This week we finally had the chance to drop in and watch the extended preview of Aladdin at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s playing inside “Walt Disney Presents” in the Walt Disney Theater. The special sneak peek is composed mostly of a couple extended cuts from early in the film. First the chase through the marketplace with Aladdin and Jasmine as they sing “One Jump Ahead” and the other and the first time Aladdin and Abu encounter the Genie in the Cave of Wonders.
There were a few moments of the first clip where we weren’t sure if there was a technical issue with the film or if director Guy Ritchie was going for something more like a music video, where he got his start. We’ll give Ritchie the benefit of the doubt here.
The other odd moment is that the Capuchin monkey Abu, Aladdin’s sidekick in the movie, is entirely digital. He sort of comes and goes from the extended clips without much of a reason why. The animation is really good, but its still obvious its a digital creation, not a real monkey. That’s too bad.
In the lobby ahead of entering the Walt Disney Theater to see the special preview, one could spend a few minutes admiring one of Jasmine’s costumes from the movie.
Disney also has released a new TV spot that shows how it takes confidence to be Aladdin:
It’s clear from all the trailers and sneak peeks that Disney’s Aladdin is a visual feast. The movie is currently tracking for an $80 million opening weekend in the US. Are you planning on seeing it opening weekend?
About the film:
A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, “Aladdin” is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future. Directed by Guy Ritchie, who brings his singular flair for fast-paced, visceral action to the fictitious port city of Agrabah, “Aladdin” is written by John August and Ritchie based on Disney’s “Aladdin.” The film stars Will Smith as the Genie; Mena Massoud as Aladdin; Naomi Scott as Jasmine; Marwan Kenzari as Jafar; Navid Negahban as the Sultan; Nasim Pedrad as Dalia and Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders.
“Aladdin” is produced by Dan Lin, p.g.a., and Jonathan Eirich, p.g.a., with Kevin De La Noy and Marc Platt serving as executive producers. Eight-time Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken provides the score, which includes new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Oscar-winning lyricists Howard Ashman and Tim Rice and includes two new songs written by Menken and lyrics by Oscar and Tony Award-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
Aladdin flies its Magic Carpet into theaters on May 24, 2019