There shouldn’t be any discussion about the fact that the Walt Disney company has the reputation to produce only the highest-quality animation and entertainment programs. And even though in recent years the quality seemed to have declined a bit when it came to afternoon cartoon shows, Disney was still at the top when it came to the marketing of their movies and products.
But what now if an amateur, a fan does a better job at making a musicvideo for their flagship “The Little Mermaid”. And not just better… but rocks it all the way.
Traci Hines has managed to the the nearly impossible. In her freetime, she and three friends managed to create a musicvideo for “Part of Your World” that has no equal – not even among Disney’s own creations.
While one might disagree with the (rather fast, and sometimes full of beats) musical arrangement, the visual effects are simply stunning, and Hines does an excellent job at portraying the little mermaid. Have a look…
Disney is well aware of Traci. She’s auditioned to be a Princess at the Disney Theme Parks at least ten times and did not get past the first round of cuts. She got in trouble recently at Disneyland for dressing up as “Hipster Ariel” and for signing autographs for kids as “Ariel” when Park rules prohibits that behavior of Adult Guests. Not to mention she runs a Princess Party Rental company that Disney has sent numerous Cease and Desist orders to. Disney is not going to contract her.
I was not aware of that, but it sure explains a lot. I was wondering how Hines could profit form all the work that she does without getting into trouble with Disney – since legally you’re not even allowed to profit from your own art when it displays characters owned by Disney; no matter if the setup is original and your own creation.
But again, Traci Hines is doing a good job. I obviously cannot judge her live performances, but the “Part of You World” musicvideo above beats Disney’s quality by far. I saw Hines video first and when I then saw the Carly Rae-Jaespen one on my Little Mermaid Blu-Ray, I was actually disappointed. Maybe my point is, that Disney should at least try to do better than cosplayers on Youtube. ;)
And if they can’t, maybe they should look into hiring the people that can. I mean no disrespect towards Disney… I’ve been a passionate fan ever since I saw my first Disney movie (which was “The Little Mermaid” when I was 9 years old). And in recent year their production lack the Disney magic and the overall Disney quality. Which just makes me sad…
Traci Hines’ musicvideo of “Part of Your World” brought me back to that magical place emotionally… which is something that Disney should be doing.