Hello there! 👋 Are you a book lover or a movie buff? Or perhaps both? Well, if you’re a fan of both, then you’ve probably experienced the joy and frustration of comparing and contrasting the two different mediums when it comes to adaptations. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of Disney’s most popular Book vs Film Adaptations and analyze how each version stacks up against the other. So grab some popcorn and settle in as we dive into the world of Disney adaptations! 🍿🎬📚

The Little Mermaid 🧜‍♀️

Let’s start with a classic! 🌊 The Little Mermaid is one of Disney’s most beloved films, but did you know that it was adapted from a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen? The movie stays true to the general plot of the original tale- Ariel falls in love with a human prince, makes a deal with a sea witch, and sacrifices herself for love. However, there are definitely some big differences between the two versions. In the original tale, the little mermaid doesn’t have a name, and her tail always feels like she’s walking on knives. Also, the prince doesn’t actually fall in love with the little mermaid- he ends up marrying someone else, and the little mermaid turns into sea foam. Yikes!

📖 🎥 An illustration of the Little Mermaid as depicted in the book

The Lion King 🦁

Next up, we have The Lion King! 🦁 This epic tale of family, loss, and redemption took the world by storm when it was first released in 1994. However, did you know that it was heavily inspired by William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet? The basic plot is pretty similar- a young prince must overthrow his corrupt uncle and take his rightful place as king. However, unlike Hamlet, The Lion King has a happy ending and introduces us to a cast of unforgettable characters like Timon, Pumbaa, and Rafiki.

📖 🎥 A screenshot of Simba and Nala from the movie

Mary Poppins 🌂

Now let’s talk about everyone’s favorite magical nanny- Mary Poppins! 🌂 This classic film is based on the book series of the same name by P.L. Travers. While the movie definitely captures the whimsical spirit of the books, there are quite a few differences between the two versions. For example, in the books, Mary Poppins is much more stern and strict than the charming Julie Andrews version we all know and love. Additionally, there are several other characters and adventures in the books that weren’t included in the movie.

📖 🎥 A poster for the Mary Poppins movie featuring Julie Andrews as Mary

Beauty and the Beast 🌹

Last but not least, we have Beauty and the Beast! 🌹 This beloved tale of love and acceptance was first published as a fairy tale by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve in 1740. The Disney movie stays pretty true to the general plot of the original tale- Belle falls in love with a Beast who is cursed into his current form by an enchantress. However, there are quite a few differences between the two versions. For example, the Beast’s curse is actually a punishment for his selfishness and cruelty in the original tale. Additionally, Belle has multiple sisters in the original tale who are jealous of her beauty and wealth.

📖 🎥 A screenshot of Belle and the Beast dancing in the movie

Conclusion 📝

Well, that concludes our side-by-side comparison of some of Disney’s most popular Book vs Film Adaptations! While each adaptation has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, it’s clear that Disney has a knack for bringing beloved stories to life on the big screen. Whether you prefer the original fairy tales or the Disney movies, it’s important to appreciate each version for what it is and the unique experience it provides. Thanks for reading, and happy watching/reading! 📖🎥🎉

📷 A photo of an open book and a movie ticket