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Among its 50 animated films (and counting), Disney has created numerous classics—the kind of movies that don’t just entertain young viewers; they move and inspire audiences of all ages. Each Disney fan has his or her own personal favorites—from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Tangled. But you’ll find that many of those lists of beloved Disney favorites feature 1994’s animated epic, The Lion King.
When Simba (voiced as a cub by Jonathan Taylor Thomas), the new prince of the Pride Lands, is born, all of the animals under the rule of the great king, Mufasa (James Earl Jones), gather to celebrate his birth—except for Scar (Jeremy Irons), the king’s jealous younger brother. Instead, Scar plots to kill both his brother and his nephew, so he can rule the kingdom.
After Mufasa is killed in a carefully orchestrated wildebeest stampede, Scar convinces the young cub that his father’s death is his fault. Stricken by guilt and fear, Simba runs away from his home and begins a new life with his two new pals, Timon and Pumbaa (Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella). But after he’s grown, Simba (now voiced by Matthew Broderick) is discovered by his best friend, Nala (Moira Kelly), who begs him to stop hiding from his destiny and start fighting for what’s rightfully his.
From its unforgettable characters to its gorgeous hand-drawn animation, The Lion King is just about everything that family entertainment should be—the kind of epic (even Shakespearian) coming-of-age journey that will mesmerize both kids and parents alike. It’s a grand and majestic film, with rich and vibrant scenery and a remarkable (and Oscar-winning) tribal score. And the story, meanwhile, is both playful and dramatic—in near-perfect balance.
Scar is one of Disney’s most terrifying villains: a conniving scoundrel who lets his greed and jealousy get the best of him. As he prepares to take over the kingdom, the scenes are dark and truly horrifying, with crowds of hyenas obediently lining up for battle like four-legged Nazi soldiers. And when he carries out his plan to kill Mufasa, the aftermath is absolutely heartbreaking (reminiscent of that traumatizing scene from Bambi).
Fortunately, though, The Lion King isn’t all death and war and destruction. Though the story is definitely dramatic and suspenseful, it’s also sweet and even funny, thanks to whimsical musical numbers like “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” and characters like the fun-loving, insect-eating (and cleverly written) Pumbaa and Timon.
The Lion King is one of those films that you just don’t forget—a magical, musical, and truly majestic experience. If it’s been a while since you last saw it, now’s the perfect time to revisit the Pride Lands—and to introduce this breathtaking animated classic to a new generation of fans.
Blu-ray 3D Review:
It isn’t often that a 17-year-old animated film nabs the top spot at the box office (especially not two weeks in a row!), but Disney’s The Lion King is such a beloved classic that fans flocked to see its return to the big screen—in 3D. Now, after the film’s limited theatrical run, you can bring this magical animated film home, to your own living room.
In addition to a gorgeous 3D version of the film, which perfectly complements its stunning hand-drawn animation, the four-disc set also includes a number of special features. If you browse the Blu-ray disc, you’ll find interactive galleries, sing-alongs, a commentary, and more. You’ll also find four deleted scenes (with director introductions), a deleted song, and a few behind-the-scenes features.
In Pride of The Lion King, directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff—along with various other members of the cast and crew—discuss the process of making the film, as well as what makes it (and the long-running Broadway production) such a memorable classic. Producer Don Hahn hosts The Lion King: A Memoir, which offers some stories and behind-the-scenes footage of the filmmaking process. Or, for something a little sillier, there’s an outtake reel, with plenty of flubbed lines and a few of Mufasa’s vocal exercises.
If your Blu-ray player is connected to the Internet, you can also access the Disney Second Screen version of the film, which includes storyboards, interviews, and more. You can also check out the Virtual Vault, which includes all of the special features that were included on the film’s original DVD release.
Now’s the time to replace your well-worn DVD copy of The Lion King. With its stunning 3D animation and its all-new features, the four-disc Diamond Edition Blu-ray release is definitely a worthwhile upgrade.
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