Disney has made an awful lot of money in the past couple years by taking their animated classics and turning them into live action films. This summer Will Smith got one of the biggest hits of his career by assuming Robin Williams mantle as the genie in the live action remake of Aladdin.
Both films have the same premise. Aladdin (voice of Scott Weinger, live action Mena Massoud) is a street thief who meets the love of his life (voice of Linda Larkin, live action Naomi Scott). Jafar (voice of Jonathan Freeman, live action Marwan Kenzari), wanting to usurp the Sultan (Jasmine’s father), pursues a magical lamp with a genie (voice of Robin Williams, live action Will Smith) that can grant three magical wishes.
Shenanigans ensue.
Watching both gives you an interesting perspective on it, especially considering the original is approaching 30 years since its initial theatrical release.
If you never had seen the original, like a generation of children potentially have not, the live action Aladdin is a very good bordering on great film. It takes the same beats, same songs, et al, and turns it into a very good and entertaining film. Will Smith is charming as the Genie and we get enough fan service to be reminded of the original while having one for a new generation of fans.
It’s a good film that hits all the right notes; it’s a great cover of a classic song.
If you have seen the original, then this is a good remake of one of a great film. The original is a classic with an iconic performance from Robin Williams and the remake is a very good imitation of it.
Both Blu-Ray releases have a solid but unremarkable lineup of extras.
Disney presents Aladdin (1992). Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. Written by Musker, Clements, Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio. Starring Robin Williams, Scott Weinger, Jonathan Freeman, Linda Larkin. Run Time: 90 minutes Rated G. Released on DVD: 9.10.19
Disney presents Aladdin (2019). Directed by Guy Ritchie. Written by Guy Ritchie and John August. Starring Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott. Run Time: 90 minutes Rated PG. Released on DVD: 9.10.19
