DVD REVIEW: Liveaction 'Little Mermaid' Offers More, Not Better

They are not as cute or interesting as the animated form. Luckily, this new version improves a few things.

Eric (Jonah Hauer-King), for example, is not a tailor-made prince; King Triton (Javier Bardem), the most perfect father. They attract the attention of the sea lions when Ariel (Hayley Bailey) swims among them.

After rescuing Eric from a shipwreck, he is traumatized enough to go to Ursula (Melissa McCarthy) and make a deal: her vote for a chance to live as a man.

The negotiation process is perhaps the only plot point that is more present in this version than in the original. In McCarthy's hands, Ursula is more than a schemer. He is an ambitious nobleman who puts on an aristocratic appearance, only to give up his aristocratic aspirations. McCarthy wears every inch of her makeup and brings no small amount of horror to the happily ever after story. Because he moves his tentacles so well, he weaves himself into Ariel's life better than anyone she calls a friend.

Sebastian (David Diggs), Flounder (Jacob Tremblay) and Scuttle (Okwafina) are always there when holes are needed. Surprisingly, they seem more realistic than you. Sebastian and Flounder in particular are not the stuffed animals they are made from.

They move faster than snakes and spend more time out of water. While Diggs excelled in Under the Sea, director Rob Marshall brought a Caribbean feel to the extended Kiss the Girl. He gave Jodi Benson (the animated voice of Ariel) the scene and choreographed the film to feature a human instead of a fish.

Original composers Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda added a few songs (one for Eric), but they didn't improve on the original. They get more orchestral power on "Part of Your World," but it seems designed to support National Geographic's take on life beneath the ocean floor.

Bailey is adorable as Ariel. He easily dominates both worlds and loves to live on his own two feet. He is not attached to his sea brothers (who look like the United Nations of Mermaids) and seems to provide safety to whoever runs wherever he runs.

Hour-King is a great bait. He seems genuinely interested in the woman who saved him and is not afraid to take her on a trip around the world. However, many sea scenes compensate for this with a wet, baggy shirt.

The new script states that he is adopted, which explains why he is white and Queen Selina (Noma Dumezweni) is not. This move wasn't entirely necessary, but it definitely gave Eric's storyline a story that was consistent with Ariel's.

Fans of the animated film "Mermaid" might be interested to know what Marshall is up to. His thoughts are interesting, but not revolutionary. In fact, the original version is more fun and engaging. This version is something more.