Although a lot of people have opinions about Disney’s live-action remakes, that hasn’t stopped them from trying. That’s why so many were skeptical about the live-action adaptation of Aladdin. However, you should set aside all the doubts because the film is quite good.
The entire film is large, colorful, and loads of fun. Unlike The Lion King, Aladdin does change things up. It expands on the character stories for the Genie and Princess Jasmine. Both surprisingly work and adds more appeal to both characters. The Genie’s wish to be free has more of an emotional meaning with the way his story plays out. It gives his character a deeper motive to want to be free. At the same time, Princess Jasmine’s story is expanded more here. She’s more of a strong female character here than her animated predecessor.
Unfortunately, the film doesn’t quite add much to Jafar. With so many complex and sympathetic villains out there, Jafar’s motives are still one-dimensional. The fact of the matter is a villain who simply wants power isn’t something that audiences can’t relate to. Also, Jafar isn’t as memorable here as he was in the animated classic.
A lot of that has to do with Marwan Kenzari’s voice. It’s a situation that’s similar to the so-called “David Beckham” effect. The person may look menacing, but the sound of their voice just takes away that feeling right away. This is why the final scenes aren’t as effective as they were in the original.
Will Smith’s Genie may not replace Robin Williams, but he didn’t need to. Williams’s Genie is iconic and is irreplaceable so Smith does his fun interpretation of the character… Big Willie Style. Much like the original animated film, Will Smith’s Genie brings so much fun and hilarity to the film. The Genie is a standout character once again.
Not to be outdone, Mena Massoud is so incredibly likable as Aladdin. He’s charismatic but is unafraid of looking like a complete dork in front of Princess Jasmine. It’s a very relatable experience if you’ve ever fallen in love with someone.
Overall, Aladdin (2019) is a dazzling film with unbelievable sights and indescribable feelings. It’s a film that can stand on its own against its giant older brother. So you won’t feel like the original is the only film you need to see. You’ll happily want to watch both films and like them equally.
Movie Rating: 4/5 atoms
Video
Aladdin (2019) hits Ultra HD Blu-ray with an HDR transfer and a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. As it is with all Disney 4K Blu-rays, the brightness gives the white areas some pop and vibrancy. From the brightest areas to the tiniest glimmer off of Princess Jasmine’s outfits, it just pops off the screen. Also, the film has a wide range of shades of black—from a slate black to an obsidian black. However, the “day for night” technique kind of skews the look of the black levels a bit—giving it a bluish hue instead of pure black.
Regardless, the film is still so incredibly colorful and full of life. The vivid color representation and saturation can highlight this broad array of colors. Though the colors don’t pop off the screen, they still have a vividness to them. The detail clarity is great as well. With as many tiny details in the intricate interior designs and costumes, each one of them can be seen. Also, since the film was shot in 4K, the edge details there aren’t any softness around the edge and are well-defined. Overall, this is a fantastic video transfer.
Video Rating: 5/5 atoms
Audio
Aladdin (2019) hits Ultra HD Blu-ray with a Dolby Atmos and a core 7.1 Dolby TrueHD Master Audio track. This review will reflect Aladdin‘s Dolby Atmos track. Similar to the film, the audio mix is loads of fun. A lot of that has to do with the sound effects panning through the soundstage—mostly from the dynamic presence of the Genie. The entire soundstage moves like a wave and around the viewing area so fast that your eyes may try to follow along with the sound movement.
In terms of the overhead effects, there are a few distinct and audible dome-like effects but most of the time the effects subtle. Both the atmospheric sound effects, such as the city sounds of Agrabah, and Alan Menken’s score fills up the soundstage. The instruments that play when the iconic songs are playing are layered throughout the soundstage. Even with the dynamic and boisterous sound effects, the dialogue and singing are, thankfully, clear and definite. Unfortunately, the subwoofer’s presence is not prevalent, but it does a bit of weight to scenes. Overall, this is an incredibly fun audio mix.
Audio Rating: 5/5 atoms
Special Features
Aladdin (2019)‘s Ultra HD Blu-ray disc doesn’t have any special features on it. However, you can find the following special features on the Bonus Features Blu-ray disc:
- Aladdin’s Video Journal: A New Fantastic Point of View
- Deleted Song – “Desert Moon”
- Guy Ritchie: A Cinematic Genie
- A Friend Like Genie
- Deleted Scenes
- Falling Petals Into OJ
- Jafar’s Magic Orrery
- Anders’ Gift
- Wrong Wishes
- Silly Old Fool
- Post Yam Jam Debrief
- Music Video
- “Speechless” – Performed by Naomi Scott
- “A Whole New World” – Performed by ZAYN and Zhavia Ward
- “A Whole New World” (“Un Mundo Ideal”) – Performed by ZAYN and Becky G.
- Bloopers
“Video Journal” is a fun and energetic behind-the-scenes look at the making-of Aladdin. It may not be informative or in-depth but it’s still fun to see the fun everyone has at the set. Although “A Cinematic Journey” is a bit like those “pat-in-the-back” type of featurettes. There are a few things that you can learn about the making of the film. Things such as Mena Massoud singing “One Jump Ahead” at various speeds to get the kinetic energy needed for that particular scene. Now, “Friend Like Genie” is one of those “pat-in-the-back” featurettes which sing (understandable) high praises towards Will Smith.
When it comes to the Deleted Scenes, most of the scenes are don’t seem to add anything new to the film. However, the scenes involving Will Smith are simply too much fun to skip past. Speaking of fun, the blooper reel is hilarious too. Lastly, the deleted song, “Desert Moon”, is beautiful, so be sure to check it out.
Special Features Rating: 3.5/5 atoms
Overall, Aladdin (2019) is a fun and fantastical ride through the amazing streets of Agrabah. The video transfer is stellar and the audio mix is equally as fun. Unfortunately, the special features are very limited and not very informative. Regardless, you’ll still have a ton of fun watching them.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 atoms
This Blu-ray was reviewed using a retail/advance copy/unit provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment.
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