Aladdin

Aladdin is a romantic tale from the Arabian nights. The film released by Disney was based on the Arab folktale of Aladdin and the magic lamp from One Thousand and One Nights. Aladdin was part of the Disney renaissance era and starred Scott Weinger, Jonathon Freeman and Robin Williams as the genie of the lamp.

Audiences loved this film with it slightly more modern plot and love story intertwined. Robin Williams’ frantically hilarious vocal performance as Aladdin's genie makes the film much more appealing to adults as well as children. The character of the wicked vizier Jafar is the perfect counter point to Aladdin’s goodness plus the parrot Iago is a great evil sidekick.

Interestingly Robin Williams had a falling out with Disney due to their use of his name and picture in marketing materials which he had expressly forbidden, they later apologised and Williams went on to voice the Genie in subsequent films.

The story of the poor boy that finds the magic lamp and makes good to marry the princess is a familiar one. However, Disney made more of the princess character which gives the film more depth; she is a headstrong beautiful young woman who is angry at being forced to marry a prince. When she meets a beggar boy in the market her world is turned upside down as is his.

Cinema release 1992

Certificate U

Available on DVD and Blue Ray