Let’s be honest: direct-to-video sequels have a bad reputation. Usually, they are cash-grabs that lack the magic (pun intended) of the theatrical original. But back in 1996, Disney struck gold—or rather, Mechanical Gold —with the third installment of the Aladdin trilogy: Aladdin and the King of Thieves .
If you only ever saw the original Aladdin , you aren't missing much by skipping Return of Jafar . But you are doing yourself a disservice if you skip King of the Thieves .
Robin Williams’ pop culture rants, Jerry Orbach’s singing voice, and the catharsis of a street rat finally finding his family. Did you grow up watching this trilogy? Were you Team Cassim or Team "Aladdin deserves better"? Let me know in the comments below!
Voiced by the legendary Jerry Orbach (yes, that Jerry Orbach—Lumiere and Detective Briscoe), Sa’Luk is a menace. His song, "Are You In or Out?" (written by David Friedman), is a dark, percussive masterpiece. It has the same rhythmic intensity and theatrical menace of "Be Prepared" from The Lion King . It’s a shame more people don't know this track. Forget the lamp. The MacGuffin this time is the Hand of Midas —a mystical scepter that turns anything (or anyone) it touches into solid gold.
Here is why this movie remains the definitive ending to the 90s Aladdin saga. The original Aladdin was a love story. King of the Thieves is a family drama.