New on DVD: The Little Mermaid (1989)

THE LITTLE MERMAID, released today on DVD, began Disney's "Second Golden Era" of animated musicals. It would be followed by a tremendously successful string of musical cartoons: ALADDIN, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, POCAHONTAS, THE LION KING, and MULAN.

THE LITTLE MERMAID has always been a particular favorite of mine -- although I don't like Ursula! (Grin) "Part of Your World" ranks as one of my all-time favorite Disney songs, and there have certainly been many great Disney songs over the decades. I'm very much looking forward to seeing it again in a beautiful new print.

The new 2-disc Platinum Edition, loaded with extras, replaces a bare bones Limited Issue DVD released a few years ago.

In recent years Disney has focused its animation efforts on its series of entertaining -- and highly successful -- Pixar movies. I hope that under John Lasseter, who took over as chief of Disney animation earlier this year, we can look forward in future to Disney returning to its tradition of great "2D" animated musicals.