Aladdin Signature Collection Blu-ray review

Sep 10, 2019- Permalink

Disney has now re-released its classic and iconic animated feature Aladdin as part of its Signature Collection. I had a chance to review the Blu-ray/DVD/Digital combo pack.

The main change to the 1080p AVC-encoded transfer is its aspect ratio. The previous home releases were in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, while this Signature Collection release is now in the cinematic version’s 1.66:1 aspect ratio. Other than that change, the video presentation is near identical to the Diamond Blu-ray edition. The transfer is, in a word, gorgeous. There are some digital artifacts and colour banding but they don’t detract from the dazzling colour palette, the inky blacks and excellent contrast. As I said in my review of the Diamond Blu-ray “If you asked a genie for one wish regarding the video presentation, he’d deliver this.”

The audio is also the same as the Diamond release. Your ears will be treated to an English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack and French and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks. Subtitles are available in English SDH, French and Spanish. To reiterate my comments on the audio you’ll find the songs and action are well-served by the surround speakers and the low frequency output gives a firm floor to every joke and musical number. The dialogue is very clean and intelligible, which is so necessary to keep up with Robin Williams’ lightning-fast ad libs. It’s an excellent audio presentation.

The main change you see with most Signature Collections is in the extras. There are some new ones and others that have been removed or migrated to digital only. New extras include Aladdin voice actor Scott Weinger reconnecting with people involved with the production to talk about the movie and catch up. There also a new look at the voice recording sessions, a look at the digital-only extras and some alternate endings. You can sing-along with the movie, a look at the Broadway show, audio commentary from the producers and audio commentary. Digital-only extras include a look at composer Alan Menken, a look at Supervising Animator Eric Goldberg as he discusses his work and draws the Genie, the theatrical trailer, deleted scenes, music videos from Clay Aiken, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, and many more behind-the-scenes looks.

As with many of the Signature Collection releases, it boils down to extras. If you don’t own the Diamond Edition of Aladdin, then the Signature Collection is for you and you’ll want to add it to your collection, giving you the original aspect ratio, and excellent video and audio presentations. If you do have the Diamond Edition, then the main change is the aspect ratio and some slight changes in extras.