DVD Release Date: August 26, 2008
Rating: NR
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment

BURBANK, California, June 26, 2008—Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment invites you to dive deep into the secrets of the early years of one of Disney’s most beloved princesses when The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning, a spectacular new full-length movie, comes exclusively to DVD on August 26, 2008.

The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning reveals an all-new, spellbinding chapter of the funloving and mischievous mermaid’s amazing oceanic adventures. More of the dazzling animation and memorable music that made The Little Mermaid one of the most celebrated films of its kind will transport viewers into the magical kingdom of Atlantica at the start of the greatest undersea story ever told! With a treasure trove of never-before-scene bonus features, The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning continues the legacy of the film that launched an extraordinary new era in animation and won over generations of filmgoers.

This music-filled prequel to one of the most beloved Disney Classics of all time once again features the voice talents of Jodi Benson and Samuel E. Wright, reprising their legendary roles as Ariel and Sebastian. The film pits a wonderfully wicked new villainess, Marina Del Rey against Ariel and her plucky pals in an unforgettable aquatic adventure. Available for a limited time only, The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning is sure to capture the hearts of viewers of all ages.

Imagine a time long before Ariel met Prince Eric and walked on land—a time when music was banned from the underwater kingdom of Atlantica. Torn between family duty and her love of music, Ariel must make the most difficult choice of her life. With the help of her friends, Sebastian and Flounder and her six amusing sisters, will the young mermaid be able to restore music, friendship and love to the kingdom?

BONUS FEATURES

• Teaching Mermaids to Dance – Before making her directing debut with The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning, Peggy Holmes was a sought after choreographer. Go behind the scenes and watch as she uses her background in dance to create a totally unique animation experience.
• Disney Song Selection – When this fun interactive option is turned on, the words to the songs appear on the screen allowing viewers to sing along with the film.
• World Wide Water Webb – Merconnect (wwww.merconnect.sea) – Fans can now visit the dedicated web pages of Ariel and her sisters. Each of Triton’s seven lovely daughters has her own page, where she posts personal information, gets to know new friends and keeps her own personal blog!
• The Little Mermaid: The Broadway Musical – A look behind the scenes of smash hit Broadway musical from Disney Theatrical productions.
• Deleted Scenes

Walt Disney Home Entertainment is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Worldwide Home Entertainment, Inc., a recognized industry leader. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax, and Buena Vista videocassettes and DVDs and Blu-ray Discs.