This was the first of three Disney animated features that composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman collaborated on; the other two were Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin.
Most people are familiar with the fable of Ariel (here voiced by Jodi Benson), a young mermaid eager to know about life on earth. She rescues a handsome prince from drowning. Making a bargain with the sea witch Ursula (voiced by Pat Carroll), Ariel receives legs so that she can walk on the land. However, a terrible fate awaits her if she does not win the love of the prince.
Oscar Nominations: 3
Original Score: Alan Menken
Song: Under the Sea
Song: Kiss the Girl
Oscar Awards: 2
Score
Song: Under the Sea
Oscar Context:
Both songs were sung by Samuel E. Wright, the voice for Sebastian the crab.