"The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning" is another direct-to-video prequel to Disney's original "The Little Mermaid." It was released in 2008 and explores the events that led to Ariel's fascination with the human world and her rebellious spirit.
The film is set before the events of the first "Little Mermaid" movie, providing insight into Ariel's early life in Atlantica. The underwater kingdom is ruled by King Triton, Ariel's father, who has imposed a ban on music and dancing in the kingdom due to a tragic event in the past. Ariel's mother, Queen Athena, was killed by pirates, which led Triton to associate music with the loss of his wife.
Despite the ban, Ariel and her sisters, including Aquata, Andrina, Arista, Attina, Adella, and Alana, secretly engage in music and fun. Ariel discovers an underground club where she can enjoy music and dancing, and she becomes friends with a colorful tropical fish named Marina Del Rey.
As Ariel and her sisters attempt to bring music back to Atlantica, they discover the truth about their mother's death and the reasons behind King Triton's ban. The film explores themes of family, loss, and the importance of following one's passions.
"The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning" received mixed reviews but was generally praised for its animation quality and for shedding light on Ariel's backstory. Similar to other direct-to-video Disney releases, it serves as a companion piece to the original film, offering fans more insight into the characters and the world of Atlantica.