Amazon.com essential video: Not an ideal choice for younger kids, this hip and violent animated feature from Disney was nevertheless a huge smash in theaters and on video, and it continues to enjoy life in an acclaimed Broadway production. The story finds a lion cub, son of a king, sent into exile after his father is sabotaged by a rivalrous uncle. The little hero finds his way into the "circle of life" with some new friends and eventually comes back to reclaim his proper place. Characters are very strong, vocal performances by the likes of Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, and Whoopi Goldberg are terrific, the jokes are aimed as much (if not more) at adults than kids, the animation is sometimes breathtaking, and the music is more palatable than in many Disney features. But be cautious: this is too intense for the Rugrat crowd. --Tom Keogh
How good-looking is the DVD restoration of Disney's popular animated film? Take a look at the serviceable but dull film clips incorporated in the plethora of extras and compare them to the vivid gorgeousness of the film presentation. This "special edition" also adds a 90-second song ("Morning Report") that originated in the lavish stage musical. To Disney's credit, the original theatrical version is also included, both restored and featuring two 5.1 soundtracks: Dolby Digital and a new Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix, which does sound brighter. As with the Disney Platinum line, everything is thrown into the discs, except an outsider's voice (the rah-rahs of Disney grow tiresome at times). The excellent commentary from the directors and producer, originally on the laser disc, is hidden under the audio set-up menu.
The second disc is organized by 20-minute-ish "journeys" tackling the elements of story, music, et cetera, including good background on the awkward Shakespearean origins at Disney where it was referred as "Bamlet." The most interesting journey follows the landmark stage production, and the kids should be transfixed by shots of the real African wildlife in the animal journey. Three deleted segments are real curios, including an opening lyric for "Hakuna Matata." Most set-top DVD games are usually pretty thin (DVD-ROM is where it's at), but the Safari game is an exception--the kids should love the roaring animals (in 5.1 Surround, no less). One serious demerit goes to the needless and complicated second navigation system that is listed by continent, but just shows the same features reordered. --Doug Thomas
Description: Disney's THE LION KING SPECIAL EDITION features an all-new song, "Morning Report," and never-before-seen animation, giving you even more of this award-winning masterpiece -- the greatest animated adventure of all time. An unforgettable story, breathtaking animation, beloved characters, and Academy Award(R)-winning music (Best Original Score, 1994; Best Song, "Can You Feel The Love Tonight") set the stage for the adventures of Simba, the feisty lion cub who "just can't wait to be king." But his envious Uncle Scar has plans for his own ascent to the throne, and he forces Simba's exile from the kingdom. Alone and adrift, Simba soon joins the escapades of a hilarious meerkat named Timon and his warmhearted warthog pal, Pumbaa. Adopting their carefree lifestyle of "Hakuna Matata," Simba ignores his real responsibilities until he realizes his destiny and returns to the Pride Lands to claim his place in the "Circle of Life." Now extensively restored and remastered -- experience THE LION KING like never before, from its magnificent musical opening over breathtaking African vistas to its emotional climax. The all-star vocal talents -- including Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, and Ernie Sabella -- rip-roaring comedy, and uplifting messages of courage, loyalty, and hope make this timeless tale entertainment for all ages.
Lion King I was led to believe that the DVD was new, however on watching it, it has an error in it. I'm disappointed.
Classic Disney! Great movie, ordering from Amazon was a necessity as the Lion King is not yet released on DVD in Australia. Arrived quickly, within the allocated time.
What exactly is Disney's problem? I saw this in theaters and loved it. Naturally, I got the tape when it came out to own. When the DVD was released, I upgraded to that. This is a movie I still watch regularly. Yeah, I'm a 26 year old guy who likes the Lion King. Got a problem with that?
But what's the deal with Disney and their whole "Vault" thing? How many classic movies are now OOP because of this silly marketing... um... strategy? Now people have to pay an arm and a leg just to own these great films. Referring to the older movies, I think Walt would have wanted his work to be seen and re-discovered by those poor saps who were either too young or not born yet when the opportunity arose to own these classic films. But now they're back in the "Vault." Tough luck, junior. Right? It's almost disgraceful.
This has been going on since the days of VHS. Hey, Disney. Release the DVDs and keep them in print so people will steadily buy them. That's how you MAKE MONEY. People who really want these movies are going to buy them the week they're released anyway; you don't have to put them in a panic by promising the DVDs will only be available for a limited time.
How exactly do you make money off a popular hit by taking it off the market? I don't understand the logic in that. The Lion King is a great movie and should be available for anyone to purchase at any time.
Mufaza's sacrifice Lion King is a story that can be seen from many good perspectives. It can also be alleged that it is not suitable for children, because of the violent scenes it contains. However, most of its content deals with the example of Mufaza to his son, example which lingers in his memory. That alone is enough reason to rate the movie as excellent. Besides, with a good review from the parents, this movie can leave much good in younger hearts about the realities of life. One of these is the sacrifice it involves to carry on anything that is of good report. All minds need direction, especially those of children. My advice is that parents, as they view certain scenes with their children, should make appropriate comments, so as to highlight the good in them. The movie is, then, appropriate for all audiences.
One of the few Disney films I can tolerate. I haven't made my distaste of past Disney films a big secret. I'm sorry, I just can't stand the singing every five seconds. That's probably why I go for the Pixar films. The Lion King is a tad different, for some reason the songs just don't grate on my nerves as much as previous Disney films. The animation is simply stunning, and the story itself is fun. I still don't understand why Disney had to put in the word "sex" when the lion lays down in that big puff of grass. Don't believe me? Try pausing the screen at that part. It's clear as day. ????? Why? Was it a former employee who did it as a joke? It doesn't belong in this kind of movie; I don't care who did it or what their motives were. Still, as a whole, The Lion King is probably my favorite Disney film and I give it my highest recommendations for everyone.
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