Prepare to take care of your goosebumps because, after 23 years, the cast of the Walt Disney classic "Aladdin" reunited in Good Morning America to promote its Blu-ray release on Oct. 13. The Blu-ray Diamond Edition includes extended unreleased recordings of Robin Williams' antics while recording the part of Genie, showing just how much energy and creativity the beloved comedian poured into his character.
On the set were Scott Weinger and Linda Larkin, the speaking voices of Aladdin and Jasmine, who sat beside Aladdin and Jasmine's singing voices, Brad Kane and Lea Salonga. Also present were Jonathan Freeman who lent his voice to the ambitious villain, Jafar, composer Alan Menken and filmmakers John Musker and Ron Clements.
Freeman, Weinger and Larkin were asked to speak their favorite line uttered by their character while Menken was asked about his process in creating the iconic song "A Whole New World." Menken revealed that he knew from the beginning that it was going to be the song for a magic carpet ride. He quickly pieced the melody together and met with Tim Rice who penned the lyrics.
Musker and Clements shared their casting concern prior to production. They created the film with Robin Williams in mind as the beloved Genie, and they revealed that they were relieved when Williams not only accepted the role but was enthusiastic about his character as well.
Of course, the cast's reunion wouldn't be complete without singing "A Whole New World."
Kane and Salonga perfectly performed the song together for the first time since they sang it at the 65th Academy Awards in 1993, where it won the award for Best Original Song.
"It's such a special song, and it's such a beautiful experience, you want to keep it special," Kane said. He revealed that he sang the ballad during his own wedding. Salonga, on the other hand, said that she received numerous requests to sing the song in engagement and wedding celebrations.
Another bonus in the Blu-ray is Jafar's own song "My Finest Hour," which was scrapped when changes in the script were made during production and because of the length of the song.
Watch Kane and Salonga's performance, accompanied by Menken, below.
Photo: Eva Rinaldi | Flickr
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