Many people consider The Lion King to be the pinnacle of Disney animation. But for myself, I prefer the movie that immediately proceeded it, Aladdin. When it was released in 1992, I loved its theme, its animation, its characters, its songs. It was funny and touching. All in all, a great movie. And who could forget Robin Williams as the Genie?

For a while now, I had been wanting to see Aladdin again, but thanks to DVD, I am hesitant to watch the far less superior VHS tape, so it remained in the cabinet. But now, Disney has released Aladdin as a Platinum Series DVD. Finally, I have a chance to watch this great movie again.

And watching it again after not having seen it for a few years, Aladdin is every bit as fun as I remembered it. This movie has held up well over the last twelve years, a tribute to its quality. And while the voice cast deservedly gets much attention, due respect should also be given to the animators, particularly those who animated the main characters: Glen Keane (Aladdin), Mark Henn (Jasmine), Eric Goldberg (Genie), Andreas Deja (Jafar) and Will Finn (Iago).

The story is familiar to most everyone, although Disney as usual took some liberties with its version. In the Disney movie, Aladdin finds a lamp containing a Genie who gives him three wishes. Aladdin falls in love with Jasmine, a princess who can only marry a prince. Sounds like a job for the Genie. Meanwhile, Jafar is plotting to use the Genie to overthrow the Sultan, Jasmine's father. Can Aladdin save the kingdom and win the girl?

This DVD is an excellent presentation of the movie. The picture looks great - the colors are stunning and vibrant. The lines are crisp and clear. For comparison, see the original theatrical trailer on the second disc, which hasn't been cleaned up at all, and notice how different the colors are. The movie looks beautiful.

The movie sounds great as well. The "Enhanced Home Theater Mix" keeps the surround speakers and subwoofer working through most all of the film, especially during the action sequences. I have never heard this movie sound this good before. The combined picture and sound quality made this great movie even better for me.

But the movie itself is only part of the DVD experience. The two-disc set is full of fun diversions for all ages. The first disc includes two new music videos. Clay Aiken recorded "Proud of Your Boy," originally written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken but cut from the final movie. Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson sing a new version of "A Whole New World." There is also a behind-the-scenes video for each of these songs. Also included is the original video of "A Whole New World" by Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle. The first disc also includes two separate commentary tracks, along with a pop-up trivia track.

The second disc also has several fun activities. On the lighter side, there is an interesting Magic Carpet game, a Three Wishes game, and postcards from the Genie and his travels, including some pretty funny bits and commentary by Jafar and Iago.

For those interested in the creation of the film, there is a documentary about its creation. This documentary can be watched as a whole, which totals almost 2 hours, or each individual piece can be accessed through an index. Included are chats with most everyone involved in the making of the film. I personally enjoyed the brief chat with Frank Welker, who provides the voice of Abu in the movie but has voiced characters in many, many television cartoons and feature films. Funny bits include Gilbert Gottfried's backstage chats with different participants from a discussion of the film at Disney's California Adventure. Also included are clips of Robin Williams in the recording booth, giving just a glimpse at some of his ad libs that weren't used in the film.

Also included is a twenty minute look at the career of Alan Menken. Included are interviews with Menken and his wife, his parents, Don Hahn, John Musker, Ron Clements and many others who have worked with Menken during his career. We get to see clips of Menken at the piano playing songs from The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas, Hercules, Home on the Range, and Little Shop of Horrors. To me it is a fascinating look at the man who has created such memorable melodies.

As this new DVD set shows, Aladdin is just as much fun as it was when it was originally released. And you don't even have to use one of your wishes to see it.

- Story by Steve Burns; Artwork ©Disney
Posted October 13, 2004

Steve is a three-time Disney Store National Trivia finalist and webmaster of BurnsLand, home of Steve's Disney Railroad Adventures.

E-mail Steve at steve@startedbyamouse.com, discuss this article in the StartedByAMouse.com Disney Discussion Forums or use the Talkback feature below.

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