw, that link you provided shows a listing for an upcoming SE of The Fox and the Hound expected this fall.
PatrickMcCart
02-04-06, 12:09 AM
Wow, a digitally restored film from 1989. ;)
Breakfast with Girls
02-04-06, 01:28 PM
Wow, a digitally restored film from 1989. ;)Animated films from 1989 were still hand-drawn and colored. In darker scenes dust in the shot is really apparent. Just take a look at the Batman: The Animated Series DVDs.
Michael Corvin
04-21-06, 10:16 AM
some bad news concerning a gift set, i.e. none.
In a departure from tradition, BVHE has stated that there is no Collector's Gift Set currently planned for this fall's Platinum Edition title, The Little Mermaid. The past three Octobers, Disney animated classics have simultaneously made their DVD debuts in standalone 2-disc Platinum Editions and as part of deluxe gift sets, containing a hardcover book, signed concept art of characters, and a film frame and carrying a $49.99 list price. As Mermaid's much-anticipated return to DVD remains just under six months away, plans still could change. As usual, the most effective way to have your feedback reach the studio is by calling their customer hotline (1-800-723-4763) or e-mailing Disneyinfo@Disneyhelp.com.
That's disappointing, I enjoy the gift sets and have actually frame a few of the character pics.
LBCrazyFool
04-21-06, 10:24 AM
I enjoy the gift sets as well and was sure that The Little Mermaid would get one. That sucks... Guess I will send them an e-mail, it's worth a shot.
PixyJunket
04-21-06, 10:25 AM
The cover art being passed around has Ariel with seven fingers on her right hand.
Shagrath
04-21-06, 10:49 AM
The cover art being passed around has Ariel with seven fingers on her right hand.
Well, they had to put some kind of gag on the cover to take place of the infamous penis gag from the last cover.
TomOpus
04-21-06, 09:02 PM
I guess I'll try the email route. I'd buy a gift set in a heartbeat.
eau
04-23-06, 02:00 PM
That sucks. I was really looking forward to having the giftset to add to my collection of the previous 3 :(
LBCrazyFool
04-23-06, 05:48 PM
Here is the e-mail I received from them:
Thank you for your e-mail regarding THE LITTLE MERMAID Collector's Gift
Set. We appreciate your interest.
THE LITTLE MERMAID is tentatively scheduled for release on October 3,
2006. We have no details regarding a Collector's Gift Set at this time.
Please feel free to contact us closer to the October release date for
further details.
Again, thank you for taking the time to contact us.
Regards,
WDHE Consumer Relations
US and Canada
shearerchic
04-23-06, 06:04 PM
i think we will have a collectors set because the last couple of fall releases, we have gotten one. it's for the spring platinum releases that we won't get one, i.e. bambi, lady and the tramp.
Sabrett
08-06-06, 09:55 PM
Disney store is now taking pre-orders for the DVD, 4 lithographs, 2 plushes and a pin. Kind of expensive, but here it is anyway...
Thanks for the new info...not sure yet if I will get that
eau
08-07-06, 07:08 PM
Saw a bunch of $5 down preorder tickets at BestBuy and you get to save $5 on another Disney DVD.
Any Disney new releases prior to Little Mermaid that is worth picking up? I remember I took advantage of the Narnia preordering offer and got Lady and the Tramp for $9.99 ($14.99 sale price - $5 saving).
freshticles
08-07-06, 07:10 PM
Well, they had to put some kind of gag on the cover to take place of the infamous penis gag from the last cover.
No penis, no sale!
GradVT06
08-07-06, 07:33 PM
Saw a bunch of $5 down preorder tickets at BestBuy and you get to save $5 on another Disney DVD.
Any Disney new releases prior to Little Mermaid that is worth picking up? I remember I took advantage of the Narnia preordering offer and got Lady and the Tramp for $9.99 ($14.99 sale price - $5 saving).
When does it come out? Fox and the Hound Anniversary edition comes out on October 10, I believe.
LorenzoL
10-02-06, 04:54 AM
I just an ad today that Future Shop will be selling this DVD with a steelbook while quantity last. I wasn't planning on buying this DVD right away but if it comes with a steelbook, I'll definately buy it on Tuesday.
In case you didn't know, Future Shop is a Canadian retailer and they do not ship to the US.
Bluelitespecial
10-02-06, 12:58 PM
For anyone who is getting this, do think it will still have the gag with the priest having a boner during the wedding?
PixyJunket
10-02-06, 01:05 PM
For anyone who is getting this, do think it will still have the gag with the priest having a boner during the wedding?http://www.snopes.com/disney/films/minister.htm
Davy Mack
10-02-06, 01:17 PM
Dave Boulet and the esteemed Robert Harris are ripping this new disc a new one over at HTF...
I got a chance to watch this on Friday on a very poor setup, i was a little disappointed in the quality, both audio and video. But i will still be buying this on Tuesday regardless. Despite the negatives, an average Disney DVD is still better than a lot of companies good DVD's.
Breakfast with Girls
10-02-06, 04:35 PM
I got a chance to watch this on Friday on a <b>very poor setup</b>, i was a little <b>disappointed in the quality</b>, both audio and video.:hscratch: And this surprised you?
Breakfast with Girls
10-02-06, 04:47 PM
Dave Boulet and the esteemed Robert Harris are ripping this new disc a new one over at HTF...
http://hometheaterforum.com/htf/showthread.php?t=229282&page=3:lol: Oh, that wacky Home Theater Forum.
It sounds like they're all preparing for seppuku.
Kocheese99
10-02-06, 05:02 PM
:hscratch: And this surprised you?
Well, despite the quality of the setup, certain things were just obvious. Some of the colors just weren't right at times. And the audio just wasn't "crisp". It's not like it's terrible or anything, far from it. But, when you compare it to some of the other releases they've done, it's just not on the same level.
As i said, i'll still be buying it tomorrow.
Simpson Purist
10-02-06, 08:34 PM
What's a Disney Platinum release without the intense scrutiny from the Disney and theory buffs?
Yeah I'll probably buy it, but it is kinda odd that they would reanimate the priest's position if the rumor was already debunked. It's almost as if they admitted that it was a mistake to begin with.
Super J
10-02-06, 10:39 PM
So who's making the replacement cover with the penis tower? I'l download it.
Doug Schiller
10-03-06, 11:52 AM
I love how the Urban Legend page claims "False" on the penis tower when it is so blatantly obvious what it is.
Maybe it wasn't a disgruntled Disney employee but that doesn't mean the artist didn't want to put in his own little "in" joke.
If you look at the pic, it isn't a passing resemblance, it is what it is.
http://www.snopes.com/disney/films/mermaid.htm
digitalfreaknyc
10-03-06, 12:00 PM
Dave Boulet and the esteemed Robert Harris are ripping this new disc a new one over at HTF...
I love how the Urban Legend page claims "False" on the penis tower when it is so blatantly obvious what it is.
Maybe it wasn't a disgruntled Disney employee but that doesn't mean the artist didn't want to put in his own little "in" joke.
If you look at the pic, it isn't a passing resemblance, it is what it is.
http://www.snopes.com/disney/films/mermaid.htm
I don't know, I think it's one of those things where you wouldn't think about it unless it was pointed out to you.
Wick
10-03-06, 02:25 PM
I bought it during my break between classes today, but I haven't had a chance to watch it yet. However, the set seems quite nice, besdies the shitty disc artwork. I got the Future Shop Limited Edition Steelbook, which is quite nice.
ceeece
10-03-06, 02:59 PM
Just got finished watching it. The picture quality isn't quite up to par as previous Platinum Releases which is EXTREMELY disappointing to me. What makes Platinum releases any different than regular 2 disc editions? I thought it was in the Picture and Sound. The sound was pretty good but I'm not an audiophile like some. This really isn't worthy of the Platinum label in my opinion. Is Disney getting lazy now they are cranking out 2 platinums per year? This was a must have for me and I'm glad I own it but I can't help but wish for a better picture after the other Platinum releases.
RayChuang
10-03-06, 04:18 PM
One thing I've noticed is that like the original VHS retail release some 16 years ago, I thought the sharpness details was a bit on the low side. Mind you, I thought the color palette was better, though.
Compare this to the original The Lion King VHS release in 1995 and the Platinum Edition DVD release from 2003--both had superior quality in terms of sharpness detail. I believe that is because on Disney animated features from The Rescuers Down Under on, they used their CAPS computer paint and line cleanup system and the final "master" of the film is actually in digital format; that explains why Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin also had very good sharpness on their DVD releases. :up:
stitch80
10-03-06, 05:31 PM
I bought it during my break between classes today, but I haven't had a chance to watch it yet. However, the set seems quite nice, besdies the shitty disc artwork. I got the Future Shop Limited Edition Steelbook, which is quite nice.
I got it too, its sooo pretty the steel book.
Wick
10-03-06, 05:39 PM
I got it too, its sooo pretty the steel book.
It's identical to the "V For Vendetta" steelbook, which is definitely not a bad thing. Of course, the artwork is different.
shaggy
10-03-06, 06:35 PM
I got it too, its sooo pretty the steel book.
Yes, its very nice and they were giving the steelbook out seperately where I got it, so you get both packages if you are collector.
This should have been called a special edition, its not up to par with the other platinum releases in terms of picture quality or special features. Disney set a new standard for DVD at the time of the Snow White platinum. I would have liked to see the same packaging, care in restoration, and quanity and quality of bonus content.
Kocheese99
10-03-06, 07:00 PM
Anybody got a steelbook i can buy off ya? :)
MadonnasManOne
10-04-06, 12:37 AM
What is a steelbook, if I may ask? Is that just another term for a tin?
Aldrinpsx
10-04-06, 01:13 AM
What is a steelbook, if I may ask? Is that just another term for a tin?
Then answer is already in your question.
peace and blessing!!!
SoonerDoc
10-04-06, 01:16 AM
is there supposed to be a dvd guide insert for this set like the many of the previous 2 disc animation releases? all i got are a couple of dvd promo inserts...
stitch80
10-04-06, 01:18 AM
Mine had a dvd guide
SoonerDoc
10-04-06, 01:23 AM
thanks for the reply
Cameron
10-04-06, 03:09 AM
call disney, and they will probably mail one to you
fumanstan
10-04-06, 12:30 PM
Watching the DVD tonight, the image quality is rather poor compared to other Disney releases recently. Even my girlfriend, who doesn't notice or care much about quality, immediately said "Why does it look so bad?" when it started.
DVDFreaker
10-04-06, 12:42 PM
Watching the DVD tonight, the image quality is rather poor compared to other Disney releases recently. Even my girlfriend, who doesn't notice or care much about quality, immediately said "Why does it look so bad?" when it started.
For real? Wow....
Giles
10-04-06, 12:45 PM
Watching the DVD tonight, the image quality is rather poor compared to other Disney releases recently. Even my girlfriend, who doesn't notice or care much about quality, immediately said "Why does it look so bad?" when it started.
like first DVD edition of 'Pocohontas' bad?
now that was hideous to watch.
Big Worms
10-04-06, 01:24 PM
I haven't had a chance to watch the movie so I cannot comment on the picture, but this review says it is better than the first release. Plus screen caps.
Even my girlfriend, who doesn't notice or care much about quality, immediately said "Why does it look so bad?" when it started.
To be fair, it's supposed to look murky in the beginning. Listen to the commentary.
darmok
10-04-06, 01:30 PM
yeah, it's way better than the original version, but like everyone else stated, it's not as good as the more recent platinum titles. i noticed right away how grainy the transfer was also. also, all those damned trailers wasting space on the disc, which could've been better used by the video.
RayChuang
10-04-06, 05:02 PM
Watching the DVD tonight, the image quality is rather poor compared to other Disney releases recently. Even my girlfriend, who doesn't notice or care much about quality, immediately said "Why does it look so bad?" when it started.
I was at a Best Buy earlier today and saw the movie played back on a Sony Grand WEGA SXRD KDS-60A2000 rear projection TV (arguably the best 60" rear projection TV out there for the USA market). One thing I immediately noticed was that the underwater sequences had was a bit soft on line detail, but the above water sequences had excellent line quality. That tells me that the supposedly lower line detail may have been deliberately done when the animation was drawn.
kunert
10-04-06, 11:07 PM
For anyone who is getting this, do think it will still have the gag with the priest having a boner during the wedding?
http://www.snopes.com/disney/films/minister.htm
The minister's pants HAVE been redrawn, completely flat. However, the scene is completely intact the way it was originally drawn at 9:20 in the "story behind the story" on disc 2, in case you'd like to compare.
i just pop the dvd in and so far i think the images look great, it looks cleaned up but still retaining the originals feel. I hate it when they over "clean" these platinum editions, to me it looses its charm and depth in drawing. I might be the only one who feels this way, but i really did not like the Snow White Platinum edition because it lost all of its character with the drawings being sooo polished.
LorenzoL
10-06-06, 08:06 AM
I grabbed the steelbook version at Future Shop yesterday and I'm going to watch it during the long weekend.
Iron_Giant
10-06-06, 05:39 PM
yeah, it's way better than the original version, but like everyone else stated, it's not as good as the more recent platinum titles. i noticed right away how grainy the transfer was also. also, all those damned trailers wasting space on the disc, which could've been better used by the video.
True, but Animation does not use as much space as a "Live Action" movie.
Maybe they could have gone in a clean up some of the drawings with the Computer, that would have been better than more "Data Bits" on the dvd.
Mr. Salty
10-06-06, 05:54 PM
also, all those damned trailers wasting space on the disc, which could've been better used by the video.
"The Little Mermaid" is only 83 minutes long, so I don't think space on the disc is the problem.
I'm wondering if part of the problem is the film's original production values. Does anybody know what the budget was? "The Little Mermaid" relaunched Disney's animation division, but I can't help but wonder if it was a much lower-budgeted movie than the ones that came after it, so perhaps the qaulity pales in comparison.
Obviously that's not the only issue going on here, but it could be a contributing factor.
stingermck
10-06-06, 07:48 PM
Watching it now, video isn't as good as i was expecting. Was hoping it was going to pop on my Plasma. Oh well. And being my first animated Disney DVD in a while, I don't see how Fast Play is much faster, with 5 trailers in the way lol.
mzupeman2
10-06-06, 10:13 PM
The image is not bad. I agree, this has more of a 'film' feel to it although it looks quite pleasing on a standard definition TV for sure. On an HDTV, you're more likely to notice 'murky' colors half the time in the first half of the film, while the second half of the film retains brilliance. It doesn't look overly mastered as some of the prior platinum releases have looked, where I also agree, these movies lose a touch of their charm when the look like they look like they've just gone through the paint factory. You'll get arguments from fans who say 'this is how the movie was meant to be seen, clean and everything', but then again we get into that age old Star Wars debate about what we fell in love with growing up. Did we grow up with an old movie that had shown its age somewhat? Or did we fall in love with a fresh sidewalk-chalk filmstrip?
Either way, is this as clean as the old films? No. But then again, this is a much newer release than say something like Snow White. Snow White has many more years on it than this film does. The restoration process was probably believed not to have needed quite as an extensive program as the older films that have been released. You can argue at how magnificent the Lion King looks, but I also remember the Lion King looking that gosh darn clean. The Little Mermaid was never looking so pain-stakingly beautiful as The Lion King did.
Jon2
10-06-06, 10:42 PM
I love how the Urban Legend page claims "False" on the penis tower when it is so blatantly obvious what it is.
Maybe it wasn't a disgruntled Disney employee but that doesn't mean the artist didn't want to put in his own little "in" joke.
If you look at the pic, it isn't a passing resemblance, it is what it is.
http://www.snopes.com/disney/films/mermaid.htm
If true, you may want to hold on to your copy of The Little Mermaid. Disney might issue a recall. If the controversy over the supposed "penis tower" compelled Disney to make changes, then wait until all those who were upset about that get a good viewing of this release.
Because, if it is what it is, then it's still there for whole world to see. Disney did not remove or alter the "penis tower" as it appears in the film. It's there, plain as day, smack dab in the middle of your screen the first time you see Triton's palace. It's so noticeable, you don't even have to slow-mo or freeze-frame it.
If you believe in these sort of things that is. I don't.
Maybe subliminal genitalia, like beauty, are in the eyes of the beholder, and people just want to see what they want to see.
TomOpus
10-06-06, 11:09 PM
Jon2... the penis tower isn't in the film. It's on the original VHS video cover. Back in the day it used to go for a pretty penny once the VHS went OOP.
dtcarson
12-05-06, 10:59 PM
Just got this today [yeah, I know] from the DDD 20% off sale.
What is the difference between a
"5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater Surround Sound"
and
"Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound"
?
TomOpus
12-05-06, 11:02 PM
I think the levels are punched up a tad.
canaryfarmer
12-05-06, 11:05 PM
The "Enhanced" mix was created specifically for the dvd. It's still just a regular 5.1 track, but with a fancy Disney Marketing Term attached.
TomOpus
12-05-06, 11:31 PM
The "Enhanced" mix was created specifically for the dvd. It's still just a regular 5.1 track, but with a fancy Disney Marketing Term attached.But they've released a couple sets with both the Enhanced 5.1 and DD 5.1
bis22
12-06-06, 12:33 AM
I'm sorry to say this, but on The Little Mermaid, the enhanced mix is a travesty compared to the original. It has a less natural tonal quality, and worse, all the vocals have been spread across the front channels instead of coming from the center. I called Disney to complain about it (I would suggest anyone else who's bothered by it to do so as well!), but I'm pretty sure they won't reissue it, so I actually made my own DVD with the new video and both mixes.
steebo777
12-06-06, 09:33 AM
I'm sorry to say this, but on The Little Mermaid, the enhanced mix is a travesty compared to the original. It has a less natural tonal quality, and worse, all the vocals have been spread across the front channels instead of coming from the center. I called Disney to complain about it (I would suggest anyone else who's bothered by it to do so as well!), but I'm pretty sure they won't reissue it, so I actually made my own DVD with the new video and both mixes.
I have the Lion King with the enhanced 5.1 and love it compared to the original mix. I haven't heard the Little Mermaid mix at all, so can't say which I like better. I do like what Disney is doing for these mixes though since they re-create it in a home theater setting as opposed to a mix that was originaly made for theaters.
canaryfarmer
12-06-06, 09:34 AM
But they've released a couple sets with both the Enhanced 5.1 and DD 5.1
I know. That's why I said it the Enhanced mixes were created specifically for the dvd. The non-enhanced 5.1 mixes are the "original" soundmixes. Sometimes the enhanced ones work (Lion King) sometimes they don't (Little Mermaid).
TomOpus
12-06-06, 06:59 PM
I know. That's why I said it the Enhanced mixes were created specifically for the dvd. The non-enhanced 5.1 mixes are the "original" soundmixes. Sometimes the enhanced ones work (Lion King) sometimes they don't (Little Mermaid).Okay. Your post made it sound it was the same mix but they just changed the name. Sorry for the confusion.
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