Get ready for today’s…Blast from the Past!
From Oscar nominees John Musker and Ron Clements, the directors of “The Little Mermaid” (1989), “Hercules” (1997), and most recently “Moana” (2016), and others, comes this beloved animated fantasy adventure musical…
Princess Jasmine: “Believe me I will…”
“Aladdin” released on this day November 25th 1992, making the film 25 years old as of today.
Based on the story “Aladdin and the Magic Lamp” from Antoine Galland’s folk tale collection “Les Mille et Une Nuits” aka “One Thousand and One Nights”, the film follows the eponymous street urchin (voiced by Scott Weinger) who meets Princess Jasmine (voiced by Linda Larkin) and the two fall for each other. He finds a magic lamp with a Genie (voiced by Oscar winner Robin Williams) inside, and wishes to be a prince in order to marry her, while also he must thwart the plots of the royal vizier Jafar (voiced by Jonathan Freeman) who wishes to usurp the throne.
Fun fact; the film won 2 Oscars for Best Original Score – Alan Menken and Original Song – A Whole New World, while also was nominated for Best Sound, Sound Editing and another Original Song – Friend Like Me, making it 2 wins out of 5 nominations.
Some of the film’s highlights include the familiar but entertaining story, visually stunning traditional animation, overused but relevant themes and message, brilliant music score, unforgettable characters and songs, stellar voice performances, powerful sound effects, and its ability to have aged well over the years.
On a fun note, the flick is also one of my personal Disney favorites alongside “Beauty and the Beast” (1991 version) and “The Lion King” (1994).
If you are looking for a fun family cinematic experience out of a Disney film, then this is for you, or for anyone you know, who likes the aforementioned aspects.
Recommended for Disney and animation fans.
Poster artwork by John Alvin.
Poster design: Unknown.