Aladdin (A Walt Disney Classic) Reviews

• Finally, but beware of alterations!

  
  By AWXBY70IZVIML on 2004-03-07
  When Disney's Aladdin was released on videotape and laserdisc for the first time in October 1993, it debuted with a PC alteration, immediately into the film, as a line from the opening song was changed because of concerns over Arab stereotyping - "Where they cut off your ear if they don't like your face" became the neutral "Where it's flat and immense and the heat is intense".

  As the film makes is debut on DVD later this year, prepare for more changes, albeit subtle. Just like they did with The Lion King, the Disney team is not using the original theatrical presentation of the film, but a re-issue created for IMAX theatres, which featured some redrawn sequences, supposedly necessary because the original footage in question was problematic on the giant IMAX screen (Examples of the changes to The Lion King can be easily found on the web). The difference this time around is that no one ever saw it. The IMAX presentations were financially unrewarding to Disney, and Aladdin was never shown.

  The original release had wonderful color composition, especially in the opening scenes introducing Jafar and the Cave Of Wonders, and Pixar's digital images of The Cave's exterior would foreshadow their upcoming quality feature work that Disney would distribute. As far as casting, it sounds like Robin Williams and Gilbert Gottfried had a great time cutting loose in the studio.

  With few exceptions, this film is a delight from start to finish. The low rating comes from the fact that the original theatrical version will not be used, but the redrawn IMAX version. It deserves to be part of your collection, but not like this...
  
  

• Wow! Classic Disney flick finally available in 2 editions

  
  By AQP1VPK16SVWM on 2004-10-07
  Aladdin" continued Disney's hot streak of family friendly but witty animated classics that broke box office records. Unfortunately, the magic was to last for a couple more movies. No small part of the success of "Aladddin" can be attributed to the songwriting team of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. Menken and Ashman (who also wrote the winning songs for "Beauty and The Beast" and "Little Shop of Horrors"). Also, the witty self assured direction, like that of "Beauty and The Beast", helped define a hip, new Disney that had something for everyone.
  
  So what's the difference between the "Special Editon" and the "Special Edition Gift Set". Plenty but as to whether it's worth the extra cost depends on how much of a fan you are of the film. The "Special Edition" comes only with the DVDs (the featurettes and documentaries are discussed below). The "Special Edition Gift Set" comes with all that plus six original illustrations on heavy stock of characters from the film. You also get a deluxe book that's housed in a slipcase. It's very nice, indeed. Now, if I were Disney I also would have included the soundtrack and also made this edition a numbered, limited edition. While it might grow in value until the next generation of disc players come out and this is re-released yet again for Blu-Ray discs, it would have been better for fans to do a limited numbered edition. Oh, and I forgot the film frame from the original movie.
  
  "Aladdin" looks great on DVD with sharp, clear images and bright, vivid colors. I didn't detect any analog or digital blemishes worth noting. The Disc looks even better than the laserdisc version issued nearly a decade ago and worlds better than the VHS with crisper, clearer sound and a much cleaner more vivid (and colorful)picture. The "Disney Enhanced" 5.1 soundtrack actually improves the dialogue and songs giving them better clarity and added presence.
  
  The extras are a mixed bag but most of them are well worth having. There's deleted scenes presented in rough pencil animation, deleted songs highlighted by the terrific "Proud of Your Boy". Clay Aiken sings a version of the song for a music video. We also get "A Whole New World" performed by the dipsy duo of Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson. The two hour "A Diamond in the Rough" is a fascinating glimpse behind-the-scenes of this marvelous movie. We also get to see scenes from the deleted storyline for the film. Pop-up trivia facts can also be programmed to play on the DVD player as well. The two audio commentary tracks feature the directors and producer of the film while the second has some very funny commentary from the various character animators involved in the film.
  
  "Aladdin's Magic Carpet Ride" is the best of the extras included here. It's actually not a game per se but a magic carpet ride that's best experienced on as big a TV as possible with the lights out. It's as close to a thrill ride ever presented on home video. "Inside the Genie's Lamb" is a mildly interesting and entertaining glimpse into the Genie's habitat. We also get "Genie World Tour". This bit of whimsy is fun and Disney directors actually entertained the notion of putting it on during the end credits at one time. It's clever and a witty short. "3 Wishes Game" might keep little ones entertained once or twice although some little ones will need help operating the DVD remote to play the game. Parents stay close by so the kids don't throw the remote at the TV in frustration. You can also select your favorite "Aladdin" songs with onscreen lyrics to help you sing along (God save your neighbors if you're a bad singer).
  
  All in all a terrific package well worth picking up. "Aladdin" is a funny, charming and entertaining movie with the Disney team at their peak. The "Special Gift Edition" is truly for the hardcore Disney fan that collects everything Disney. The two disc "Special Edition" is more for the casual fan or those that love the movie but just don't collect Disney stuff. I had some reservations about the DVD release as I was afraid they might screw it up but they didn't. The only thing missing is a discussion about the original song lyrics that were changed for home video release due to concerns about their anti-Arab sentiments. Also, we don't get any new footage of Robin Williams but we do see some vintage stuff from his very funny recording sessions.
  
  
  

• Horrible....

  
  By A1O6RPPCZ6YQCY on 2005-01-22
  Why this new edition? I really do not understand the reason...
  There was no need to change the music..
  'A whole new world' sung by Regina Belle and Peabo Bryson IS a masterpiece,maybe one of the most beautiful song and interpretation of the last decades...
  And the new awful,disastrous version by Jessica Simpson and her Hubby really makes me feel so...depressed about the hard times we are living in the US now...because all this shameful,TV-derivated trash which surround us is the mirror of our current society and culture.
  
  

• That's Ah-Bah-Bwah.

  
  By A3O6Q8OZ2IZV90 on 2004-12-07
  Aladdin is one of the last great animated films from Disney, and a lot of the credit is owed to the bad guys. The voices of Jafar and Iago are dead-on perfect for their characters and when combined with Robin Williams in a role where he can really cut loose, they create movie gold.
  
  In a classic poor-boy-makes-good story, it would be easy to ignore the villian and concentrate on the "heart of gold" and love-interest storylines, but directors Clements and Musker gave plenty of screen time for the wonderfully sneering and arrogant Jafar. The interplay between him and Gottfried as Iago is nearly as fun as listening to Williams's wide selection of impressions and verbal explosions (my favorite is Bill Buckley with "restrictions and quid pro quos").
  
  Some of the extras are snooze-inducing, but the commentary is engaging, especially if you've seen the film a few times. This is definitely worth the upgrade from your old VHS copy.
  
  

• One of my wishes coming true!

  
  By A3QOPMJF5LZER2 on 2004-02-18
  I have been waiting for this movie to come out on DVD from the first day I bought a DVD player! This is by far the best Disney movie ever. It has the perfect blend of fun, adventure, romance and comedy! The songs are beautiful and the characters imaginative. Though Lion King and Beauty and the Beast both come in a close second, I don't think Disney has ever before or will ever again make a movie that is this good. Even the recent Finding Nemo didn't hold a candle to it in my eyes. You'll laugh, you'll cry and then you'll probably laugh again! Iago and the Genie are two of the greatest characters ever in any Disney movie. I love it because the characters aren't so one dimensional. Jasmine is more then just a pretty princess waiting for a man to come rescue her. She's strong willed and fiery. And Aladdin, well...he's more charismatic and well rounded then any Prince Charming ever was. This is a must for all fairy tale fans. It's a must for all Disney fans. This is a must for all who love happily ever after stories.
  
  
• Clay Aiken's "Proud of Your Boy" is achingly beautiful!
  By A3Q4WZW3G1DENM on 2004-09-23
  Just viewed the video for "Proud of Your Boy" online at Netscape.com, which video is included on the DVD. Aiken again amazes us with his talent. His video recording of "Proud of Your Boy" is fabulous vintage Disney! Sensitive, awe inspiring, lyrical, poignant, passionate, and utterly beautiful--the song is a showcase for Aiken's wonderful, wonderful talent! What a guy, what a soul, what a heart, what a voice. We are blessed to watch him grow as an artist, person, and man. How can we not love Aiken? He will make your heart sing!
  
  
• Another great Disney classic
  By A2QRB6L1MCJ53G on 2000-12-14
  "Aladdin" is about Aladdin, a street dweller who has dreams that one day he will find peace and not have to live the life he's living being a thief. He finds Jasmine and falls in love at once, but there's one problem. Jasmine is a princess and only a prince can marry her. Jasmine is plagued by the law that says she has to marry a prince and she wants to see the world. She's tired of being stuck inside the castle all the time. Aladdin has to find a way to get to Jasmine, but all he has is his mischievous monkey friend Abu and, oh yeah, the Genie. There's also a mean sorcerer, Jafar, who might give Aladdin even a greater challenge.

  "Aladdin" is a great movie in every way. It tells a great story of how being yourself is sometimes the best thing to do. The Genie gives the movie a lot of playful humor. All the characters are interesting and the movie has some great effects and graphics. Also, the songs are perfect for the movie, especially "A Whole New World." The movie ranges from humorous such as with the Genie's antics, to exciting such as the carpet ride through a place that is self-destructing. If you like Disney movies or if you know somebody in your family that does, I recommend getting "Aladdin."
  
  

• Attention Clay Aiken Fans (Claymates)
  By A30LAL7ZHQCXHN on 2004-08-23
  This DVD features new music by your latest favorite American Idol. It should sell out upon arrival at the stores so order this NOW!
  
  
• why aladdin isn't in DVD yet?
  By on 2003-08-23
  i just think this movie is one of the best movies of all times and i've been searching for this in many places and i simply can't believe it isn't in DVD...i hope amazon to be the first to have it because i'm sure it will have an amazing success
  thank you!
  
  
• A Whole New World of Extras
  By A3E832FY3AIKFT on 2004-07-26
  Disney's Platinum Editions are rapidly becoming a must buy not only for the Disney enthusiast, but also the general film buff. The annual release of the Disney top titles with a whole new set of extras spanning over two discs is now a real date-for-the-diary. The latest for the Platinum treatment is Aladdin - one of Disney's biggest hits of the 'Golden Era' (now sadly ended).
  The film deserves it's fame and success. Beautifully written,designed and animated, the studio should now look back at it and see how it should be done. The songs by Ashman and Menken (with help from Tim Rice post Ashman's death)are excellent without a weak link among them. The same can be said for the vocal talent on display. Although Robin Williams' Genie has always received the most praise and attention, my personal favourites are Jonathon Freeman's witty Jafar and Gilbert Gottfried's abrasive Iago.
  The extras, looking at the line-up, don't seem as exhaustive (and exhausting!) as Lion King or Beauty and the Beast's but there definately seems to be an emphasis of quality over quantity. The main attraction on these discs is always the never-before-heard songs. Unlike the previously mentioned films, Aladdin will not have the songs intergrated into the film. This is probably due to the fact that the main deleted song (Proud of your Boy) was originally to be sung by a character that did not survive into Aladdin's final scipt - Aladdin's mother. The reprise (Humiliate your Boy) was to be sung by Jafar which seems to point to both versions being replaced somewhat by Prince Ali and it's Jafar sung reprise.
  A commentary by the Disney artists is always welcome and the Howard Ashman tribute should be another highlight. A lot of the extras seem to be depressingly child-friendly (hopefully this won't alienate the buffs) with the Magic Carpet Ride sounding like a carbon-copy of the poular Timon and Pumbaa Safaris available on the Lion King releases. An in-depth making of sounds wonderful but I for one could have lived without the pathetic padding that is the 'All New Music Video'.
  With Bambi apparently the next for the full platinum treatment and 101 Dalmations, Jungle Book and Little Mermaid to follow (one per year and just in time for Christmas!) Disney shouldn't need to worry just yet that they are running out of decent movies to polish. I just wish they'd start making them again. In the mean time we can indulge ourselves in past glories and buy this DVD!
  
  
• Sounds like a winner!!
  By A2JT9XZ81VB46A on 2004-05-06
  Well, I first heard a mention of this new DVD on Entertainment Tonight. They mentioned that Clay Aiken was recording a song for the new DVD. On May 5, 2004 at 7:30 CT, this DVD was ranked at #1845. 5 hours later it is ranked #760. Many people will be waiting for this to come out. It sounds like it has lots of enhancments that will be enjoyable. I can't wait to get it. I know many fans of Clay Aiken will buy it if he records the long lost song from the vault-"Proud of Your Boy". I own many of the Disney animated classics (mostly on VHS) and would love to get them on DVD.
  
  
• Vault this Disney!!!!
  By on 2004-02-12
  I'm so tired of waiting for Disney to release their movies onto DVD. Then after several months they'll vault them for ten years, by then my son won't care about watching Disney movies. Why can't they make them available to parents on demand? "Building consumer demand", sounds like Disney doesn't really want my money anyway. If you're lucky enough to get this movie before the dealers grab them all up (just to charge you triple or more of the original price after it's re-vaulted.)then you're doing good. Pixar was smart enough to say enough is enough when will we, as consumers do the same. Do yourself a favor buy a Dreamworks animated film like Antz, Chicken Run or Shrek. Disney films are way to over-rated. My son really enjoys 'Quest for Camelot' and 'Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius'.
  
  
• The Inaccuracy of Aladdin
  By A2RIIFP01IW2WB on 2005-03-25
  When i sat down to watch this film with my niece and nephews i expected to see an accurate representation of one of the greatest nations of our world. However, i was deeply disappointed with what i saw. Not only is the Arabic culture put to shame in this cliche display of samurai swords and desert wastelands, but the historical era is pushed aside in a weak effort to entertain.
  First, i was disappointed that the film was in english. I thought that it would at least be in Persian if not the language of Urdu which arose in the military camps during Sultan Akbar's reign. And Not only does the Sultan in the movie not exist but neither does his advisor unless Disney is hinting at the role Nur Juhan took in her husband Jahangir reign of the Mughals. Also, the architechtual layout is all wrong. Such structures were not created until the rule of Sultan Shah Jahan around 1630. If the movie was set in 1630 though, the royal garb of princess Jasmine would predate Nur Jahan's designs and therefore signify economic stress in the city of Aggrabah (which is obviously not the case due to the oppulent splendor which frequents the film.)I would like to add that due to the strict confines of class in the early Islamic world the peasant Aladdin would never have been allowed to rise to any station of importance. Such fanciful events should be eliminated from our storybooks as they give children false hope and skewed ideas of society and how it works.
  All in all i found this film to be entirely frusterating. When we push history aside for the sake of entertainment we know for sure that our country is taking a step in the wrong direction. The youth of America should rise up against this movie and its subtle hints at white supremacy. I know one thing for sure though, my children will never see this movie.
  
  
• Another Disney delight!
  By A2198FZZMTJ38H on 2001-05-08
  Disney's "Aladdin" isn't as spectacular as some of it's other films like "Beauty and the Beast," but it's proves itself to be worthy entertainment for adults and children alike. The dazzling animation and animal characters will provide hours of mockery and cheers from children, while the superb comical talent and witticism of Robin Williams will be a sheer delight to both sets. The movie tickles my fancy in new ways; I loved it.

  The story centers around a "street urchin" named Aladdin, who'd give anything to live within the walls of the Sultan's palace. One day in the marketplace, he meets a girl who turns out to be the princess, but he is soon arrested at the hands of Jafar, the Sultan's advisor who has a thirst for the throne. Jafar takes Aladdin far into the desert, to a place known as the Cave of Wonders, where he ventures inside to find a magic lamp containing a giant blue genie with a flare for comedy. Aladdin uses the lamp to make himself a prince, in hopes that he may win the heart of Princess Jasmine and finally live in the palace. But Jafar has different plans. Spurned by the princess and annoyed by the Sultan, he makes it his life's goal to retrieve the lamp and become master of the universe.

  While this movie doesn't have the grandeur and magnificence of Disney's spectacle pieces, it's clear that it doesn't need that look or feel to make it work. This movie is basically a Disney comedy, possessing a simple story for children while the dialogue will appeal more to adults as well. It's not a very serious film, which makes it even easier to enjoy the comedic lightheartedness it brings with it.

  That comedy rests on the shoulders of Robin Williams, who provides the voice of the Genie. Some of his best work is done in this film, and he brings some of the funniest one-liners and gags ever to a movie that works well with them. And since his character is one of animation and not reality, then the possibilities are endless. You'll laugh until you cry watching Williams in action, as he switches many different forms, voices and attitudes.

  Everything else for a typical Disney movie is right in place: there's the setting, the Arabian town of Agraba, overlooked by a palace complete with dome-topped towers and sparkling white walls, all with a certain Disney touch. There's the main protagonist, Aladdin, who hopes for a better life and then gets one. There's Princess Jasmine, the maiden whom everyone wishes for their own. And there's the villain, Jafar, complete with talking parrot Iago, who provides comic relief in the midst of his master's evil doings.

  I wasn't expecting much from "Aladdin," which is why I liked it so much. Perhaps people expected a bit too much out of it, being a follow-up to "Beauty and the Beast," but in order to enjoy it, you just have to sit back and relax and let it roll over you. The comedy is the best thing about it, and Robin Williams succeeds beautifully at bringing a warm and funny nature to the picture. "Aladdin" is laugh-out-loud funny! I loved this movie!
  
  

• Platinum Edition of Aladdin
  By on 2003-12-30
  Good news for all of us waiting for a release of Aladdin! It will be released October 2004! This is one of the best Disney's movies! It's a must have!
  
  
• Will rank 5 stars when it comes out
  By A314IEZ2H5JEMT on 2004-09-08
  Aladdin, the movie, redigitized has to be awesome. Clay's fans have had a snippet of the video when they have attended his concerts of late. I just know this video will pull everyone's heartstrings like they have pulled ours from just watching it on the tour. To have the full video, plus the enhanced version of Aladdin, will just be simply AMAZING!!!!! I can't think of a better gift for Christmas than this platinum version...perhaps they knew!!! You can have this amazing story, plus an incredible soundtrack from Clay....how much better can it get? I plan on ordering some for my grandkids...what a better investment?? Besides the fun I can foresee on my g'kids faces, this DVD will be a long time out there if you don't get it now. love to all...Kathy
  
  
• Not decent for young children
  By A3VWQOEGZL51K6 on 2006-11-22
  While I do like this movie for an adult, I don't think this should be rated G. It has quite a few things in it that people with high values would not want their children seeing. Here is a list of the ones I can remember:
  
  1. At the beginning, one of the "bad guys" says that he just "slit someone's throat".
  
  2. There is a part when Aladdin first meets the Genie where the genie has half-dressed girls all dancing around Aladdin and rubbing their butts against him. My young child looked at me with a puzzled face on that part, and made a comment.
  
  3. The Genie often changes himself into women and starts talking in that type of voice. Then in another part says how much he likes Aladdin, but that he won't be "picking out curtains with him anytime soon" or something to that effect. Luckily children won't get this joke, but it could still be considered offensive.
  
  4. There's another part in the movie where the princess is being controlled by the bad guy, and when they show that he has taken over, she's all the sudden in these very skimpy clothes. My child asked me at this part, "Why did they take off her clothes?!"
  
  I would've never bought this movie if I had watched it first. At least not for a child. I just thought I should post this point of view in case there are others out there thinking of buying this movie who wouldn't want their children seeing/hearing these types of things.
  
  
• The wait is almost over!!!
  By A33RPI813B1WBH on 2004-01-23
  First, the good news. "Aladdin" is scheduled to be the next in the Disney Platinum Series of deluxe DVD packages, and will be released in October 2004 (I'm getting my info from the packaging of "The Lion King").

  Now, the better news - having seen this charming movie on many occasions, I know it will be well worth the wait - especially with a decent Dolby 5.1 mix.
  
  

• Out of the Cave of Wonders
  By A1QBWYL3R81X0D on 2004-02-13
  Some of us thought this classic movie would never be released on DVD, Aladdin is one of the most well rounded Disney films that was released in the early 90's. It is above and beyond my favorite Disney film. If your children have yet to experiance This Arabian adventure than i strongly suggest that you pre-order this wonderful view of a whole new world. Robin Williams as the voice of Genie started the beginning of Big name stars shinning their talents on animated films.
  
  
• Yep, a classic
  By A1G53IVK74DLQG on 2000-02-05
  Aladdin was 1992's biggest moneymaker. Instead of fighting their own standards of a superior romance film like The Little Mermaid or Beauty and the Beast, the company tried to open to another category: a comedy. As everyone can see, the beginning in Aladdin is not as interseting as The Mermaid's or mysterious as Beauty's. In fact, there are few scenes in Aladdin such as the narration and other sequences which just don't follow the standards of animation set by 1989's The Little Mermaid or 1991's Beauty and the Beast. But the cave of wonders scenes and the rest of the movie usually ARE impressive and visual. The songs are good, good and quite memorable. They lack Under the Sea or Belle but still, they are good and Aladdin won even more prizes than Mermaid and Beauty. Aladdin is indeed one off Disney's all time favorites. The characters are indeed memoable and beloved. Jafar is a remarkable villain. Aladdin ends up being a true classic.
  
  
• The Greatest Animated Adventure of them all
  By AYQF4Z1EQDACU on 2004-08-18
  Disney's 31st animated triumph, released for the 1992 holiday season. The Thrilling magic Carpet Ride Adventure comes for the first time on platinum Edition DVD. That began with Snow White to Beauty and the Beast to the Lion King now to Aladdin. The Legendary story about the arabic street boy, Aladdin who discovers the magic lamp and unleashes a genie(voiced by Robin Williams) who grants him three wishes. Aladdin also falls for Princess Jasmine,but she can only marry a Prince and Aladdin is tormented by his enemy and the Sultan's advisor Jafar, Aladdin takes on his enemy and saves his love. this is one of the greatest animated films ever,a grand spetacle,this is the kind of hand drawn animated film were missing today. A triumph, a magical celebration of action,adventure,fantasy and romance. I recommend this for a Disney and animated film, I saw this in 1992 and it's never aged after 12 years. So grave your sword, rub your lamp and hang on to your carpet, because Aladdin is flying on to DVD, You've been wanting this DVD, well the Walt Disney Company has granted your wish, unforgettable characters, Abu,Aladdin's monkey companion,Jafar,Aladdin's nemisis,the Sultan, ruler of Agrabah,Yago, Jagar's parrot companion,The Genie,the magical lifeform who befriends Aladdin, Jasmine, the love of Aladdin and last but not least the man, the title character Aladdin.
  
  
• Still doesn't get old since 1992
  By A1AISPOIIHTHXX on 2004-09-19
  Ever since the Little Mermaid's unexpected success, Disney's been cranking out films every 2-3 years and after Beauty and the Beast they worked on Aladdin. Was a smash hit despite not having any name actors, although Robin Williams is recognizable, and a bit of controversy with one of the opening lyrics. What was also different was the approach to the story. Disney always had films that were self-contained: no pop culture references. Here Genie is doing imitations left and right and it was quite different but yet it worked.
  
  Aladdin, a street rat(basically a less-offensive word for "bum"), dreams of living in a luxurious lifestyle without having to steal for food and avoiding guards while doing so. Jasmine, the sultan's daughter and princess, wishes to choose whomever she marrys without it being forced unto her. Chance encounter makes them run into each other and he falls in love(of course).
  
  Meanwhile, Jafar is after a treasure in the Cave of Wonders but not just anyone can enter, it has to be a "diamond in the rough", which just happens to be Aladdin. Aladdin is trapped in the cave but stumbles upon an hyperactive Genie in a magical lamp and realizes that the way to get to Jasmine is to make himself a prince. Jafar finds the lamp however and Aladdin must stop him without the use of the Genie.
  
  Before the realistic Lion King(well as far as talking animals go, there was no magical powers a la Cinderella or 50 story villains like Ursula or Maleficent), Aladdin continues with its sense of wonder where anything can happen. Props has to be given to Robin Williams, who goes as fast as rapper who drank too much coffee, he's non-stop here. The soundtrack is incredibly catchy but oddly there was something different in this one. Ursula had Poor Unfortunate Souls, Gaston(Beauty and the Beast) had well, Gaston, and Scar from Lion King had Be Prepared, yet Jafar didn't get his own song. Considering Disney usually likes to get the villain to sing, that was odd but oh well. Also Jonathan Freeman, voice of Jafar gives a very good performance here.
  
  I don't know if Disney's doing it's entire catalogue with the Platinum edition stuff(they're almost up to 40 already) but this was a good addition. On the way we have Bambi in march, I believe Cinderella next year, then Jungle Book, 101 Dalmations and Lady and the Tramp I think in the coming years. I hope they do the Gold releases too(Robin Hood especially, Hercules, Mulan and the Aristocats) but in october, you should check this one out too.
  
  
• Wow.
  By A13DZQ0NPX855S on 2005-01-14
  I am going to take an educated guess and say that this animation has been reassembled, re-scanned, maybe even redrawn. The lines are exceptionally crisp and I don't think tools this clean existed in the early 90s. Also, a song has been changed to be less racist. Oh, my righteous heart, stop, I can't stand the lack of integrity.
  
  Puh-lease.
  
  This is a beautiful DVD. The brightness of the colors will literally burn through your retinas... in a good way. The sound is exactly what you'd expect from a Disney super-special edition -- flawless. And about that word change? It is so minor, and it makes a better rhyme, to be honest.
  
  The extras on this DVD, not surprisingly, are worth watching. There's a very touching documentary about the lost songs that Howard Ashman wrote before his death, and you get to hear a lot about how he poured his soul into the movie and how it broke everybody's heart to have to cut them. Luckily, DVD gives us a chance to see/hear them here. "Proud of Your Boy" is particularly sweet and Clay Aiken does a good job with it.
  
  One lame extra is the recording of Nick & Jessica singing "A Whole New World." Jessica is a very beautiful girl and she's often endearing on TV but she has no voice whatsoever. It's not even that she's awful, its just that she is weak... she has nothing to offer the song. There is also the original music video of Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle, and while they are not as photogenic, they are definitely more talented.
  
  This DVD is a gem, a great collection of documentaries, extras, and a perfect transfer that make it a must-have for anybody who likes animation. We all know about Disney's habit of forcing people to buy their movies by putting them "back in the vault" ... which is evil ... but for this one it's worth it to bend to their will.
  
  
• I can show you the world...
  By A3NUMCIR2T60XE on 2004-11-21
  This is my favorite movie of all time. Now, let's face it, I'm 16 years old and my favorite movie is Aladdin. I know it sounds kinda weird in a psycho-kind-of-way, but it true. If you were wondering, my other favorite movies include Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail and About a Boy. I'm not all that werid.
  I practically have the whole movie of Aladdin memorized, including Abu's non-sensical gibberish. Every line should be treasured, because this movie is by far the best Disney movie. Not to mention the voice of Aladdin is absolutley gorgeous.
  Along with some of the best voce talents and jokes, this movie has some of the best songs ever too. My personal favorite is One Jump Ahead, where all of Agrabah is trying to get Aladdin. Along with One Jump Ahead are Whole New World, Friend Like Me, and Prince Ali. Wow. With songs like that, why isn't Aladdin everyone's favorite movie?
  So, if you want to take the advice of a 16 year old whose favorite movie is Aladdin, BUY THIS RIGHT NOW!
  
  
• Alas, Disney Studios regrets one of its best...
  By A2T3BN36F730Q0 on 2005-07-16
  I was very excited when this classic was finally released on DVD. It seemed like forever for this to happen. I took it home and popped it into my player and after the initial dubbing of the opening song, the disc began skipping! It seemed to be not very obvious to one who had never seen the movie before. I seen this great work when it initially came out in the theater. It was my first Disney movie of my adult life.
  
  I took it back to my retailer the next day for an exchange. The same thing happened 3 times! I was not happy with the special features as well! C'mon, Clay Aiken. Someone must have made a grave error! I eventually gave up trying to get a playable copy and sold this irreparable copy to a video resale agent. Maybe someday in the future Disney will relese a Brand New, Fully Restored, Special Original Edition.
  
  Has the studio become shameful of its previous work that it smears one of its best titles? I am really afraid what they are planning to do with my all time favorite-The Little Mermaid! In Other words dont tamper with Greatness!
  
  
  
• Wonderful! Spectacular! Sheer fun!
  By A2N206VU2PO60Z on 2003-05-30
  Aladdin is a triumph for disney. Along with Lion King, this is one of my favorite movies of all time. I loved the Genie, voiced by Robin Williams, and his humorous antics and impersonations. I couldn't stop humming along with the songs as they played. The animations is spectacular for a disney movie. I couldn't stop laughing at the scene where the Genie says, "...Jafar, Jafar, he's our man, if he can't do it..GREAT!"

  And I loved how Iago was the perfect foil to Jafar, a serious villain. I also enjoyed the love story that unravels around Aladdin and Jasmine. Jasmine is the girl that every guy wants, and Aladdin is the sweet, handsome young man that every girl dreams of. I also enjoyed the personifications of the carpet, and his expressions. Gilbert Godfried was the perfect voice for Iago.

  I love everything about this movie, and can't wait 'till it comes out on DVD. I've heard that it comes out in 2004. I guarantee I'll be one of the first people to place an advanced order on Amazon.com for this DVD.

  I loved it!
  
  

• Absolutely Stunning!
  By A1PFESICMWDZ2M on 2004-05-22
  (Sorry if it seems boring at first, but don't worry, I get to the point.)
  I remember the first time I saw this movie. It was sitting on our video shelf upstairs, and, despite having this movie for years, I had never watched it. My sister was babysitting me(she had moved out of the house) and it was a special time for both of us. We wanted to watch a movie, and she brought "Aladdin" downstairs. I informed her that I had never seen this movie, before, and that I wasn't sure that I would like it. My sister told me that this was a good movie, so I agreed.

  Boy, am I glad that I did! From the first scene(with the merchant displaying his products), I knew I would enjoy "Aladdin". To this day it is one of my favorite movies of all time(and I'm a teenager!). Why do I like it so much? Three reasons:
  1) The plot. Even as a kid, I loved the romance, laughed at the jokes(excluding some of the many references by Genie, of course), and experienced the emotions of the scenes as the crew intended.
  2) The voices. The characters just seem so real! From The Sultan- a joyful, peppy, and funny little fellow- to Jafar- who doesn't seem as real as the others, but, I admit, the way he is presented in this movie is kind of hard to work with. I absolutely LOVE the voices! They are so good at portraying the characters!
  3) The soundtrack. I am completely in love with the soundtrack(I have the original CD and the Spanish version of it. Can you tell I'm obsessed?). Kudos to Lea Salonga and Brad Kane. "A Whole New World" is by far the best Disney vocal song EVER when it comes to romance(in my humble opinion).
  If you have never seen this movie before, please do. You're really missing out.
  
  

• One Of The Best Finally On DVD
  By A2SZFHWX92NQ5F on 2004-10-07
  When Aladdin came out in theatres in 1992, I was quite skeptical to say the least about seeing it in the theatres. After all, I was 19 years old and thought I was much too old to be seen in a theatre with a bunch of kids. I had not even yet seen Beauty and the Beast. After seeing Aladdin, I was totally re-won over. The story, music, characters, everything about it was so wonderful.
  
  The DVD is that and so much more. The picture is so clear and brilliant, it is almost like seeing it for the first time. The extras are spectacular. The videos (most of them anyway) are great. It was cool to see the original video from 1992 for A Whole New World. Mr. Aiken (always a pleasure to watch) once again delivers a powerful redering of the deleted "Proud of Your Boy." I guess the sweet newlyweds were fine for the new video of WNW...but totally unnecessary. At least we did not get the obligatory teeny bopper stars of Disney Channel shows ruining a song...YUCK!!
  
  Proud of Your Boy is a beautiful song that truely must have been gut-wrenching to cut from the film. However, as the creators stated, it would have taken the plot in a completely different direction. I only hope that an audio recording will be available soon with Clay singing it.
  
  Overall, a must have for any fan of the remarkable Platinum Edition Disney masterpieces for the kid in all of us.
  
  
• a great experience
  By A1SPIFWRS49JTZ on 2004-10-09
  O.k ,so i bought this DVD because of Clay aikens renditon of proud of your boy, it is a heartwarming song and i am thrilled to see him sing it and it is wonderfully written,wonderfully sung by Clay as always ,it's worth to simply buy this DVD to just hear this very special song sung by a very special singer.
  Aladdin is a great story and one of my favourite disney movies but this special edition is wonderfully crystal clear, sounds are amazing and colours just so vibrant and i am very happy i bought it.
  the jessica simpson/nick lachay remake duet of whole new world does not match up to the original,the original video is there too and it is so nice to see peabo bryson and regina bell.
  
  i felt so much of a kid again watching it.
  
  
• A Diamond in the Rough, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
  By AG84HJ0LVEKTT on 2004-12-14
  I gotta say that this movie really ROCKS!!! I spent a whole just finshed watching the whole dvd today and it's more than cool man, it's a treasure to have.
  
  Obviously, I have no regrets buying the dvd. The songs are great, the visual experience was wonderful condsidered that it's been 12 years since Disney have taken everything from it's dusty archives. The extras are wonderful, especially the virtual DVD tour, etc. Adults and kids will love 'em.
  
  However to me, there are a few minor drawbacks about the dvd. One of them was that they had Nick Lachey & Jessica Simpson singing "A Whole New World". Now, I don't mean to be pesky about those two.
  
  But I was conscerened at first for buying the DVD because I wasn't sure whether they might butchered a favorite song of mind / in this case everybody's most favourite song of all time.
  
  And lets face it everytime you see the words: "Nick and Jessica" on MTV channel, you'd literally say "Oh God" and switch the channel without a doubt. Fortunately they did a pretty decent job on it. But Clay Aiken's great in singing "Proud Of your Boy", a deleted song that was meant to be very impportant in telling the story. Personally, I think it's better you buy the DVD to see it yourself. But Clay Aiken sure knows how to sing............
  
  Another minor drawback was that there was nice interview session with all the cast and crew of the film. However, I was kinda dissapointed because Robin Williams (the Genie) wasn't included. I'd say if we can hear what he's gonna say about his character which is a really popular icon in animation, then the whole DVD would be DAMN NEAR PERFECT!!!!!
  
  It's a no brainer that the movie is more than special. It's extrodinary. Tell you this, in my 19 YEARS OF LIFE. This is THE FIRST TIME I ever watch Aladdin. Before I only know him and everybody by TV and books. But watching the original movie that started everything was the BEST EVER. Heck it's even recommended if you got deppression. Trust me, you gotta experience to believe it.
  
  So, if you're still left out like me, go get it now. Let it shine together with all the other newly released / upcoming digitally restored Disney DVDs. You'd do yourself a BIG favor.
  
  

• Cinderella (Two-Disc Special Edition)
• The Little Mermaid (Two-Disc Platinum Edition)
• Beauty and the Beast
• The Lion King (Disney Special Platinum Edition)
• The Jungle Book (40th Anniversary Platinum Edition)