Dr. DVD Raves about 'Aladdin'

nbc4i.com
Dr. DVD Raves About 'Aladdin'
Another Season Of 'Angel' Arrives
By: Dr. DVD
E-mail: DrDVD@nbc4i.com


Full Review

'Aladdin'

Walt Disney Home Entertainment

Review by Dr. DVD

Topping "The Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast" may have seemed like a daunting task, but Disney did it with "Aladdin."

The secret is composer Alan Menken, the music voice of the previous two features. Mix in the wonderfully manic voice of Robin Williams and there was no way it could miss. "Aladdin" is warm, funny and the songs are impossible to resist. Best of all, the films message of finding "the diamond in the rough" is an important one. It's all about being yourself. Aladdin never really needed the Genie to get the girl. Everything he needed he already had, and that's a message I would want my children to embrace.

Aladdin DVD/2004/1011/3800536.jpg/2004/1011/3800536_40X30.jpg/2004/1011/3800536_60X45.jpg/2004/1011/3800536_80X60.jpg/2004/1011/3800536_120X90.jpg/2004/1011/3800536_200X150.jpg/2004/1011/3800536_320X240.jpg

The DVD has been one of the most requested Disney titles since the format debuted. "Aladdin" hasn't been available on home video in more than 10 years, and Disney spared no expense in doing it up right.

Along with the customary games, teasers and interviews, this "platinum" edition of "Aladdin" includes several really special features. First up is a "making of" documentary that actually runs LONGER than the film. It's exhaustive and yet entertaining. My favorite would have to be the footage of all the principal "Aladdin' voice talents actually recording their lines. It must have been a tremendously fun environment to work in and you can really feel the energy that Robin Williams brought to the role.

Next up is a roundtable discussion by the producers. They share some interesting stories about the movie in its early stages. Originally, Aladdin was going to be much younger and his mother was a big part of the story. A good ways into preproduction, the studio stepped in and asked for a new direction. Although it forced the team to work furiously to meet their deadlines, the end result proved to be artistically and financially successful.

Finally, the bonus DVD features many of the songs discarded after the original storyline changed. One such song is "Proud Of Your Boy," which is included in its original form and as a newly recorded single by Clay Aiken. "Proud Of Your Boy" is very moving, and the accompanying music video is well produced.

Earlier in the month, I attended a press event for the "Aladdin" DVD held in New York City. Alan Menken and Clay Aiken were both present, and I had the pleasure of talking to them both about the song. Menken noted that the DVD format was perfect to resurrect a song that had the distinction of being one of the last from the Academy Award-winning partnership he shared with Howard Ashman.

"There will never be another Ashman-Menken song, so it's nice to have this available to be heard," Menken said. "I think it sits nicely next to the likes of 'Part Of Your World' and 'Beauty And The Beast.' "

Clay Aiken spoke about becoming part of the Disney legacy.

"I grew up with Disney music and I've always wanted to be a part of it," Aiken said. "You've heard about the Disney vault? Now I get to be in it."

"Aladdin" is great family fun and I cannot recommend it enough.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------