Aladdin Video

Average Rating:

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!

Jafar (Jonathan Freeman) is the Sultan's "trustworthy" Vizier who wants to rule the world and gain the power of being a Sultan However, he needs the "magic lamp" too do this, so he gets Aladdin to get the lamp for him in the "Cave of Wonders". Aladdin finds the lamp and meets the famous and humourus "Genie of the Lamp" (Robin Williams) The Genie changes Aladdin to a prince so he can gain the love of Princess Jasmine. Jasmine and Aladdin fall in love together, but when Jafar's sidekick parrott Iago (Gilbert Gottfried) gets ahold of the lamp and Jafar rules Agrabah, it is going to take Aladdin's courage and bravery (With the help of the Genie) to defeat Jafar and save Agrabah!

Back in 1992, The film became the highest-grossing animated film earning over $200 million internationally (!) The film also won Academy Awards for Best Song ("A Whole New World") and Best Original Score. That's how popular the film became! In fact, the film and characters were so popular that it came out with 2 sequels: "Return of Jafar" in 1994 and "The King Of Theives" in 1996. There was also a TV series named "Aladdin" which aired from 1993-1995. Who can forget the famous quote "Jafar! Jafar! He's Our Man, If He Can't Do It.....GREAT! This film is definetly a film that will entertain the entire family! Hopefully, it will be re-released onto video soon so the people who never had the chance to get a copy of the film are able to get one! 90 Minutes.

I'm basing this review from the VHS tape version (since the DVD is not released yet), however, I believe Disney Studios will probably continue to follow the path they've set with other DVD releases -- that is, look for a straight VHS to DVD transfer. You'll get the film, but little else. Naturally, the DVD will outlast a VHS tape and the quality of both the picture and sound should be higher.

On the movie, it's a great rendition of the tales of 1,001 Arabian Nights (with Disney's own plot and characterizations) which will entertain members of the entire family. Robin Williams does an exceptionally fine job as the voice of the Genie -- giving him comic personality and wit.

The storey line is a good one and is followed by two 'add-on' sequels ('Return of Jafar' and 'King of Thieves'), both worth purchasing when they become available (Williams is missing from 'Return', but back for 'Thieves').

The film's music is top rate and in line with many of their earlier successful animations (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast).

All in all, a worthwhile purchase for your home library. Children and adults will enjoy this one for decades to come.

~P~