Saban's Adventures of the Little Mermaid
Encyclopedia
is an animated series produced by Fuji Television
in the early 1990s, based on upon the Hans Christian Andersen
fairy tale
The Little Mermaid
.
This 26-episode TV series was originally a Japanese/French co-production created by Jean Chalopin
and directed by Takehiro Miyano. The title of the series in Japan was Ningyo Hime Marina no Boken (The Adventures of Mermaid Princess Marina), and the series was broadcast on Japan's Fuji TV
network from February to July 1991. As in the 1975 feature-length movie version produced by Toei
, Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid
(with which this series may be confused), the mermaid
protagonist was drawn as a blonde in this version and given the name Marina. It also added a new ingredient to the story: a magic potion given to the prince with which he could use to breathe underwater and be with Marina.
Released in America for Saturday-morning and weekday afternoon syndication by Saban Entertainment in the summer of 1991, the series wasn't nearly as popular as Disney's version
and faded quickly.
Music from the English version was used for the English dub of Digimon Adventure
.
Fuji Television
is a Japanese television station based in Daiba, Minato, Tokyo, Japan, also known as or CX, based on the station's callsign "JOCX-DTV". It is the flagship station of the Fuji News Network and the ....
in the early 1990s, based on upon the Hans Christian Andersen
Hans Christian Andersen
Hans Christian Andersen was a Danish author, fairy tale writer, and poet noted for his children's stories. These include "The Steadfast Tin Soldier," "The Snow Queen," "The Little Mermaid," "Thumbelina," "The Little Match Girl," and "The Ugly Duckling."...
fairy tale
Fairy tale
A fairy tale is a type of short story that typically features such folkloric characters, such as fairies, goblins, elves, trolls, dwarves, giants or gnomes, and usually magic or enchantments. However, only a small number of the stories refer to fairies...
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid
"The Little Mermaid" is a popular fairy tale by the Danish poet and author Hans Christian Andersen about a young mermaid willing to give up her life in the sea and her identity as a mermaid to gain a human soul and the love of a human prince...
.
This 26-episode TV series was originally a Japanese/French co-production created by Jean Chalopin
Jean Chalopin
Jean Chalopin is a French producer and writer. In 1971, Chalopin created the company DIC Audiovisuel, which later evolved into DIC Entertainment, and wrote and produced programs animated by Japanese studios. Jean Chalopin is married to Chinese/Singaporean ex-Model, Ethel Chalopin...
and directed by Takehiro Miyano. The title of the series in Japan was Ningyo Hime Marina no Boken (The Adventures of Mermaid Princess Marina), and the series was broadcast on Japan's Fuji TV
Fuji Television
is a Japanese television station based in Daiba, Minato, Tokyo, Japan, also known as or CX, based on the station's callsign "JOCX-DTV". It is the flagship station of the Fuji News Network and the ....
network from February to July 1991. As in the 1975 feature-length movie version produced by Toei
Toei Animation
Toei Animation Co., Ltd. is a Japanese animation studio owned by Toei Co., Ltd. The studio was founded in 1948 as Japan Animated Films . In 1956, Toei purchased the studio and it was reincorporated under its current name...
, Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid
Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid
is a Japanese anime film based on Hans Christian Andersen's eponymous fairy tale, released in 1975 by Toei Animation. Unlike the later Walt Disney Pictures animated film adaptation released 14 years later, this film is closer to Andersen's original story, notably in its preservation of the original...
(with which this series may be confused), the mermaid
Mermaid
A mermaid is a mythological aquatic creature with a female human head, arms, and torso and the tail of a fish. A male version of a mermaid is known as a "merman" and in general both males and females are known as "merfolk"...
protagonist was drawn as a blonde in this version and given the name Marina. It also added a new ingredient to the story: a magic potion given to the prince with which he could use to breathe underwater and be with Marina.
Released in America for Saturday-morning and weekday afternoon syndication by Saban Entertainment in the summer of 1991, the series wasn't nearly as popular as Disney's version
The Little Mermaid (TV series)
The Little Mermaid is an American animated television series produced by Walt Disney Television Animation based on the 1989 Disney film of the same name. It features the adventures of Ariel as a mermaid prior to the events of the film. This series is the first Disney television series to be spun...
and faded quickly.
Characters
- Marina: A mermaidMermaidA mermaid is a mythological aquatic creature with a female human head, arms, and torso and the tail of a fish. A male version of a mermaid is known as a "merman" and in general both males and females are known as "merfolk"...
who is the main protagonist of the show. After saving Prince Justin of Gandor, she fell in love with him and desired to become human.
- Prince Justin: Prince of Gandor and Marina's boyfriend.
- Chauncey: Prince Justin's loyal page.
- Anselm: Prince Justin's tutor and secretly a sorcererMagician (fantasy)A magician, mage, sorcerer, sorceress, wizard, enchanter, enchantress, thaumaturge or a person known under one of many other possible terms is someone who uses or practices magic that derives from supernatural or occult sources...
who was once in love with Hedwig.- Ridley: Anselm's sea otterSea OtterThe sea otter is a marine mammal native to the coasts of the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean. Adult sea otters typically weigh between 14 and 45 kg , making them the heaviest members of the weasel family, but among the smallest marine mammals...
companion. He has a bit of a smart aleck attitude.
- Ridley: Anselm's sea otter
- Winnie: Marina's seahorseSeahorseSeahorses compose the fish genus Hippocampus within the family Syngnathidae, in order Syngnathiformes. Syngnathidae also includes the pipefishes. "Hippocampus" comes from the Ancient Greek hippos meaning "horse" and kampos meaning “sea monster”.There are nearly 50 species of seahorse...
friend. She can scream at high pitches causing people to faint.
- Bobo: Marina's clown fish friend. He has extensive knowledge of ancient legends.
Antagonists
- Hedwig the Sea Witch: The sea witchSea witchSea witches have enhanced many stories of British folklore for centuries. Traditionally, sea witches were witches who often appeared among sailors along with many others involved in the seafaring trade. Often, sea witches focused on witchcraft relating to the moon, tides, and the weather, which in...
who acts as the main antagonist of the show. She was once a sorceress who was in love with Anselm until her hunger for power forced Anselm to banish her to the sea. She comes up with plot after plot to capture Marina and Justin so she can exchange them for the Amulet of Power.- Duhdlee: Hedwig's dim-witted hammerhead sharkHammerhead sharkThe hammerhead sharks are a group of sharks in the family Sphyrnidae, so named for the unusual and distinctive structure of their heads, which are flattened and laterally extended into a "hammer" shape called a "cephalofoil". Most hammerhead species are placed in the genus Sphyrna while the...
lackey. While a bit on the nasty side, he really has a good heart. - Hugo: Hedwig's octopus who acts as her strongman.
- Manta: Hedwig's manta ray. He does not speak much and acts as her transport.
- Sharks and Barracudas: Hedwig's loyal army of troops.
- Duhdlee: Hedwig's dim-witted hammerhead shark
- Prince Lothar: Prince of Brakston (Gandor's enemy country) and Justin's sworn enemy. He usually works with Hedwig.
Episodes
- Return to the Sea
- In the Wrong Hands
- Water Water Everywhere
- A Leopard and Her Spots
- Lothar's Revenge
- What's Cookin'?
- Be Careful What You Wish
- A Day In the Country
- Safe Deposit
- Sugar and Spice
- A Friend Indeed
- Song of the Sea Witch
- The Valley of the Volcanoes
- Quest for the Golden Tablet
- A Case of Mistaken Identity
- Beauty and the Beastly Prince
- A Man's Beast Friend Is His Dogfish
- A Mortal In Mermaid's Clothing
- Nature Hike
- My Bonnie Lies Under the Sea
- The Trojan Seahorse
- A Rose By Any Other Name
- X Marks the Spot
- One Man's Bread Is Another Man's Poison
- Hold That Thought
- Waste Not,Want Not
English Cast
- Sonja BallSonja BallSonja Ball is a Canadian voice actress.She is well known for her work as the voice of Arthur's Mother Jane Read in the PBS children's TV series Arthur, Huckle Cat on The Busy World of Richard Scarry, Polly Ester in the English version of Samurai Pizza Cats, Nicole in the Madeline TV specials, and...
- Marina. Hedwig the Sea Witch - Thor Bishopric - Prince Justin
- Rachelle Cano - Background Music Singer
- Richard DumontRichard DumontRichard M. Dumont is a voice actor and director who has worked in both Canada and the United States. He voices Menator, the aging leader of the Olmecs in The Mysterious Cities of Gold, Grognard in Night Hood and Scarecrow in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz...
- Prince Lothar - Kathleen Fee - The Queen
- Ian Finlay - Duhdlee
- A.J. HendersonA.J. HendersonA.J. Henderson is a Canadian voice actor, born in Montreal, Quebec.- Biography :He is very prolific, having done voices for numerous anime, cartoons, and video games...
- The King - Arthur HoldenArthur HoldenArthur Holden is a Canadian voice actor, born in Montreal, Quebec. He voices Baba-Miao in Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat, Mr. Ratburn in Arthur, and Mr...
- Ridley - Gordon Masten - Chauncey
- Anik MaternAnik MaternAnik Matern is an actress and founder of the Dynamic Theater Factory. She graduated from John Abbott College Professional Theatre Program.Television series and voice work includes:* The Littl' Bits...
- Winnie - Carlyle Miller - Bobo
- Aron TagerAron TagerAron Tager is an American actor and artist.- Background :As an artist, Tager has had numerous exhibitions of his work and has sculptures installed at the following locations: Mount Anthony Union High School, Bennington, VT; Shaftsbury Elementary School, VT; Delaware County Community College,...
- Anselm - Jane Woods - Narrator
Additional Voices
- Julian BaileyJulian Bailey (actor)Julian Bailey is a Canadian actor who has been seen on several television series, including "Better Off Ted", NCIS, Just Shoot Me!, Judging Amy and Charmed to name a few...
- - Teddy Lee Dillon -
- Susan GloverSusan GloverSusan Glover is a Canadian actress, best known for playing Sarah in Naked Josh. She is also known for voicing Miss Woods in Arthur, Izabella Dehavalot in Amazon Jack, Mrs...
- - Arthur GrosserArthur GrosserArthur Grosser is an actor who also works as a physical chemistry professor at McGill University, Montreal. He has done a lot of voice acting work in several animated series as well as in video games such as Splinter Cell and Assassin's Creed.-Filmography:...
- - Norman Groulx -
- Dean Hagopian -
- Mark Hellman -
- Harry HillHarry HillHarry Hill , is a Perrier Award–winning English comedian, author and television presenter. A former medical doctor , Hill began his career in comedy with the popular radio show Harry Hill's Fruit Corner.-Personal life:Hill was born in Woking,...
- - Gary Jewell -
- Rick JonesRick Jones (voice actor)Rick Jones is an animation writer, director, content developer, and voice actor. Since 1983, he’s worked with Fox, Disney, Universal, Hanna-Barbera, Alphanim, Cinar and Nelvana...
- - Dan Lebel -
- Pierre Lenoir -
- Pauline LittlePauline LittlePauline Little is a Canadian voice actor who currently resides in Montreal Quebec.She voices Lulu's mom in The Little Lulu Show, Lotus and Jasmine the twins in The Little Flying Bears, Maya the Bee, Francine in Samurai Pizza Cats and Caillou's grandma in Caillou.She can also be seen in The Day...
- - Liz MacRae -
- Bronwen MantelBronwen MantelBronwen Mantel is a Canadian actress who has appeared in several movies including Secret Window and Gothika, and as a voice actress in the TV series Mega Babies, Adventures of the Little Koala, Arthur, Bobobobs, Tripping the Rift, Sharky and George, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Papa Beaver's...
- - Walter MasseyWalter Massey (actor)Walter Edward Hart Massey is a Canadian actor. He has had numerous roles on stage, movies, and television for more than five decades. Massey is the cousin of actor Raymond Massey and is a founding member of Canadian Actors' Equity.He played the part of U.S. President Taft in the 2005 movie The...
- - George MorrisGeorge MorrisGeorge Morris may refer to:*George H. Morris, American hunter/jumper trainer* George Franklin Morris , U.S. federal judge*Sir George Lockwood Morris, ironfounder and Wales international rugby player...
- - Michael O'Reilly -
- Philip Pretten -
- Judi RichardsJudi RichardsJudi Richards is a Canadian pop singer and songwriter.Born in Toronto, Richards is the daughter of musician Bill Richards and actress Billie Mae Richards . She has sung numerous jingles for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Montreal and has performed in concert and on record with a variety...
- - Michael RudderMichael RudderMichael Rudder is a Canadian film, television, theatre and voice actor, who was injured in the November 2008 Mumbai attacks.-Acting work:...
- - Terrence ScammellTerrence ScammellTerrence Scammell is a Canadian actor and voice actor who commonly playes multiple characters in cartoon series. He is a member of the ACTRA and Canadian Actors' Equity Association unions.-TV series:* 3 Gold Coins...
- - Neil Shee -
- Harry StandjofskiHarry StandjofskiHarry Standjofski is a Canadian-born actor and voice actor as well as a theater director and playwright. He has appeared in films such as Guy X, The Aviator, Protection, and Hidden Agenda and has voiced characters in video games such as Assassin's Creed, Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones, Splinter...
- - John Tarzwell -
- Vlasta VranaVlasta VranaVlasta Vrána is a Canadian actor of Czech descent, known for playing Jack Richards in A Year in the Death of Jack Richards. His surname means "crow" in Czech and several other Slavic languages.-Career:...
-
Music
The series uses two pieces of theme music for the original Japanese version. The opening theme is called "Yumemiru Mermaid (夢みるMERMAID lit. Dreaming Mermaid)" and the ending theme is called "Pearl-no Kimochi (パールな気持ち lit. Pearl Feelings)" , both by vocalist Yumi Hiroki, who also portrayed the voice of Winnie in Japanese version of the show.Music from the English version was used for the English dub of Digimon Adventure
Digimon Adventure
is a Japanese animated television series created in 1999 by Toei Animation based on the Digimon virtual pet made by Bandai. It is the first series of the Digimon anime "metaseries"...
.