Movie Review: Return of Jafar/Aladdin and the King of Thieves 2 Pack

Stars: 3 out of 5
Pros: Decent stories

Cons: Songs, animation

The Bottom Line:

The original?

Definitely not.  Yet still

Fun for the first's fans

Aladdin's Two Sequels Get a Two Pack

After releasing their animated classic Aladdin in the fall of 2004, Disney wisely released the two direct to video sequels on the format as well. The only twist was that the only way to get both films on DVD was to buy this two disc set. Actually, that's not necessarily a bad thing because you could find some good deals on the set. You see, the sequels are only okay, but they aren't anything like the original.

The first sequel (and the first Disney direct to video sequel ever) is The Return of Jafar. Jafar (Jonathan Freeman) and Iago (Gilbert Gottfried) have managed to escape from the Cave of Wonders (where they were banished in the first film) and head straight for Agrabah. Iago just wants to get his cushy life in the palace back, but Jafar is out for revenge on Aladdin (Scott Weinger). Can Aladdin figure out a way to defeat an all powerful genie?

Story wise, this movie is darker then the original. Jafar is frankly scary here, and I have a feeling that this movie could scare young kids more then the first one did. For the most part the voice cast is back. Val Bettin has to step in as the Sultan since the original voice had passed away. The big loss is Robin Williams, who refused to participate. Dan Castellaneta does a good job, but the movie misses Williams' ad libs. There are a couple enjoyable songs, but nothing as memorable as the first film's songs. The film was animated by the TV animation division (in fact, it serves as the pilot for the TV show that aired during the 90's), and it lacks the quality and charm of the original movie as well. Basically, the movie is okay, but nothing special.

The same can be said for the other movie in this set, Aladdin and the King of Thieves. Aladdin and Jasmine (Linda Larkin) are finally getting married. There's just one little problem. Their wedding is attacked by the King of Thieves (John Rhys-Davies) who is searching for one present, and oracle who can answer one question for him. Worse yet, Aladdin discovers that the King of Thieves is his father. What will this reunion mean for both of them? And what is his father looking for?

The big thing you need to know is that Robin Williams is back. You can tell the difference because the Genie is actually funny again. And I loved all the references he made to other Disney films. Unfortunately, there are big segments of the movie where he is completely absent. The story itself is good again with several exciting scenes. It isn't as dark as Jafar, either. There are even more songs than Jafar, and they are even worse. Only one is memorable. The biggest problem with them is they slow the story down. Just when things are beginning to get good, wham, another song comes up. Again, the animation gets the job done but lacks the richness of the first movie.

Both movies get their own disc and shell. Both are full screen and full surround sound. And they both have extras. Jafar has a "Wish at Your Own Risk" game and some information about wishing customs around the world. King of Thieves has a couple of games for the kids and interviews with the voice talent. Frankly, none of these are that exciting.

These films aren't especially exciting or memorable. Yet they aren't a completely waste of time. If you or your kids love these characters, you'll enjoy them. Otherwise, you can stick with the original without missing anything major.