Rating: 
Summary: The King is Back!!
Review: I hadn't seen this film since it opened 10 (?) years ago, so I'd forgotten just how spectacular it is. Everything -- and I mean, everything -- from the luscious animation to the witty script (performed to perfection by the all-star cast) to the catchy score (OK, Scar's song is a bit pretentious) works like vintage Disney animation magic. Hard to believe (according to one of the documentary extras) that this was the "B" film that the Disney animation department was working on at the time. (The politically correct, DOA "Pochohantas" being the "A" film!) So why not five stars? Personally, I find the DVD extras on this two-disc edition to be more pewter than platinum. But the film is the thing, and it's incredible. Probably, in my opinion, the most all-around rewarding of ANY of Disney's many classics.
Rating:
Summary: Great animated film
Review: Summary:
Simba (Matthew Broderick - voice; Joseph Williams singing voice), the son of Mufasa (James Earl Jones - voice), the current Lion King, begins the movie by losing his place as heir to the throne due to the manipulations of his evil uncle,
Scar (Jeremy Irons - voice). The plot results in the death of Mufasa and Simba believes he caused the death, so he leaves The Pridelands as an exile.
While in the jungle in exile, Simba makes friends with Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella - voice) and Timon (Nathan Lane - voice), who help Simba get past his guilt by teaching him to live a care free live. This all changes when Simba's childhood friend, Nala (Moira Kelly - voice), now a lioness, enters Simba's new stomping ground and nearly eats his new friends. Simba saves them only to find that Nala is hunting here because Scar has ruined The Pridelands.
With the help of the Prideland's mystic, Rafiki (Robert Guillaume - voice), Nala convinces Simba to return to The Pridelands, defeat Scar, and return everything to how it once was. Simba, with his new friends, and the help of Rafiki (who also happens to be an expert martial artist) and the lionnesses, attacks Scar and his hyena minions and reclaims his throne.
My Comments:
Though many will likely disagree, I think this Disney animated film is only the second best ever created, the best being 'The Little Mermaid'. But I did greatly enjoy both films.
What makes The Lion King such an endearing story to me is that it deals with rather complex social issues and does so quite compellingly. The first one is the idea of shame and guilt. Though ultimately it takes Simba realizing that he didn't cause his father's death for him to get over the guilt and it is a bit unclear whether or not the movie is actually encouraging of the care free method for dealing with the guilt, I thought the movie's treatment of the issue was ambiguous enough to allow for numerous personal interpretations.
The idea of Hakunah Matata (spelling?) or 'no worries' seems similar to the philosophies of Bertrand Russell, if I understand his perspective clearly. Essentially, Russell didn't think there were very many things that should warrant guilt. Now don't misconstrue what I am saying. Russell and Hakunah Matata don't advocate taking the idea of 'no guilt' to its extreme (i.e., don't worry about anything, including providing for your own food), but it does represent a counter perspective to the guilt complex so commonly found in religion (Russell was an atheist). Thus, Simba's approach to dealing with the guilt is generally an approach I would advocate for dealing with guilt that is brought on through the more menial types of things in life (e.g., sin and the socially constructed 'guilts' found in religion). I do believe there are times when guilt is psychologically healthy (e.g., when you have intentionally hurt a loved one emotionally or committed a serious crime), but with many of the lesser behaviors, thoughts, etc. that generally accompany guilt, I think the Hakunah Matata approach is a much better philosophy of life.
The second idea that this film addresses is death (another Disney film that deals with death is 'Tuck Everlasting'). Though I would guess that the general understanding of the discussion of death in this film probably includes some ideas surrounding religion, I believe you can interpret the story without including religious beliefs, which is part of the reason that I like it. Essentially, the movie says that when people die they join their ancestors in the heavens (very 'religiony'). But a looser interpretation could also be that when people die they join the legions of those that have passed on that have left some legacy on the future. The movie doesn't necessarily have to imply a notion of heaven; it could just as easily be interpreted as an idea of an accumulation of traditions, knowledge, and respect, which I would here combine into one word - a legacy. Mufasa left Simba a legacy. Now, not all legacies are good ones, but all legacies can teach a lesson. I think The Lion King can be interpreted secularly to imply that the deceased should be appreciated (for either their good or bad contributions to society), and their lessons they have taught humanity should be cherished (be them good or bad).
Anyway, I've definitely spent far too much time reading into a film that is generally seen as a movie for kids. As far as the movie goes, I really don't have any criticisms. It's a good movie with a solid story. I can't think of problems with the film off-hand, which is probably why I chose to offer the insights above rather than attempt to critique the movie. As noted, I did like 'The Little Mermaid' better, in part because I think the story (and issues, yes, I like to read into these films) was more poignant to me at that particular point in my life. I'm only giving this film 4 stars because it isn't as good as The Little Mermaid, but it is definitely a movie that people should see.
Rating: 
Summary: The Lion King an all time classic finally on DVD, from Peru!
Review: Hola Amigos;
Last week (October 2003) when I came in my local Blockbuster just to look around I was so happily surprised to find "The Lion King" Special Edition DVD in a full shelf specially crafted for this premiere.
I was waiting so long for this release on DVD. I actually thought that here in Peru it was going to be very difficult to find it since all the time I asked for this movie all only they got was the Lion King 2 for renting on DVD.
I finally got it! I must say I almost burst into tears when I started to watch it on my TV screen. I was long ago since I last enjoyed of this movie. It was as colorful and bright in both english and spanish versions as I recalled it.
I first watch it when I started the university back to 1994 and it really meant a lot for me by that time.
I actually still have a good time by listening to the different tracks on my PC (the soundtrack without any dialogue is fantastic!)
If you ever come to Peru let me know since I work for the Tourist Information here in Lima-Peru and I like to have friends from all over the world.
WELCOME TO PERU THE PROUD LAND OF THE INCAS!Cesar Dominguez
A Peruvian Young Man of Honor
Lima-Peru
This is my homepage with some pictures of Machu Picchu: http://connect.to/Peru
cesards@hotmail.com, cesards@yahoo.com
Rating:
Summary: Make that 50 stars!!!!
Review: This is right up there with ''The nightmare before Christmas'',
''Treasure planet'', ''E.T.'' and ''Sprited away'' as my favorite movie. Trust me,it's that good. Bottom line:BUY THIS DVD RIGHT NOW.
Rating:
Summary: Best Disney Movie EVER!
Review: If I could rate this movie higher than 5 stars I would. I have been waiting almost ten years to buy this movie. It is the best Disney movie of all time! The songs are by Elton John, it has the voice of James Earl Jones, and it's Disney. Need I say more? This a movie for children and adults. I recommend that everyone own this movie...before it goes back in the Disney vaults FOREVER!
Rating:
Summary: The best selling movie is back
Review: It's wonderful that Disney decided to rerelease "The Lion King". It's more than just a rerelease, they added some new features like deleted scenes, a new song by Elton John, the restored and remastered version, and much more. This gives the soon-to-be classic the continuing recognition that it deserves. Besides this, the production and the animation was wonderfully projected for its 1994 release. The setting and the animals' behavior proves that the creaters researched everything fully. The accuracy is perfent. The storyline is enjoyable for those of all ages, combining musical, action, comedy, and suspense. Such combination keeps the audience's eyes close to the screen, always anxious to the next scene. The songs are very catchy, symbolizing the events. The actors perform their voiceovers wonderfully, giving their characters the humor and suspense: Oscar winners Whoopi Goldberg and Jeremy Irons, Oscar nominee James Earl Jones, Tony winners Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Cheech Marin, Roman Atkinson, and more. Elton John and Tim Rice offer their knowledge to the music. Their catchy music won them an Oscar for Best Original Song("Can You Feel the Love Tonight"). The score writer also won an Oscar for his efforts. His research of African music helped his music shine with the animated surroundings. The songs blend perfectly with the script, giving them smooth unity. The special features DVD features two music videos: "Circle of Life" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight". Fans of this music should also buy the soundtrack. It's as enjoyable as the movie. Other special features include a behind-the-scenes look at the making of "The Lion King". The many games created specially for this rerelease are enjoyable. One feature offers the music with subtitles, allowing a sing-along festival. The 1994 interview with Elton John offers some interesting words. Those who watch "The Lion King" will not be disappointed. Fans of this movie should also purchase the original 1994 release. Though the same, it travels deeper through the producers' minds from the time of creation.
Rating:
Summary: The Movie vs. The DVD
Review: The movie rises above the DVD in this package. I don't like the addition of a new song, but the original version is included, so it's tough to complain too loudly. I think the games are too inane even for children, but, then again, who buys a Disney disc for a couple of five minute games? On the second disc, I think that the way the features are split up into different sections of Africa is a little overly cute, but when you do find the features, they're pretty good, and don't come off sounding like advertisments for the company like on some of the other Disney discs. If you like the movie, which you should, this disc will more than satisfy you, if only for the clarity and quality of the picture and sound on the movie itself. A great buy.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent DVD production of a 5 star movie
Review: This movie easily makes it into my top 10 movies list. But everyone already knows/owns/or at least has seeen this movie, so... is the DVD worth buying? I would have to say yes. They put a lot of effort into making the picture sharp and colors "spot on". I personally find the commentary fascinating, and my 5 year old loves the virtual safari. Some of the extras are hideous (like the "Circle of Friends" singing "The Circle of Life"), but some people's trash... Anyway, the movie quality alone is worth the DVD.
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful world of ads
Review: Sure, the king of beasts knows every inch of the Serengeti, but let's see that sucker try to navigate this DVD. For the long-awaited DVD debut of "The Lion King," Disney has created one of the format's most byzantine navigation schemes to date. Seven-year-olds might sense some sort of internal logic here, but most parents will be stumped and peeved. Breathe, close your eyes and try very hard not to throw the remote control. It doesn't help that the feature-film disc opens with eight "sneak previews" and a live-action commercial for Disney World. What should be an event experience is cheapened before it begins: "The Lion King" -- a crown jewel of modern Disney animation -- unspools like any straight-to-video kiddie show. It's a shame, because otherwise, "The Lion King" gets the royal treatment. Restored and remastered, "The Lion King" looks and sounds spectacular. Colors can be wildly saturated without loss in definition -- as in baby Simba's Busby Berkeley-inspired "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" -- or subtle and true to life. The audio defaults to the theatrical surround mix, but anyone with decent gear should switch immediately to the so-called Enhanced Home Theatre Mix (both are Dolby Digital 5.1). "It will test your home system set-up," vows the proud rerecording engineer Terry Porter, who gets to explain his work in an unusual but quite welcome DVD extra. (It's on disc 2; dig deep to find it). Most viewers will first view the new version of the film, which has an added song, by Elton John and Tim Rice, that's explained in a making-of featurette. Rice describes the music-hall-like "Morning Report" as "a lot of bad animal puns." The song, sung by Zazu, runs less than 90 seconds and comes early in the film. It's fun, but you'll probably prefer the original pacing. Viewers not interested in chasing around the DVD set to get the lowdown on the film -- there's a swarm of quick-cut Disney docus -- will do just fine with the commentary by producer Don Hahn and directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff. It's recycled from the laserdisc but not the least bit dated. One of the best extras has old footage of Elton John at the piano, tentatively unveiling "The Circle of Life" for the Disney team. Must to avoid: An unfortunate music video has the current stars of the Disney Channel romping through "Circle of Life."
Rating:
Summary: Watch out for lewd innuendos
Review: Can you feel the love tonight? The Donster says Darn Right
!(capitals for emphasis people!). I think the special features with the amazingly sensuous Elton John, the wonderfully effervescent Nathan Lane, and the titillating Whoopi(there's no whoopi on this DVD - pun intended) Goldberg approach the sublime world of cartoons - a world where few cartoonists in their lifetime dare venture. My partner, Tony Muser, and I, at The Stop the Violence in Cartoons Foundation, find this new special edition to be of a magnificently splendid variety suitable for all ages. However, I must issue a mild admonition(and this is the reason it gets 4 stars) when I say watch out for certain racy innuendos targeted at an adult audience(eg Simba's comments - you know what I'm sayin) that prove to be of a somewhat debaucherous, and crude I might add, attempt at corrupting our innocent youth of America.
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