Return of Jafar and King of Thieves Confirmed

[Trojan Mouse]

Just received an advance copy of Aladdin and the insert confirms that both titles are coming in January 2005!!

[Anaël]

We have them in November in France hehehehehe !

[Trojan Mouse]

Here's hoping that they actually might be working on more extras for the US release. Rumor has it that this is the case and that is why we are not getting the trilogies like overseas. King of Thieves is merely a port of the previous release. The US release will hopefully be all new.

[2099net]

Here's hoping that they actually might be working on more extras for the US release. Rumor has it that this is the case and that is why we are not getting the trilogies like overseas. King of Thieves is merely a port of the previous release. The US release will hopefully be all new.

I don't think that's quite true. The original King of Thieves was 4:3 while the new transfer is widescreen according to the BBFC (I assume 1.66:1). In addition UK movie magazines are now advertising the trilogy and state both sequels are "special editions". I know this doesn't mean much, but the KoT disc has nothing - nothing at all. It doesn't even show a menu when inserted (see FastPlay® isn't a new idea!). So the international versions may not have as many supplements as the eventual US discs, but KoT won't be a featureless port of the existing disc.

[Trojan Mouse]

2099 is correct. My previous post was an overstatement. We are still hoping for more features than the foreign release, however, they all will be receiving new transfers.

[shdwrlm3]

The original King of Thieves was 4:3 while the new transfer is widescreen according to the BBFC (I assume 1.66:1).

That brings up an interesting question. I'm guessing Return of Jafar was meant for 4:3 because of its origins as the show pilot, but was KoT originally produced in widescreen and then matted? I don't recall it receiving box office treatment, so I assume it was made in 4:3 to appease the family crowd. If it was made in 4:3, I would prefer that the new transfer remain that way.

I sort of fear any special editions, though. Both of the Lion King sequel special editions were quite a bit disappointing. Too much focus on games and not enough on behind-the-scenes stuff. Plus, there's the fact that neither of them really needed to be two discs.

[Joe Carioca]

Hey Trojan Mouse, nice to see you got your "Aladdin" copy in advance.
Could you tell us if there is any other special edition advertised on the DVD? Pocahontas, Lilo & Stitch, Bambi? Or maybe that Dumbo: SE (by the way, is it still in production?). If not, do you have any idea when these DVDs are going to be released?

Thanks!