The Little Mermaid Workprint Exclusive

What viewers found was shocking. This wasn't a pristine, restored version of The Little Mermaid . It was the beast before the beauty.

Because the workprint is legendary, fakes abound. Many online "restorations" are just the theatrical cut with color grading removed. Here is how to spot the real 1988 workprint: the little mermaid workprint

Legally? No. Disney has never officially released the workprint. The versions that circulate online are 4th-generation VHS dubs, grainy and muddy. However, due to the statute of limitations on bootlegs and the fervor of collectors, high-quality digital scans of that original VHS exist in the dark corners of the internet. What viewers found was shocking

or dialogue that might differ from the final polished theatrical mix. Because the workprint is legendary, fakes abound

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.

: It may contain cut scenes or extended sequences, such as different versions of "Ariel's bedtime" or earlier takes on character interactions.

A workprint is a rough, unfinished version of a film or animation that is used as a working copy during the production process. It is typically a low-quality, often incomplete version of the final product, used by animators, directors, and editors to test scenes, pacing, and overall flow. Workprints are usually created early in the production process and are not intended for public consumption. They often contain temporary music, voiceovers, and animation that may not be present in the final version.