peter-2007

This is one of the most beautiful films I have ever seen. The sets and costumes for the world under the sea are dressed in blue and pale green and the world above in crimson and russet. The Sea People don't have tails due to 70's special effects limitations, so slow motion is used to represent movement underwater. This results in a dream-like vision of the mer-people's world. It's by far the most faithful adaptation of Hans Anderson's tale of painful unrequited love. If you're only aware of the jolly (and yet delightful) Disney version, be aware that this one is heart-breaking and quite haunting. There is definitely an English version out there (The German and Czech versions have released on DVD). I can remember it being shown in English on BBC1 around 1976/7. I do hope they release that version also. This is a true unsung classic and deserves to be seen by a wider audience.