The Lion King
CDN$ 29.92
I guess I m not a fan - I wish I had read the review here warning that this movie is not appropriate for young viewers. I just assumed that a modern Disney movie would not have this level of violence. I also just have to comment that I found the animation, the story, the script and especially the music to be far below the quality I would expect from Disney. I know most disagree but I really don t get it! The music is formulaic 1990 s drivel without any creativity. Despite the violence, it was phenomenally slow and hard to care about any of the characters. My son was so bored he only made it through half the movie before wandering off to do something more exciting.
Wonderful DVD - I love the Lion King and am even more happy that it is now on DVD. It is funny, colorful, and has a message for myself and children. I am happy that Disney put it on DVD. The special features are an added bonus. Thanks Disney.
One Of The Last Great Disney Features (spoilers included) - The Lion King debuted in 1994 and at the time became the highest grossing animated movie of all-time. Why? Because it had everything a Disney animated feature should have: a hero, great songs, beautiful animation and most importantly, charm. It is the story of Simba, who is born to Mufasa and one day will become king of the pridelands. In the beginning we see the strong bond between father and son, as Mufasa teaches Simba the things he needs to know to survive. Mufasa has a brother, Scar, who is jealous of Simba and feels like he is the rightful heir to the throne. Scar sets up Mufasa to be killed and then convinces Simba to run away by persuading him that his father s death was his fault. Simba runs away and is befriended by Timon and Pumba who help to raise the cub. So all the while Simba is growing up, Scar is ruling the pridelands just the way it should not be ruled. The land has become dry and the herds of animals once plentiful have migrated elsewhere. The kingdom is in disarray and the lions, with the exception of Scar, are suffering. Once Simba is grown he comes to realize what is going on at home and he is faced with the decision of taking his place as king or not going back. This Platinum dvd edition presents a fully loaded 2-disc set, wih some interesting commentaries, deleted scenes and art galleries which are always fun. In some ways I felt like the set was targeted at kids rather than the true Disney fans, due to the inclusion of the virual games and music videos. That is a silly complaint on my part though, as I am proud to own a dvd quality copy of the Lion King. It is so amazing to be able to see the best picture possible with all the bright colors, and to hear this on the surround system. You really couldn t ask for more in a dvd. The only one true complaint is the inclusion of the Morning Report song into the film. It does not fit and it was so hard finding the original version without the song. In fact the whole layout on here is difficult to navigate and can be aggravating. Once you figure it out though I am sure you will be completely satisfied with the dvd that Disney has given us.Although I can t personally say The Lion King is my favorite Disney animated movie, it certainly is near the top of my list and I recommend seeing it if you have not. Chances are you have seen it, but there are those who haven t. Great songs, smooth animation, loveable characters make this movie a true Disney classic, and in my opinion one of the last great Disney features (Lilo and Stitch is also a good one), and it is a shame that Disney doesn t seem to want to put more heart and effort into their movies these days. But if you like the movie pick this one up as it will go out of print next year, and I also recommend the other titles in the Platinum line.
Love it. ,-) - When I was little (well littler) I didn t like this movie that much but now when I watch it I really love it. The older Disney movie are really good. *sniffles and hugs her collection of Disney movies*
Pale Shadow of BAMBI - THE LION KING is an updated version on the story line from Walt Disney s BAMBI. However, thematically THE LION KING lacks the warmth and sincerity of its predecessor. Our hero Simba, in THE LION KING does not seem to grow from his hard lessons learned in his upbringing, as was the case in BAMBI. He just seems to stumble onto them. When confrontation comes, Simba rises to the occasion not out of wisdom but out of happenstance. This film lacks inspiration because there is really no idealism presented in the drama. Only, Hans Zimmer s score helps the viewer get the film s would-be message across. I am glad this disc retained the original theatrical version of the film because the new edition included here is just a protracted version of what has already been presented. The audio remastering is just average, as are the extras.