Sekai Meisaku Douwa: Aladdin to Mahou no Lamp
Remaining remarkably true to its source material, this movie diverges only with the introduction of a peculiar kangaroo-rat that befriends Aladdin without contributing significantly to the plot, merely serving as a whimsical animal companion. Renowned screenwriter Akira Miyazaki, known for crafting classics like Perrine and Rascal in the WMT series, spearheaded this project, with Yukihide Takekawa, recognized for the music in the obscure yet remarkable Unico pilot film, also involved. While the narrative encounters some perplexing and irrational shifts during Aladdin's courtship of the princess, the lavish animation reminiscent of Toei's 60s masterpieces, despite the studio's prior glory days having passed, endows the film with an above-average charm, largely attributed to its faithful adherence to the original story. Noteworthy for its slightly more Western-inspired character designs, this movie stands out as a unique blend within the realm of anime aesthetics.