This summer D23 asked Disney fans from around the country to decide where we would grant “three wishes”—three special Aladdin screening events to celebrate the film’s Diamond Edition release. After voting, 25 cities became six, which duked it out on social media. The winning “kingdoms”? Phoenix, Sacramento, and Seattle.
So on September 19 and 20, the D23 Team headed out (along with a few surprises) because we had some wishes to grant! Upon checking in at each theater, all guests received a complimentary small popcorn to enjoy as they sat back to enjoy “Ron and John: You Ain’t Never Had a Friend Like Me,” one item of Aladdin Diamond Edition bonus content that had never been screened publicly before. In the short piece, Aladdin writers and directors Ron Clements and John Musker talk about their nearly 40-year friendship, and some of the things they share together (such as lunch every workday) and some of the things they don’t (for example, a love of Star Trek—something John doesn’t share with Ron). Of course there was the screening of the beloved film, which still evokes cheers and tears 23 years later. Following each screening, members received a stack of goodies including a D23 cell phone case, commemorative Aladdin postcards, and an embossed print of a sketch animator Eric Goldberg created of Genie just for the event. And, of course, it wouldn’t be D23 without a few surprises.
On Saturday, September 19, D23 Members in Seattle gathered inside one of the theaters of the AMC Pacific Place, where, after watching the bonus content, Brad Kane—the original singing voice of Aladdin—came out to answer questions for the crowd, revealing he actually had been originally asked to sing the lyric “Don’t you dare close your eyes” in the song “A Whole New World” up one octave. “But it sounded like I was screaming at Jasmine,” he told the audience to a roar of laughter—hence, the more romantic tones that we know and love. And speaking of song, Brad then called up local Seattle performer Fidelia Schoolcraft to sing the Academy Award®-winning song live for the thrilled crowd. (You can see the video on D23’s Facebook page!) Kane was also generous enough to autograph postcards for all the guests in attendance.
Kane once again turned on the charm for the crowd, wowing them by singing “A Whole New World”
At the same time in Phoenix, Arizona, a similar scenario was playing out at the Tempe Marketplace cinema, where acclaimed animator Eric Goldberg—who not only animated Genie, but beloved Disney characters such as Phil in Hercules, Louis in The Princess and the Frog, and Rabbit in Winnie the Pooh—was our special guest. The talented Goldberg talked about working on Genie, sharing the story of sitting in on Robin Williams’ first recording session—and how hard it was to keep a straight face as the comic genius improvised hilarious lines. (In all, there are more than 16 hours of audio recordings made by Williams for Genie.) Goldberg also discussed how most animators go into a film knowing how a character will look and what they are going to say, but because of Williams’ talent for improv, Goldberg noted it permitted him to be incredibly creative and have more fun—and ultimately it allowed the movie to be funnier. Goldberg then did a live presentation—showing the audience how he drew the fantastical character, and one lucky D23 Member walked home with the Eric Goldberg original.
On Sunday, September 20 at the Regal Natomas Marketplace Theatre in Sacramento, D23 said “abracadabra” and Kane once again turned on the charm for the crowd, wowing them by singing “A Whole New World,” this time with Sacramento’s Camryn Elias. On Sunday Brad also told the story of how he was cast after “speaking voice of Aladdin” Scott Weinger, but that in songs like “One Jump” you can hear them both (Brad sings, but it’s Scott’s voice that says “Abu!” at one point)—yet, they seamlessly blend together.
Thanks so much to all the fans who attended. We look forward to seeing all you “riff raff, street rats, and scoundrels” again very soon!
Aladdin Diamond Edition arrives on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) on September 29 and on Blu-ray Combo Pack October 13.
