Film still has magic touch
It may be more than 16 years since Disney's Aladdin came out, but the animated movie, which was the most successful films of 1992, is as fresh and funny as when it was released.
Based loosely on the Arab folktale Aladdin and the Magic Lamp from One Thousand and One Nights, this is the story of a poor beggar who, to cut a long story short, finds an enchanted oil lamp containing a genie and is granted three wishes.
His first wish is to become a prince, so that he may woo the beautiful Princess Jasmine. But things start to fall apart when the evil (and slightly pantomime-esque) Royal Vizier, Jafar, decides he wants to marry the princess and rule the kingdom of Agrabah.
As with any Disney movie or fairy tale, the baddies are seen off and the goodies live happily ever after. But what makes Aladdin stand out from the crowd is the combination of witty, wordy song lyrics, clever animation and the genius inclusion of funny man Robin Williams as the Genie whose seemingly adlibbed performance steals the show.
The limited-edition Musical Masterpiece DVD comes with a lyrics book and offers 'movie music' and 'sing-along' modes - think karaoke - but nothing else especially interesting.
While a few DVD extras might have earned the full five stars - animated outtakes are always bizarre fun - Aladdin is nonetheless a crucial addition to the shelves of any Disney, Williams or karaoke fan.
