Disney’s Timeless Tales, Vol. 1 – The Prince and the Pauper/Three Little Pigs/The Tortoise and the Hare (1935)

These five classic, time-honored stories, carefully chosen from the Disney vault, are sure to delight and entertain your child for years to come. You’ll laugh as Mickey plays both roles in “The Prince And The Pauper,” and similarly enjoy the two Academy Award(R)-winning shorts “Three Little Pigs” and “The Tortoise And The Hare” (Best Short Subject, Cartoon, 1932-33 and 1934). With beautiful animation, unforgettable music, and ageless themes about liking yourself for who you are and the value of preparing for the future, this collection of Timeless Tales is a must-own for every family.

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Disney Animation Collection 2: Three Little Pigs

Experience a unique telling of one of your favorite storybook tales in this DISNEY ANIMATION COLLECTION DVD, part of an adventure-filled series of classic Disney short films! Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf? “Not I!” answer the first two brothers as they build their new homes — one made of hay and the other of sticks. But when the wolf huffs and puffs and blows down their houses, the brothers seek protection in the third pig’s house, very wisely made of bricks. Will the three little pigs finally be safe, once and for all?

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The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Beginning (2008)

A prequel to The Little Mermaid, The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning is good family entertainment that deserves a spot in every Disney collection–even if the film isn’t quite as striking as the original. It’s hard to imagine the underwater world of Atlantica without music, but following the death of Ariel’s mother Queen Athena, King Triton (Jim Cummings) outlaws music because of the painful memories it evokes. Ariel (Jodi Benson) and her six sisters are unhappy with their boring daily routine, unfeeling governess Marina Del Ray (Sally Field), and superficial relationship with their father; but only Ariel has the courage to confront their father with a desire for a more fulfilling life. A chance meeting with Flounder (Parker Goris) leads Ariel to the underground Catfish music club where the Caribbean jazz is hot and the starred soloist is none other the King’s Chief of Staff Sebastian (Samuel Wright). Suddenly, a whole new world full of promise and excitement opens up (more…)

The Little Mermaid (Two-Disc Platinum Edition) (1989)

essential video
From the moment that Prince Eric’s ship emerged from the fog in the opening credits it was apparent that Disney had somehow, suddenly recaptured that “magic” that had been dormant for thirty years. In the tale of a headstrong young mermaid who yearns to “spend a day, warm on the sand,” Ariel trades her voice to Ursula, the Sea Witch (classically voiced by Pat Carroll), for a pair of legs. Ariel can only succeed if she receives true love’s kiss in a few day’s time and she needs all the help she can from a singing crab named Sebastian, a loudmouth seagull, and a flounder. The lyrics and music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken are top form: witty and relevant, and they advance the story (go on, hum a few bars of “Under the Sea”). Mermaid put animation back on the studio’s “to do” list and was responsible for ushering Beauty and the Beast to theaters. A modern Disney classic. –Keith Simanton

The Little Mermaid, one of the most celebrated animated films of (more…)