When Aladdin landed on screens in the early 90s, it signified the fact that Walt Disney Animation was on a hot streak and one that is still going today. It also featured a stroke of casting genie genius with Robin Williams’ iconic turn as the fabled Arabian magician who help make Aladdin’s dreams comes true. Believe it or not, the Disney classic has never been available on Blu-Ray… until now.
Disney has unlocked the vault and released Aladdin on Blu-Ray, Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere and The Movie Mensch has just completed going through the entire package with all its terrific bonus features and we can report it is nothing short of spectacular.
The Oscar winner (for Best Original Song, A Whole New World, and Best Original Score) tells the timeless tale of the legendary Aladdin, as you’ve never seen it before. It is a definite must-own for any film fan, and especially for Disney Animation appreciators.
So, what are the best part of the bonus features for this Blu-Ray release of Aladdin?
We have to start with The Genie Outtakes. Williams’ is a master of improv, as everybody knows, and watching his Genie outtakes will produce laughs and something else, a forever reminder that the comic was one of our best and he’s dearly missed. But now, you have a piece of his iconic magic – forever.
While still talking the magic of Williams’ Genie, Genie 101 features a familiar host, Scott Weinger (the voice of Aladdin), taking viewers through the numerous transformations of the famous (and formerly famous) celebrity references of the Genie. It is a delight and a rare bonus feature that transcends the film itself.
We also found especially fascinating a look behind the making of the movie that also goes beyond Aladdin itself. Directors John Musker and Ron Clements have a long history at Disney and their work is examined in the enlightening and educational Ron & John: You Ain’t Never Had a Friend Like Me.
For fans of the Easter eggs that always permeate Disney movies, you don’t want to miss Unboxing Aladdin as the Disney Channel’s Joey Bragg takes audiences through Aladdin and reveals those little moments you might have missed the first time around that will have all Disney fans aghast at their brilliance.
Showing us how the magic of Aladdin permeates pop culture beyond the film itself, the bonus feature Aladdin: Creating Broadway Magic finds former Glee star Darren Criss revealing how the legendary film became a blockbuster Broadway musical. Adding their two cents is composer Alan Menken and many others who were integral to bringing a Disney classic to the Great White Way.
Movie Itself: A+
Bonus Features: A