Aladdin - Diamond Edition

Restored to all its splendor in full high-definition and DTS-HD Master Audio the Disney Classic, "Aladdin," available on Blu-ray and Digital HD for the first time in this "Diamond Edition," comes alive as if just unleashed from its genie bottle! Considered one of the finest voice performances by its star Robin Williams as the Genie, this animated feature recounts the fable of the desert's diamond in the rough, Aladdin who is destined to win the heart of a princess and inherit treasure beyond belief.

After a series of storybook princesses, "Aladdin" was a refreshing adventure that placed a male hero at its center, though the story's Princess Jasmine emerged as one of the film's most memorable and enchanting Disney Princesses in recent history. Filled with amazing carpet rides, thrilling hijinks, and a full set of funny incidents, courtesy of a cast of Hollywood's comedy legends including Williams and Gilbert Gottfried as the voice of the treacherous parrot Iago, "Aladdin" is a must-have for any collection.

Broadway's Lea Salonga provided the singing voice for Princess Jasmine and one of the film's most memorable moments, as Aladdin woos his lady on a fanciful ride across the sky singing the hit song "A Whole New World," which won the 1992 Academy Award� for "Best Music, Original Song." The film's musical score was written by Alan Menken, with lyrics by Tim Rice. The pair inherited the project after the passing of longtime Disney film composer Howard Ashman, who originally pitched the idea for the film.

Part of the Disney renaissance of theatricals inspired by the success of "The Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin" stands apart from its contemporaries in its whimsical use of pop-culture references, and still manages to so effortlessly have timeless appeal. In part to his remarkable work as the film's genie, the genius of Robin Williams transcends the technicolor animation, reminding audiences that we'll never have another friend like Williams, indeed.

It's no surprise that the animated feature inspired a Broadway hit show that is still running. Robin Williams contribution to the film is without parallel and explored in the bonus feature "The Genie Outtakes," which highlights alternate lines and commentary from the film makers. Most of these unused, extra takes are extrapolated from Williams' gift of improv. Though Williams easily steals the film from under everyone's magic rug, "Aladdin" did also give fans one of its greatest villains, Jafar.

This Diamond Edition of "Aladdin" is loaded with extra features, including a look at the film's hidden treasures. "Aladdin" was one of the first animated films to include a fully digitized character: The Magic Carpet has secrets written all over its body! A very special look at the Broadway incarnation of "Aladdin" is also included and narrated by Darren Criss, the star of "Glee," and in "Genie 101," hosted by the film's own Aladdin (voice actor Scott Weinger), you can break down all the special "cameos."

Bring home this timeless classic now, before it returns to the Disney vault. It may be a whole new world, but you ain't never had a friend like this! This is one wish you're guaranteed to enjoy forever!

Disney's "Aladdin" Diamond Edition
available on Blu-ray and Digital HD
$19.99
www.disney.com