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There were a few years during the late ’80s to early ’90s where Disney was pumping out hit after iconic hit, timeless movies that would come to dominate the pop-culture conversation in a way that echoes through the industry to this day. The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King created a nearly flawless run, the likes of which are seldom seen. Here we are, almost 27 years later, and Aladdin’s legacy lives on, not only through the recently released live-action remake starring Will Smith but through the new Blu-Ray release of this timeless film.
In 4K for the First Time, The Animated Classic “Aladdin” Joins the Walt Disney Signature Collection on Digital, 4K Ultra HD™, and Movies Anywhere and on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray.
If you are reading this, then I’m sure there is nothing I can say about this film that you don’t already know. After all, this is one of the greatest animated comedies of all time. Anchored by Robin William’s manically perfect performance as the Genie, this is just a film that works on every level. My kids already love it, and I’m sure their kids will love it, and on and on. Films like this need to be kept in the conversation, preserved for future generations, which is why it’s so exciting that Disney is ensuring the film is continued to be released like this, ready to be discovered by the next generation of viewers.
This iteration is particularly fun, featuring the options to watch the original theatrical version or a sing-along mode that would surely prove fun for the whole family. However, what makes this really stand out are the extras. My personal favorite was a documentary created by Scott Weinger, the speaking voice of Aladdin. He created this documentary to reflect on the legacy of the film by revisiting original locations where the film was made, as well as interviewing as many of those involved in the making of the film as possible. Watching side-by-side footage of the performers today watching footage of them recording their dialogue so long ago really reinforces the legacy of the film.
Unfortunately, Robin Williams’ untimely passing lingers over the entire set. There are features that pay homage to his genius and serves as a reminder of the true talent that was lost. It goes without saying that Williams created hours of improvised content that didn’t make it into the film, and quite a bit of that footage is presented on this disc, along with the accompanying storyboards created in conjunction with these recordings. It feels as if a whole different movie could have been created with the outtakes he created.
In addition, there is a terrific alternate ending concerning the narrator from the beginning of the film, footage of the performers recording their dialogue, commentaries, deleted scenes, etc. There’s a lot of great footage to recommend getting this set, but the movie itself stands the test of time as something truly special. There’s a reason it’s still in the pop-culture conversation this many years later, and should be a welcome addition to any family library.
BONUS FEATURES ON BLU-RAY & DIGITAL:
NEW BONUS
- Sing-Along With the Movie – Sing along to your favorite tunes as you watch the film. With magical on-screen lyrics.
- Aladdin on Aladdin – Join the speaking voice of Aladdin, Scott Weinger (“Fuller House”), as he reflects on almost 30 years of being Aladdin.
- “Let’s Not Be Too Hasty”: The Voices of “Aladdin” – Take your seat in the recording booth and watch as the voice actors of “Aladdin” work their microphone magic.
- Alternate Endings – Enter the realm of “what if” and see just how differently the movie could have ended.
DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE
- Drawing Genie – Join prolific animator Eric Goldberg as he draws and reminisces about the Genie.
CLASSIC BONUS – Revisit over 40 exciting bonus features from previous releases including:
- The Genie Outtakes
- “Aladdin”: Creating Broadway Magic
- Unboxing “Aladdin”
“Aladdin” is the 10th title to join the Walt Disney Signature Collection, which includes groundbreaking films created or inspired by the imagination and legacy of Walt Disney, featuring timeless stories and characters that have touched generations. The film takes its place alongside “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pinocchio,” “Bambi,” “The Lion King,” “Lady and the Tramp,” “Peter Pan,” “The Little Mermaid” and “Cinderella.”
Disclosure: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment provided us with a free copy of the Blu-Ray which is reviewed in this Blog Post. The opinions I share are my own.
