The Little Mermaid Workprint Jun 2026

For Disney fans and animation historians, the represents a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the film that launched the Disney Renaissance. A workprint is an unfinished, rough cut of a film used by editors and directors to refine the story before final animation and post-production.

: Several scenes, including "Under the Sea" and the "Happy Ending," exist in story-reel or animatic form

The workprint (which surfaced as a VHS bootleg in the early 1990s) offers a fascinating "parallel universe" version of the film. Here are the three major changes that make it legendary:

One caption reads: "Insert longing look here – timing off." the little mermaid workprint

This is the big one. Jodi Benson’s performance as Ariel is legendary. However, the workprint features a temporary track by a session singer who sounds similar to Benson but lacks her emotional vulnerability. "Part of Your World" is performed slower, more operatically, and during the climax of the song, the animation is just a pencil test of Ariel staring at a static background.

Have you ever seen the workprint? Share your memories in the comments below—but tread carefully. Disney lawyers are always watching.

Why? Industry insiders suggest that releasing it would set a precedent. If Disney releases the Mermaid workprint, fans will demand the Beauty and the Beast workprint (which exists) and the Lion King workprint (which also exists). The studio prefers to control the narrative: the film is a flawless diamond, not a rough gem polished by fire. For Disney fans and animation historians, the represents

Q: Can I see the Little Mermaid workprint in person? A: Due to its fragile nature, the workprint is not typically displayed publicly. However, some Disney exhibitions and events may feature stills or clips from the workprint.

: The workprint features Vanessa’s (Ursula’s human form) song in its storyboard stage, showcasing a slightly different visual energy than the final film. What exactly is a "Workprint"? In traditional animation, a workprint is a rough draft

You see the bones of the movie. You witness the process . You realize that "Part of Your World" was not born perfect—it was built, line by line, frame by frame, in a race against bankruptcy in 1988. Here are the three major changes that make

In the theatrical cut, King Triton smashes the human statue grotto in a rage. In the workprint, the scene is longer. After destroying the statue, Triton finds a scroll of paper where Ariel has drawn a map to Eric’s castle. He burns the scroll with his trident, and the ashes fall on Ariel’s hair. This scene was cut for being "too cruel" and because animators felt the map concept was redundant.

The workprint runs approximately 75 minutes—slightly shorter than the theatrical 83 minutes—but the missing time is less important than what is different . Here are the most notable changes: