I really love the film "Aladin" it's one of my favorite films from Disney because I've had a fascination with fantasy based in the Arabian setting. The fact that they were making a TV series based on it blew me away and surprisingly this show both met and exceeded my expectations. This show is another under the radar gem, which I'll admit is weird to say since it's derived from an unforgettable movie and this show had popularity. But despite it as time went on it just became forgotten and became a lost relic (no DVD/Blu Ray release which sucks hopefully they'll consider doing it soon).
It also to me one of the better movie to TV adaptations that actually work along the others that work like "Highlander" and "From Dusk Till Dawn"; because it was one of those rare examples that shows you can do more with characters, expand the mythos of their story, but most importantly stand on their own.
The animation is very good, same with the music, action is solid, but there are three things for me that really make the show work, for one thing the show expands on it's mythos and world by adding in other types of mythology Egyptian, Brazilian, Greek, and others. This I personally think is an awesome idea and it makes sense since Aladdin is a fantasy story so whose to say he's not living in a fantasy world where anything goes; this also in a way give the show a bit of educational value just showing how broad the fantasy genre really is.
The fact that not just the main characters develop but also the supporting characters as well. They all have something to do and at times have episodes based on them which shows you can do more with certain characters.
The show also has a really solid rogue gallery, most of the villains are memorable. Like Abusmal (played by Jason Alexander) and his subordinate (played well by Keith David one of my favorite actors), I just love the dynamic between both of them mainly it's the subordinate I think is funnest, he has this dry sarcastic witism and it's obvious he's smarter than Abusmal since his boss is a complete idiot he practically has to finish his sentences for him; He's aware of that and you can tell rolls his eyes every time he knows his boss will do something stupid, he's simply using his boss as a means to an end. This dynamic is great because it's pretty much a reversal on how the boss is usual the smartest and running things and the lackey is stupid and susceptible to control.
But my favorite villain is Mirage, she is great from the fact of how powerful she really is which makes her not the easiest opponent to beat. But just the fact that she is a total b....the thought of Aladin and Jasmine or anyone in love always motivates her to kill them or make them miserable for some unknown reason.
But the third is the fact that we see both Aladin and Jasmine have a real functioning love relationship, which I think is great and a bit revolutionary because animated shows at the time never really had that. It was also a primary example of a functional couple done the right way. They both have their ups and downs, help each other, have passion, and both do get challenged both physically and mentally which at times made you feel pathos for them and all the more wanted both of them to win and continue being happy together, which is something all couples want.
Like any hidden treasures in Arabian fantasies this is a treasure worth uncovering.
Rating: 4 stars
