Read our The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning DVD Review
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BURBANK, Calif., March 21, 2008 – The sea holds many deep secrets for young Princess Ariel in The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning, an all new, full-length movie coming exclusively to DVD on August 26, 2008. Available for a limited time only, The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning takes audiences back to the story’s beginnings with favorite characters from the original film as well as a wonderfully wicked new villainess. With a score that continues The Little Mermaid’s legacy of memorable, life-affirming songs, the latest animated adventure from DisneyToon Studios will capture the hearts of all ages.

The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning takes place one year before Ariel meets Prince Eric. Young Ariel and her sisters share a love for music with their mother, Queen Athena. But when the Queen is captured by pirates, King Triton is heartbroken and bans music from Atlantica…FOREVER.

Refusing to grow up without music in her life, the adventurous Ariel longs for a place where she can share her true passion for music.

Together, she and Flounder discover an underground music club. Defying her father Ariel hangs out at the secret club by night and dodges her governess, Marina Del Rey, by day.

When King Triton finds out, he is furious and sends all lawbreakers to jail!

Luckily, with the help of best friends Sebastian and Flounder, Ariel is able to help her father realize that outlawing music was a mistake and that music is the true heart of the kingdom.

This all-new movie features Jodie Benson and Samuel Wright reprising their signature roles as the voices of Ariel and Sebastian. Audiences will also find out how best friends Ariel and Flounder first met.

Plus, families will delight in meeting Ariel’s six mermaid sisters who sometimes think that their youngest sister, Ariel, is too rebellious but who ultimately love her for who she is: protective Atina, glamorous Alana, boy crazy Adella, self-confident Aquata, talented Arista and fun-loving Andina. They are joined by Oscar® winner Sally Field as the deliciously wicked new villainess, Marina Del Rey. The DVD is priced $29.99 (SRP) for U.S.; $36.99 (SRP) Canada, from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

STREET DATE: August 26, 2008
Suggested retail price: $29.99 SRP U.S., $36.99 SRP Canada
Rated: This movie is not yet rated. Bonus materials not rated.
Aspect ratio: Family Friendly Widescreen, 1.78:1
DVD Sound: Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, DTS® 5.1 Digital Surround Sound
Languages: English, French, Spanish
FastPlay: FastPlay enabled
Close captioned for the hearing impaired.

Not all technical specifications apply to all elements.

Read our The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning DVD Review
Buy The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning on DVD from Amazon.com

Announcements for Other Upcoming Disney DVDs:
Saludos Amigos & The Three Caballeros: Classic Caballeros Collection (April 29)
The Muppet Show: Season 3 (May 20)
National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets (May 20)
Home Improvement: Season 8 (June 10)

Related DVD Reviews:
The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning
The Little Mermaid: Platinum Edition
The Lion King II: Simba's Pride
Aladdin II & III Collection
Brother Bear 2
Mulan II
Tarzan II
Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch
The Fox and the Hound 2
Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure

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Posted March 21, 2008 / Updated August 26, 2008.