Aladdin’s introduction to the Walt Disney Signature Collection provides a clean 4K and HDR upgrade, a set of new special features, and a sing-along version of the film. The introduction has also been timed with the release of the live action version. Fans of Aladdin will likely want to add this edition to their Disney collection.
The animated classic Aladdin (1992) joins the Walt Disney Signature Collection following 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. For those not familiar with the Signature Collection, Disney selects some of its most imaginative and original films and re-releases them with an upgrade, new features, and a digital version.
You’ve probably seen Aladdin already. But if you haven’t, or if you just need a quick refresher on the storyline, here’s an official description of the movie:
“Soar away to ‘a whole new world’ in Disney’s animated masterpiece Aladdin – now part of the esteemed Walt Disney Signature Collection and on spectacular 4K! Join the charming street rat Aladdin, the determined Princess Jasmine and the hilarious Genie (voiced by the unforgettable Robin Williams) on a wonderous journey filled with action, laughter and Academy Award-winning music (1992: Best Original Song, Best Original Score).”
This is not Aladdin’s first special edition release, but the movie’s introduction to the Walt Disney Signature Collection provides a clean 4K and HDR upgrade, a set of new special features, and a sing-along version of the film. The introduction has also been timed with the release of the live action version. Fans of Aladdin will likely want to add this edition to their Disney collection.
Our rough, quick description: Aladdin, a local thief who steals just enough to survive, falls in love with Princess Jasmine. But the princess, the daughter of the Sultan, is only allowed to marry a prince. The Sultan’s chief advisor, Jafar, forces Aladdin to enter the Cave of Wonders and bring him a mysterious oil lamp. But when the plan goes wrong, Aladdin discovers a Genie with infinite power. Given only three wishes, Aladdin must choose what matters most in life.
Aladdin runs ninety minutes and stars the voices of Robin Williams, Scott Weinger, Linda Larkin, Jonathan Freeman, Gilbert Gottfried, Douglas Seale, and Frank Welker.
After 27 years, Aladdin is still a good movie. The songs are still just as catchy and the story just as compelling. Aladdin remains a likeable hero who is faced with questions of morality, honesty, and loyalty, and his sidekick Abu is just as cute as the day audiences first saw him. Jasmine (who is, let’s be honest, an underrated Disney princess) stands out in her longing for independence and control of her own destiny. And, of course, the Genie remains as funny and lovable as ever.
As people interested in purchasing this release have probably already seen the movie, we won’t waste time by reviewing the well-known plot. Instead, let’s look at the upgrade to 4K quality and the HDR enhancement.
Premiering in 1992, Aladdin didn’t necessarily need all of the touch-ups and refinements that some of Disney’s earliest movies may have; however, it looks like there was room for improvement. With the 4K quality, the movie appears consistently sharper and clearer. Fine details are more prominent. Take, for example, a scene with fireworks shooting over Agrabah. Each spark is clear, sharp, and rather shiny. The HDR upgrade is also noticeable. Colors are more bold, and different shades of the same color are distinct. The Genie appears to be a more vibrant and eye-catching blue. While the whole movie shows the upgrades, action-packed scenes like “Friend Like Me” look excellent and really stand out from the rest of the film. All in all, it’s a strong, clean upgrade.
Overall, this release, timed to coincide with the release of the live action version of Aladdin, has a clean upgrade and looks great.
Now for a Disney staple – the Special Features!
Special Features
The Walt Disney Signature Collection edition comes with a 4K Ultra HD disc, a Blu-ray disc, and a Digital Code. Here’s a breakdown of what viewers will find on each.
4K Ultra HD Disc –
The 4K disc contains only the movie in 4K quality with the HDR upgrade.
Blu-ray Disc –
This disc contains the movie in Blu-ray quality and the following special features:
- Sing-Along Edition – When viewers select “Play” from the main menu, they can choose the traditional version of the movie or the sing-along edition. The sing-along adds lyrics in yellow text during each of the movie’s songs.
- Aladdin on Aladdin (30:27) – Aladdin actor Scott Weinger takes viewers through his memories of making Aladdin at the age of 16. This journey includes a visit to the recording studios, a day with composer Alan Menken, and interviews with Weinger’s mom, fellow castmates, wife, and date to the premiere. Weinger also gets to show his son Aladdin for the first time and shares that moment with viewers.
- Let’s Not Be Too Hasty (2:58) – Take a quick peak at footage of the actors recording their lines for the movie.
- Alternate Endings (2:05) – Two storyboards for alternate endings involving the Peddler from the movie’s opening scene and a reprise of “Arabian Nights” are presented. These endings would confirm a long-standing fan theory.
- Classic Bonus Preview (0:59) – Catch just a glimpse of the features that can only be found using this release’s digital code.
- The Genie Outtakes (8:53) – Ron Clements, John Musker, and Eric Goldberg discuss working with Robin Williams and the hours of material he recorded. This feature shows some of the alternate lines he recorded.
- Aladdin: Creating Broadway Magic (18:52) – From New York’s New Amsterdam theater, Darren Criss gives viewers an overview of Aladdin’s journey from the screen to the stage. Disney Theater President Thomas Schumacher takes viewers in-depth, discussing musical legends Ashman and Menken, the casting process, and the many roadblocks the story faced. How do you make a magic carpet believably fly on stage?
- Genie 101 (4:00) – Scott Weinger hosts an upbeat tribute to Robin Williams and looks at the many impressions and inspirations Williams worked into his magical role.
- Ron and John: You Ain’t Never Had A Friend Like Me (5:36) – Musker and Clements discuss knowing each other and working together for nearly 40 years.
- Song Selection – Choose specific songs with the sing-along version lyrics.
- “Arabian Nights”
- “One Jump Ahead”
- “One Jump Ahead Reprise”
- “Friend Like Me”
- “Prince Ali”
- “A Whole New World”
- “Prince Ali Reprise”
- Audio Commentaries
- Commentary by Producers/Directors John Musker and Ron Clements & Co-Producer Amy Pell
- Commentary by Supervising Animators Andreas Deja, Will Finn, Eric Goldberg and Glen Keane
Digital Code –
The digital code contains the movie and access to over three hours of special features that were introduced in Aladdin’s platinum and diamond editions.
Special Features Review
This release offers a ton of special features both old and new, but it is a little bit odd to have the features spread out across the different platforms. Not all the features found with the digital code can be seen on the Blu-ray disc, for example. Even so, it’s a good variety of features. Fans of the live action version of Aladdin may find the feature “Aladdin: Creating Broadway Magic” interesting as it bridges some of the gaps between the animated and live action versions. It also gives viewers a look at how the role of Jafar changed the life of actor Jonathan Freeman, the only actor from the animated version to reprise his role on stage. “Aladdin on Aladdin” is a unique way to walk viewers through the making of the movie nearly thirty years after its completion. And the release would not be complete without some form of acknowledgment to Robin Williams and his comedic talent. The tribute to him is not sad, however, and acts more as a celebration of his talent and humility. All in all, it’s a strong set of features that keeps in line with most Disney releases and re-releases.
Takeaway
Aladdin’s induction into the Walt Disney Signature Club is well-deserved and timed nicely with the release of the live action version. The upgrade to 4K looks nice and adds fine detail to each scene. For a specific example, watch Genie’s “Friend Like Me” introduction scene. And speaking of the Genie – this release presents new features that pay tribute to the late Robin Williams and celebrate his comedic talent. The release balances new features with those previously released on the platinum and diamond editions. All in all, fans of Aladdin will want to add the Signature Club edition to their Disney collection.
