Candle On The Water Plays During The End And Credits
So it IS technically in the movie.
shareThey should have left it out.
It's just another reminder of how devoid the "new and improved" was of useful life-lessons for the kids to digest. Consider the social and educational value of the songs in the original: "It's Not Easy" - the true nature of friendship and love. "Candle on the Water" - commitment to another and defeating despair with hope. "Brazzle Dazzle Day" - finding the joy in everyday tasks. "There's Room for Everyone in this World" - tolerance and consideration of others. "Bill of Sale" - the difference between loving someone, and just using them. ALL things modern audiences could stand to learn/be reminded of.
Axe all of these really good life-lessons; the nobility of Elliot's purpose; and the humor . . . and you have the "new and improved".
To be fair, it's a good movie by modern standards. But revive a 40-year-old movie and you'd best be prepared to be compared to it. Yea, the effects in the 1977 version are cheezy by today's standards. It's a little drippy in places. But it's a full-course meal with carbs (good acting and story), protein to chew on, moral fiber and nutrients (life-lessons) that stuck with audiences for near 4 decades. What will they be saying about Pete's Dragon (2016) . . . in the year 2055???