6 Side-By-Side Comparisons Of The Key Moments From The Little Mermaid Remake And Original Film
Disney's cherished remakes often evoke a sense of nostalgia, but this time, the level of similarity might catch you off guard. Amid the fervor surrounding the release of the remake and the dazzling performance of the remarkable Halle Bailey, who effortlessly brings Ariel to life, we present a series of side-by-side snapshots that reveal the evolution of iconic scenes. From the iconic undersea escapades to the heartfelt exchanges, these visuals unveil the careful homage paid to the original, while also showcasing the innovative twists that make the remake a delightful treat for both new and long-time fans.
As the box office numbers surge, showcasing yet another success for Disney's timeless magic, our exploration promises a delightful visual journey that rekindles memories and offers a fresh look at how the beloved classic has gracefully transitioned into a contemporary masterpiece. Let's scroll down and check them out!
#1. Ariel's iconic hair flip out of the water was an iconic scene to recreate for the live-action version.
Source: Disney Animation/Disney
The hair flip when the mermaid breaks the surface of the sea is one of the most iconic moments in both movie and the animated film. Still. it was certainly hard to recreate. Bailey shared that her wet hair almost doubles the weight and it was too heavy to flip up and over when getting out of the water.
"It was definitely hard, though, because my hair was really, really heavy," Bailey said. "So whenever I would get in the water, it would be heavy. So that one scene, it was really funny: that whole day we were trying to get it right, get it right, and finally they got a take that they really liked." She also revealed the trick that having a stuntman hold her hair for her while underwater and then threw it when she rose above the water's surface.
#2. When Ariel wishes to witness life above the sea, the mermaid reaches her hand out to the world above while singing "Part of Your World."
Source: Disney Animation/Disney
The live-action movie definitely used this animated classic as a blueprint for deciding how key shots ought to look. Thankfully, the moment which really gets etched into the memory looks nearly the same.
Interestingly, Jodi Benson is a brief cameo in the remake. She is also known as the voice actor for Ariel in the animated film.
#3. During the reprise of "Part of Your World," Ariel sits atop a rock and sings as a wave crashes behind her.
Source: Disney Animation/Disney
The moment Ariel gets up on a rock when water cascades raise on her back is a shot that was slightly different from the original. Still, it's hard to get this scene out of the list.
Ariel also encounters a different direction when the memorable moment appears in the remake.
#4. Ariel and Eric almost kiss during both performances of "Kiss the Girl."
Source: Disney Animation/Disney
The Disney adaptation accurately portrayed the atmosphere of the scene, right down to the fireflies circling above the sea and Ariel and Eric leaning in to share a kiss before Ursula's naughty eels make the boat capsize.
However, the movie has undergone some changes despite using the same source material. it was explained that the remake has aimed for a more 'realistic' style of animation. While Flounder and Sebastian in the 1989 version might have been charming cartoon figures, there is the obvious problem that marine creatures don't truly look like that.
#5. While singing "Poor Unfortunate Souls," Ursula does a little body shimmy. The remake changes that scene up slightly.
Source: Disney Animation/Disney
Indeed, having human actors perform alongside highly anthropomorphized versions of actual animals might appear a little weird.
In their recent wave of remakes, Disney has adopted this strategy, forgoing the endearing 2D animation in favor of a more "realistic" appearance created using CGI and live actors.
#6. In both films, Ariel excitedly grabs the reins of the horse-drawn carriage as she and Eric explore the shore.
Source: Disney Animation/Disney
Although Ariel's outfit is probably different, Bailey is just as happy-go-lucky as her animated counterpart. The live-action remake is a decent chunk longer than the animated film it's based on, so the difference can be easy to understand.
Which scene is your favorite in both the animated film and the live-action movie? Let us know in the comments below!