#saluk

The film begins with a mysterious figure leading camels carrying baskets towards Agrabah, presenting them as gifts for Princess Jasmine and Aladdin’s wedding. As this occurs, Aladdin tells Genie about his supposed late father. As the wedding begins, the forty thieves attack. While everyone else fights them, Aladdin confronts their leader. After the thieves retreat, he finds out they wanted a staff containing an oracle who could lead them to a treasure. The oracle also tells Aladdin his father is alive and with the thieves.

This film is not only better than The Return of Jafar but also one of Disney’s few good direct-to-video sequels.

The biggest thing to note about it is Robin Williams reprising the role of Genie after having resolved his conflict with Disney. He brings back the comedic charm Genie lacked in the previous sequel. Like in the first film, Williams references several pop culture characters such as Walter Cronkite, Pumbaa from The Lion King, and even his previous film role of Mrs. Doubtfire. His performance helps make the film more than just a cheap direct-to-video movie.

This film can be seen without having watched either The Return of Jafar or the TV series, since none of the characters introduced in those productions are involved with the story, although some from the latter appear in cameos during the wedding. Additionally, when Genie mentions Jafar in the opening song, it can be interpreted as a reference to either the first or second film.

The plot is very straightforward, with Aladdin having to confront the Forty Thieves just as he is about to get married. With a few more improvements, such as developing the titular thieves and the climax’s pacing, this could have worked as a theatrical feature.

Two major characters were introduced in the film: Aladdin’s long-lost father Cassim and antagonist Sa’luk.

The revelation of Aladdin’s father being alive is rare for a Disney film. Normally, when the protagonist’s parents do not appear at the start of the story, it is heavily implied they are dead. This film, on the other hand, reveals his father to be alive and leading the Forty Thieves. Cassim is shown to be conflicted by trying to be the father he never was to Aladdin while still wanting to find the treasure he spent most of his life looking for. 

Sa’luk is a breath of fresh air in comparison to Jafar and the TV show’s villains. Rather than use magic, he uses strength and intimidation to challenge Cassim and seize control of the thieves. Jerry Orbach’s performance helps make the character more than just a forgettable villain, although at some points he sounds like an evil Lumiere.

The Forty Thieves were bland and generic henchmen who barely contribute anything to the film. Additionally. their involvement contradicts the opening line of “Friend Like Me”, in which Genie references Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, although it could be waived off as just another one of his many references.

The animation improved for this final outing. While still not as bright and colorful as the first film, it was far superior to The Return of Jafar. There is a night and day difference between the sequels. An effort to make it look great can especially be seen during Genie’s scenes and the climax. It still had a coloring issue but now looked more like a proper film and not just a TV episode.

The music similarly improved. “There’s a Party Here in Agrabah” sets up the film and reintroduces Williams’ Genie. “Welcome To The Forty Thieves” is catchy, especially if you watched this film’s trailer on one of many Disney VHS tapes. “Father and Son” is yet another fun performance from Williams. The ending reprisal of “Arabian Nights” bookends the film trilogy.

The only other thing to note is Disney’s 2016 Blu-ray release of the film sold alongside The Return of Jafar as a “2 Movie Collection” Disney Movie Club exclusive. The films are presented in 16:9 widescreen even though they were originally animated and distributed in 4:3 full screen. This also extends to their respective 2016 DVDs, current digital versions, and modern TV airings.

It is sad to see this film’s HD releases are only available in a cropped format. There are moments where characters look like they are either in extreme closeups or cut off by the top and bottom of the screen. It is especially obvious during the Oracle’s appearances and a sequence in the song “Father and Son” when Genie references The Brady Bunch.

The only ways to watch the film in its original aspect ratio are on the 1996 VHS and Laserdisc releases. Unlike The Return of Jafar, this film’s 2005 DVD was presented in a similar cropped format.

Aladdin and the King of Thieves is a good conclusion to the animated Aladdin franchise. It has a good story, great new characters, and is the rare good direct-to-video sequel from Disney.

Whether you only like the first film or the complete franchise, this sequel is worth watching and comes Recommended.

Aladdin and the King of Thieves is available to own on Blu-ray and Digital. The original aspect ratio is only available on VHS and Laserdisc.