Newsgroups: alt.folklore.urban,rec.arts.disney
From: mikkelson%rwtms2.decnet@beach.rockwell.com (snopes)
Subject: "The Little Mermaid" cover  


Several months after writing (twice) to Buena Vista Home Video about the 
infamous phallic "Little Mermaid" video cover, I finally received a reply:


Dear Mr. Mikkelson:

Thank you for your letter regarding the videocassette packaging of Disney's THE 
LITTLE MERMAID.

The artwork used on the LITTLE MERMAID package was designed by animators who 
have worked with Disney for many years creating the type of high quality 
illustrations that have become a trademark of the Disney studio.  It is 
unfortunate that a few people perceive this particular illustration as you 
describe and, worse, that children are exposed to the unwarranted media hype 
that those few have generated.  Moreover, we agree with you that it is 
preposterous for anyone to think that the Walt Disney Company would release 
anything that would deliberately condone any such representation.

Because we stand behind all of our products, I will send you a refund for your 
LITTLE MERMAID videocassette if you remain dissatisfied in any way.  I apologize
for the delayed response, during a transition period your letter was directed 
to the wrong location.  

[rest of text deleted]

Also enclosed in the package was an 8x10 black-and-white glossy of Sport Goofy, 
a plastic Mickey Mouse book buddy, and three "101 Dalmatians" pencils.  

 - snopes