Aladdin Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Aladdin Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman September 2, 2019

Disney has opened the vault to re-release 1992's animated film 'Aladdin' to Blu-ray as part of the studio's 'Signature Collection' line. This is the tenth release in the 'Signature' line, 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.' Video has been remastered and is presented at a different aspect ratio from the Diamond Edition release, but audio appears unchanged. As with other films in the Collection, this release includes some new extras, removes a few, and includes the bulk of the legacy content, albeit digitally

For a full film review, please see Kenneth Brown's writing accompanying the 2015 Diamond edition release here.

Aladdin Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The most substantial difference between this Signature Blu-ray and the previous Diamond Blu-ray is a shift in aspect ratio. Disney previously presented the film at a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, with thin horizontal black bars on the top and bottom of the HD display. Now, the 1.66:1 ratio presents small vertical black bars on the left and right hand sides of the 1.78:1 display, preserving the film's true original theatrical aspect ratio. The image does not appear drastically altered otherwise. There's certainly not any signficant alterations to color, if there are any differences at all. Color depth and saturation appears largely identical, particularly along static backgrounds where comparisons are rendered a little easier without any changing dynamics in motion fluctuation and near-field lighting. If anything, the old Diamond edition might look ever-so-slightly deeper. Contrast could be just nudged down a hair on this one, but that's really going over it with a fine-tooth comb; there's just not any substantial differences. Additionally, clarity and sharpness appear very much in line with the Diamond release. There are no textural boosts of note, nothing that appears appreciably sharper or more visually dynamic. Fans looking for the film presented in this aspect ratio with a little more visual kick can turn to the UHD.

Aladdin Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

This version of Aladdin appears to contain the same DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless soundtrack. There seems to be very slight variations in bitrate but the ear test produces no obvious differences when comparing the different versions. For a full audio review, please click here.

Aladdin Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Aladdin's signature Blu-ray does not include all extras. Many are available only on the digital version. Below is a breakdown of what is new and returning and what can be found where.

• Sing-Along with the Movie
• NEW! Aladdin on Aladdin (1080p, 30:27): A new interview with Scott Weinger, who voiced Aladdin in the film. He reconnects with various individuals to talk up the movie and life over the years. Also on digital.
• NEW! Let's Not Be Too Hasty: The Voices of Aladdin (1080p, 2:58): A montage of voice recording sessions set against corresponding clips from the film. Also on digital.
• NEW! Alternate Endings (1080p, 2:05): A pair of alternate endings with text intros. Also on digital.
• NEW! Classic Bonus Preview (1080p, 0:59): A preview for the vintage extras that appeared on previous home video releases and are now only available digitally.
• The Genie Outtakes Also on digital.
• Aladdin: Creating Broadway Magic. Also on digital.
• Genie 101 Also on digital.
• Ron & John: You Ain't Never Had a Friend Like Me Also on digital.
• SEMI-NEW! Song Selection: Note that the "Reprise" versions were not included on the Diamond Edition. Included are "Arabian Nights," "One Jump Ahead," "One Jump Ahead Reprise," "Friend Like Me," "Prince Ali," "A Whole New World," and "Prince Ali Reprise."
• Audio Commentary: Producers/Directors John Musker and Ron Clements & Co-Producer Amy Pell. Also on digital.
• Audio Commentary: Supervising Animators Andreas Deja, Will Finn, Eric Goldberg and Glen Keane. Also on digital.

Digital only supplements:

• Alan Menken: Music Renaissance Man
• The Art of Aladdin: Art Review with Filmmakers' Commentary
• NEW! Drawing Genie (HD, 2:12): Supervising Animator Eric Goldberg discusses his life as an animator, his influences, and the joy he finds in animated characters, all while drawing Genie.
• The Genie World Tour
• Inside the Genie's Lamp: Guided Tour
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Unboxing Aladdin
• Deleted Scene: Aladdin in the Lap of Luxury
• Deleted Scene: Aladdin & Jasmine's First Meeting
• Anti-Smoking PSA
• Behind the Scenes "A Whole New World" Performed by Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey
• Behind the Scenes "Proud of Your Boy" Performed by Clay Aiken
• Music Video "Proud of Your Boy" Performed by Clay Aiken
• "A Whole New World" Music Video Performed by Regina Belle & Peabo Bryson
• "A Whole New World" Music Video Performed by Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey
• A Diamond in the Rough: The Making of Aladdin: The Animators
• A Diamond in the Rough: The Making of Aladdin: The Music
• A Diamond in the Rough: The Making of Aladdin: The Producers
• A Diamond in the Rough: The Making of Aladdin: The Voice Talent

The following extras appeared on the Diamond Edition but do not appear to have been carried over either on disc or digitally:

• "Made You Look" Segment from Diamond in the Rough
• Deleted Songs: "Proud of Your Boy, Original Demo," "You Can Count on Me," "Humiliate the Boy," and "Why Me."
• Trailers: For the Aladdin sequels.
• "Proud of Your Boy" Original Story Reel

Aladdin Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Though the aspect ratio may be more true, there's very little incentive to upgrade from the Diamond Edition here. A few new extras are included, but the downside is that so many of the carryover supplements are digital only. For fans who don't own the movie on Blu-ray, this is a great choice.