Catalyzes the reduction of all-trans-retinal to all-trans-retinol in the presence of NADPH. all-trans-retinol + NADP(+) = all-trans-retinal + H(+) + NADPH In the embryo, expressed in developing osteogenic and chondrogenic tissues of vertebra, rib, tooth and limb bud. Belongs to the short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) family.