Disney brings a whole New World
vividly to life once again in this musical story from the Arabian
Nights. Aladdin, an eager genie (with the voice of Robin
Williams), and a sultan's daughter take a magic carpet ride
through a fireworks display of incredible animation.
CRITIQUE
For starters, I was very big on Aladdin as a kid - the movie
came out little more than a decade ago so I was very much a kid at the
time - and I remember seeing it at the theaters just thinking, “Wow,”
I’ve never seen something like this before. What Disney did was
capturing the adventure-like quality of The Raiders of the Lost Ark
and added that dash of Disney, and with the comic genius of Robin
Williams (who voices Genie), Aladdin became one of the most
exciting animation films. So, to see the film in widescreen DVD format
and in surround sound, and add to that the nostalgia of being a kid
again, is just a treat!
There are moments in the movie that are just plain awesome. No other
word can describe them other than “awesome!” The song and dance
sequence of “One Jump Ahead”, with that whole Magic Carpet thrill ride
in the Cave of
Wonders, the sequence of “Friend Like Me”, as well as “Prince Ali”,
and the whole entire climax, are just terrific to watch. There’s
hardly anything to dislike about Aladdin. It was an instant classic to
begin with so it’s only fitting – a little over a decade later – to
call it an “official classic.”
THE VIDEO
Disney presents Aladdin in 1.66 widescreen format. Much like
The Lion King Special Edition DVD, this was the first time I
viewed Aladdin in widescreen since I first saw it in theaters.
That’s a treat right off the bat. I’m glad Disney is choosing to
release these classics in widescreen format instead of going to cheap
route and releasing them in fullscreen. The colors in the presentation
are as vivid and artsy as ever before. The remastered part of this
film is truly noticeable when eyeing the few computer generated
images. In other words, Genie doesn’t look as blue as he used to.
THE AUDIO
Disney presents Aladdin in English (Dolby Digital 5.1), Disney
Enhanced Home Theater Mix (Dolby Digital 5.1), French, and Spanish.
Much like the video, watching the key scenes coupled with this great
transfer is awesome, though it’s ten times more awesome with the
Enhanced Home Theater Mix. Even with my mixed feelings toward the
Disney of today, the studio knows how to make a great movie better
with their own signature surround sound. It’s almost guaranteed that
you will hear things you probably didn’t even know were there before.
Dialogue is clear and very easy to understand. The sound effects are
just unreal, almost. And the sound and dance moments blast through the
speakers with great holy sound! The best part is truly the score of
the movie. I would put this score up there with The Raiders of the
Lost Arc.
THE EXTRAS
# Commentary by the filmmakers
# Commentary by the animators
# Restored and enhanced digital transfer with an all-new 5.1 Disney
Enhanced Home Theater Mix
# "A Diamond In The Rough: The Making Of ALADDIN" -- new documentary
# Deleted Song "Proud Of Your Boy" by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken
# Clay Aiken Performs "Proud Of Your Boy" *yawn*
# Alan Menken: Musical Renaissance Man
# Deleted Scenes & Songs
# Disney's Virtual DVD Ride: Aladdin’s Magic Carpet Adventure
# The Art Of ALADDIN
# 3 Wishes Game
# Inside The Genie's Lamp -- Never-Before Seen 3-D Tour
# The Genie World Tour
# Pop-Up Fun Facts -- Watch the film in this special "trivia mode"
feature to experience and share fun and interesting secrets about the
film
# Disney Sing-Along Song Selection
The Making of Aladdin is more enjoyable than the making
of’s on the new Lion King DVD, there are more than several
interesting facts I didn’t even know of all this time. Unlike some
titles (like say, Lion King 1 1/2!), the special features blend
the appeal from kids to adults. There are decent games for the kids to
play; a highlight is the Magic Carpet Adventure.
One disappointing aspect is the lack of an interview with Robin
Williams. For those who know the history (and one main reason why
Williams wasn’t featured in the direct-to-video sequel), it’s
understandable why Williams isn’t presented. But still – I was
counting on hearing the crazy brilliant man behind the big, blue,
genie!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Aladdin was an instant classic to begin with, and now it can be
considered it a true classic and timeless film. This is truly what
films are all about and at a time when Disney had some credibility –
it showed the studio had both brains (and forgive my French) balls.
It was a long time coming for Aladdin to get released on DVD,
and it is good to see it finally come out in a neat special edition.
I’m (sadly) also waiting for Little Mermaid as well. Although
the special features somewhat lack certain aspects, lots of love went
into the making of this DVD, as well as it should be. The DVD is a
must-buy for all ages. If you still have the VHS copy, throw it out
now and get the DVD.
