The latest Blu-Ray release of The Little Mermaid features a great video transfer and a great sound. However, there are issues with this release as well. I suppose someone could give it a try to re-create the original version.
The following issues have been identified so far:
- the most important one: the “Part of the World” editing error. Two shots were swapped in re-editing the film (which was restored and re-assembled for 3D re-release):
“In the concluding moments of “Part of Your World”, they inadvertently put a cut-away shot to Flounder in place of a cut of Ariel singing and expressing the song, and so, in the final version, she descends, sings and acts…but no vocals are coming out of her mouth.”
Here is a side-by-side comparison: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5vHZH-YJQA
Disney has actually already reacted:
_"In preparation for its Blu-ray release, THE LITTLE MERMAID went through an intensive re-mastering process. Unfortunately, a minor oversight led to a switch of two small cuts during the “Part of Your World” scene.
There is no impact on the quality or overall experience of the film."_
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The intro credit “Walt Disney Pictures Presents” has been moved. For the 3D version of the film, an additional “3D presentation” credit was added in its stead; the original “Walt Disney Pictures Presents” was moved earlier in time. For the 2D version, however, it was not moved back! So there is a “Walt Disney Pictures presents” quite early in the film, then there is an empty space, and then comes the title.
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There is a fade transition missing from the first appearance of Scuttle.
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The end credits, even in the 2D version, are modified to include the 3D conversion credits.
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The kneecap of the priest (which looked like an erection in theatres and has been edited out from several versions including this one): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InFLnzeQjWw
Here is the side-by-side comparison (of some of the errors):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uDnSSnyW0Q
Some of the errors in this video are actually none; for instance, the color of the shells is said to be original (as opposed to the DVD where it was changed for some reason).
The most important error (1) is actually easiest to solve by just swapping the two shots around. The others, however, would require using footage from other sources.
As I cannot do that myself, I still would like to start a discussion. Also, maybe someone could take this thread as an inspiration for a cinematic restoration of TLM.