{"id":17053,"date":"2015-10-24T06:52:11","date_gmt":"2015-10-24T10:52:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cinema-crazed.com\/blog\/?p=17053"},"modified":"2015-10-24T06:55:36","modified_gmt":"2015-10-24T10:55:36","slug":"aladdin-1992-diamond-edition-blu-raydvddigital","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cinema-crazed.com\/blog\/2015\/10\/24\/aladdin-1992-diamond-edition-blu-raydvddigital\/","title":{"rendered":"Aladdin (1992): Diamond Edition [Blu-ray\/DVD\/Digital]"},"content":{"rendered":"

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If there was ever a testament to the magic of Robin Williams, it\u2019s in his portrayal of Genie from \u201cAladdin<\/a>.\u201d The friendly Genie has been something of a pop culture facet for decades before \u201cAladdin,\u201d and what could have been a stock character is transformed in to one of the most inadvertent heroes of all time. That\u2019s mainly because Williams instills a humanity and charm in the magical being that\u2019s impossible to recapture. Even a brilliant voice actor like Dan Castellaneta never reached that pitch that Williams did with his turn as the Genie. Though Aladdin is often depicted as the hero of the \u201cAladdin,\u201d it\u2019s the genie that\u2019s mainly the hero, because he doesn\u2019t just help Aladdin, but he also keeps him on the straight and narrow, devising ways to prevent the magic of the lamp from corrupting the character.<\/p>\n

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Williams take on the genie is rapid fire and raucous, as he plays the lonely and enigmatic genie of the lamp who takes a shine to Aladdin when he becomes his servant. Williams is just so apt for the role, and sets a standard for animated sidekicks that future animated films would try hard to duplicate and rarely copy. 1992\u2019s \u201cAladdin\u201d is one of the many Disney animated masterpieces that hasn\u2019t aged a bit since its theatrical debut, and remains a fine stamp on cinema from the late great Williams. Movie lovers tend to brand Disney films as utterly timeless, and \u201cAladdin\u201d is definitely one of the golden age from Disney that fits the bill. Even with the genie spouting various pop culture references from the decade, there\u2019s just something about \u201cAladdin\u201d that\u2019s magical, and alluring, and absolutely incredible. I was fortunate enough to see the film when it originally came to theaters and had a blast with it.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s no wonder modern audiences continue discovering its ability to excite, thrill, and awe. \u201cAladdin\u201d borrows from classic tales like \u201cThief of Baghdad\u201d to convey its own version of the tale that has actually managed to outlive the original stories it stems from. While \u201cBeauty and the Beast\u201d is normally the Disney film to get the critical love all around (I saw it in theaters, too!), I much prefer \u201cAladdin\u201d primarily for its underdog story, more comical tone, and catchier tunes. From \u201cOne Jump Ahead\u201d to \u201cFriend Like Me,\u201d the 1992 animated masterpieces garners so much substance and entertainment that speaks to all audiences, despite being touted to children. \u201cAladdin\u201d is a wonderful film filled with replay value (not to mention a fascinating production story), and if you haven\u2019t seen it yet, it deserves to be seen as it exemplifies the idea of Disney\u2019s \u201cgolden age of animation\u201d well.<\/p>\n

Featured on the stunning Blu-Ray from Disney is a wealth of bells and whistles. There are two feature length commentaries. One features producers and directors John Musker, and Ron Clements, as well as co-producer Amy Pell. The second features supervising animators Andreas Deja, Will Finn, Eric Goldberg and Glen Keane. There\u2019s a nine minute reel of Genie Outtakes, with introductions by the animators. There\u2019s a fun selection of very family friendly improve and outtakes with Robin Williams who plays the Genie. The segment is ended with a wonderful tribute to Robin Williams. \u201cAladdin: Creating Broadway Magic\u201d is a nineteen minute featurette hosted by Darren Criss who takes viewers on a trip through the production of the stage musical version of Aladdin.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnboxing Aladdin\u201d is a five minute Disney Channel prom with Disney star Joey Bragg who explores the hidden easter eggs in the film that kids might find surprising and exciting. \u201cGenie 101\u201d is a four minute interview with voice actor Scott Weinger (voice of Aladdin) who explores the genie\u2019s references pointed out in the movie to kids. \u201cRon & Jon: You Ain’t Never Had a Friend Like Me\u201d discover the partnership between the two gentlemen and their work in Disney during the nineties. Finally, there\u2019s a myriad bonus features for fans from previous editions, including \u201cA Diamond in the Rough: The Making of Aladdin,\u201d \u201cAlan Menken: Musical Renaissance Man,\u201d \u201cThe Art of Aladdin: Art Review with Filmmakers’ Commentary,\u201d a series of deleted songs from the original movie\u2019s scripts, deleted and alternated scenes, a few music videos, a look at the genie\u2019s lamp and oh so much more. This is the edition you\u2019ll want decorating your Disney library.<\/p>\n