Disney's Aladdin DVD Press Release (Real One)

[Luke]

didnt BATB have both versions on it? what makes aladdin different?

No. Neither The Lion King or Beauty and the Beast had the genuine original theatrical cuts on the DVDs. For both of them, the look of the film was changed ("enhanced" for IMAX presentation) and certain specific things altered as well. While most of the viewing public won't notice these changes, those of us who are this enthusiastic about our Disney films did notice and it doesn't even look like Disney's going through the charade of including both "original theatrical cut" and "new special edition" for Aladdin.

In this case, there isn't a song which is going to be part of the film, which is how Disney differentiated in the past. The fact of the matter is that the film has been changed for IMAX release, and it is that what we'll be getting, and not the original theatrical release.

[Jake Lipson]

Very well said Luke!

Since there is no new scene in the film itself, there's nothing notacable to the general buying public that would differenciate it from the original, so there's not much point in including two, especially since they would really be the same thing. No one but us would notice the differences.

Sad but true.

Still, for the most part the IMAX versions of BATB and Lion King looked great and were faithful to the original, and there's no reason to think that Aladdin will be totally trashed. It's not quite as terrible as what some people (George Lucas) do to their films, but it's not the original either.

Althoug hthankfully we will for once be able to get to the close-to-the-original version via the play option on the main menu instead of having to dig for it. BATB was not problematic on this count since a couple menus clearly allowed you to select the version you want to watch (and I watch the SE on that anyway since I love Human Again), but I hate how the original Lion King was buried in the setup menu.

Anyway, I've got to go for supper, so you've all been spared a rant. More later, possibly, if feel like it.

[yoda_four]

didnt BATB have both versions on it? what makes aladdin different?

Yes it did, (I think) although The Lion King didn't has the ORIGINAL Theatrical release on it. Some of the animation was touched up. I would prefer Disney release the ORIGINAL Theatrical Release of Aladdin on the disc, as I'm sure many would. I don't care that much if they touch up the stars, etc. but it'd be nice so you know that you own the real original version. I don't see that line in Arabian Nights to be that bad that they changed it (espescially if the original is on the soundtrack CD). But, in the end, at least we know that the disc won't be full of digital artifacts due to having too much on one disc like BATB (I still don't find the "in work" version so important they needed to include it, perhaps more suitable for the Definitive HD discs down the line!)

[Disneykid]

Beauty and the Beast sort of had the original version on its disc. From the pre-theme song scene (when we see the Beast getting a bath) up to the point where Belle leaves (possibly a bit before) is the original version (in the original version section of the DVD, of course). The rest of the "original version" is the special edition. When they added "Human Again" into the film, the castle had to be cleaned up due to continuity. This took too much time, though, so the filmmakers decided that after Belle leaves the castle, they'll let it be disorderly again with the excuse that the Beast tore it up in anguish (in SE version they added the sound effect of the Beast smashing things as Belle rides away on Phillipe). But since the original version didn't have human again, they couldn't pull a Lion King stunt and simply have the "original cut" be the SE minus the new number, so on the DVD they branch off to the actual original version for about 15 minutes or so.

[Kram Nebuer]

I hope this wasn't asked before, but how come the R2 Platinums aren't called Platinum Editions? I was looking at this DVD cover art for Aladdin and it doesn't say anything about being part of the Platinum collection. Is it only in the US?
http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=11952

[Jens]

Yes it is only in the US. Here in Belgium they are called "Special editions". I don't really need it to be a part of the "Platinum collection", as long as the content is the same as in the US...

[AwallaceUNC]

This will be the first time that a different character will appear on the two spines, isn't it? I like that, hopefully they'll keep it up. I may store mine the other way around, just so Aladdin is on the outside, lol.

-Aaron

[Disneykid]

If that's the case (pun not intended), I really hope they went with Aladdin for the actual DVD cover spine (under the slipcase) because I don't leave the slipcases on my DVD's when I put them on my shelf. I know most people here love them, but I think the cardboard makes them look cheap and reminds me too much of crappy digipaks or snapcases, so I just put them away.

[DreamerQ18]

If that's the case (pun not intended), I really hope they went with Aladdin for the actual DVD cover spine (under the slipcase) because I don't leave the slipcases on my DVD's when I put them on my shelf. I know most people here love them, but I think the cardboard makes them look cheap and reminds me too much of crappy digipaks or snapcases, so I just put them away.

Wow you are one of the very first people I have met that dosnet like the slip cases me I am so picky I perfer the slip cases I especially like my Finding Nemo one its allBlue and Shiny .

[Mermaid Kelly]

very nice...I love the revised art
I can't wait till Aladdin comes out!!!!!

[Jens]

Dvd menu screens at the Disney Database! Click here to access them.

[Disneykid]

Yay, it seems they're keeping the CGI menu thing despite having the new EasyFind system! Those menus are gorgeous (Especially disc one's) and much better than the potential ones shown on the DVD trailer. Thanks, Jens!

[AwallaceUNC]

Hey Jens, you should add a link to UD.com under the DVDs or Movies section.

-Aaron

[Scabbie]

Wow! Great menu's! Only those EasyFind icons... I hope there won't be EasyFind on R2.

[Jens]

I would love to! I e-mailed Luke once but I didn't get a reply back. I really would like to put a link to UD on there, but as long as he puts a link to the DDB too (that's understandable, isn't it?)

Anyway, back on-topic! I just uploaded bigger versions of the dvd screens, now you can really nit pick on all the tiny details!

[AwallaceUNC]

Well, there isn't a links section on this site, is there? And Luke doesn't regularly post links to UD.com on your site, does he? So it's not like he's purposefully overlooking your site.

Just an observation.

-Aaron

[Jens]

If Luke has such a big problem with me posting links to my site just to keep everyone updated he can send me a PM if he wants... I really wouldn't mind him posting his links on the DDB. He can come over any time!

But we're really getting off-topic here.. Back on-topic!

[AwallaceUNC]

lol. Just to clarify, I wasn't speaking for Luke.

But ok, back on subject.

-Aaron

[PheR]

those menus are beautiful, I´m glad that they´re not like the lion king ones, these are simple and efective, I love the special features menu, I imagine it with a beautiful score in it and makes me wanna have this disc rght now!

[Kram Nebuer]

I'm glad they went back to the 3D environments rather than stills . I hope though that its not so animated that the transition from the Main Menu of the Cave of Wonders requires a looonnnggg walk across the desert to the Agrabah market ! The only thing that is bothering me is, are these the ONLY menus? I thought there were A LOT more Bonus features on Disc Two than what seems to be listed. From the menu stills, it doesn't seem like there is much unless there are menus within the menus within the menus (which I'm hoping is, and probably most likely is, true).