The entire world became quite obsessed with Disney's "Frozen" theme song, "Let It Go," a couple of years ago. It's so recognizable, that even with a different melody (and language) people still identify the track. And they definitely recognized it in one of the Beijing Winter Olympics theme songs released recently!
"The Ice And Snow Dance" or "Dancing On The Ice And Snow" has been receiving several criticisms from Chinese netizens for its similarities with the widely famous track.
"They are very wise, in that they have changed everything they can. However, the music and the rhythm are really similar. You will think it is 'Let It Go' if you take out the voice," The Hollywood Reporter quoted a comment about the song by Weibo user Baobao Boey.
"The more I listen to it, the more I feel I'm losing face. Let's not say it is a copy, but an adaptation instead," another netizen commented.
Suspicions were first discussed in the Chinese business magazine Caijing which were reportedly taken down immediately.
NPR even turned to an "expert" on the subject to prove if the Beijing Winter Olympics theme song indeed sounds strikingly similar to Disney's megahit.
Radio host David Greene played the controversial anthem to five-year-old Noura McElwain and asked what the title of the song was.
"We played the Beijing Olympic anthem for her and asked what it sounded like," Greene said, to which the little girl promptly answered "Frozen."
Can the opinions of one little girl and several Chinese netizens push Disney to pursue legal action against the Beijing Winter Olympics theme song finalist?
THR noted that China has a "poor record" of copyright protection with piracy remaining rampant in the country.
Disney has yet to issue a comment on the alleged copyright infringement. Meanwhile, a sequel to the worldwide blockbuster hit is currently being developed by the film studio.
Listen to both songs being played side-by-side and tell us if "The Ice And Snow Dance" is indeed a rip-off of "Let It Go."
