Rating: 
Summary: Feel The Roar Indeed!
Review: I've always had a deep love for THE LION KING. Heck, who doesn't? Now, nine years after its theatrical release, and five since that trashy sequal, the used-to-be highest grossing animated film of all time (second only to the highly overrated FINDING NEMO) roars onto an excellent DVD Platinum Edition.Now I know what you're wondering: can this, the third Platinum title, live up to its two predesesors SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST? Well, since I would never dream of buying SNOW WHITE (blasphemy! I know, but the film sucks), I couldn't realy say anything about that. But I do own BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and I was very mixed about that DVD. While the film is a modern classic and a great movie (though I think it's a bit overrated, as well), the DVD picture quality was extremely annoying. Grain, grain, grain everywhere! But the extras rocked, some of the best I've ever seen. Overall, one could tell that it was indeed an "Experimental DVD" as the box states, but it was well worth the money for anyone who loves the film. THE LION KING DVD is also mixed, at least when comparing to B&B. First off, this is a much better film. Actually, I'm not going to go into any detail on the film; what's the point, since everyone in the world has seen it? But where this DVD stands out is in the video presentation. With Disney's recent release of SLEEPING BEAUTY, they proved that an animated film made in 1959 could look ten times better as an animated film made in 1992. Needless to say, my expectations for the video of TLK were extremely high. However, previews for the DVD looked as if my hopes were soon to be crushed (once again, grain everywhere). Well, the picture quality exceeded all my expectations, and it's by far the most beautiful the film has ever looked. Edge enhancement was a bit annoying sometimes, but I'm very picky in that matter; aside from that, the video was as flawless as the DVD format can get. Now, the extras department is where B&B beats TLK by a long shot. In that DVD release, the filmmakers' intimate love for the project truly showed through in the special features. But here, the interviewees seem to be just reading a script; not a whole lot of it is interesting, and what IS interesting, they speed right through. And where the heck are those cast interviews, man?! In B&B, some of the best parts of the extras were hearing from the voice talents (Angela Lansbury, Robbie Benson, etc.) Here, there's hardly even a single stillframe of any of them. Man, I would have LOVED to hear James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, and especially Jonathan Taylor Thomas give their thought and memories on the film. Oh, and that "Virtual Safari" with Timon and Pumba is utterly pointless, as are the games. That part of Disney DVDs is really getting to annoy me. One game that IS fun, however, is the "Personality Profile" activity. Similarly built like those on the B&B and SLEEPING BEAUTY DVDs, these are always fun. (Oh, and I'm most like Nala; in other words, I'm most like a girl. Weird. Oh well . . . at least she's a HOT lioness!) I am extremely lucky to have received this as a free DVD from Amazon.com a full month before its official release. In one way, hey, I got a fantastic presentation of a fantastic movie for no charge! On the other hand, I'm very glad to have not had to pay full price for it, as I would probably be even more disappointed with the extras if I had to pay $$-$$ to get them. In short: It appears Disney is changing its style for their DVDs; instead of focusing on the extras, they spend time on the actual film. While this is both a blessing and a curse, I believe it to me more of the former. Any true fan of THE LION KING, one of the Top Five Greatest Animated Films Ever (as well as one of Disney's all-time best films of any kind), must buy this DVD.
Rating: 
Summary: Could have been WAY better
Review: I'm suprised nobody else agrees that this movie was the turning point of Disney's fall of quality....because it is! In alot of ways, this film is Disney's worst 'cause of it's hype and it's lack of anything of real substance and human touch. The characters were increadibly 2 dementional (even more than most animated films). The film started out GREAT and the animation is top notch...but the movie takes a nose dive in anything good after it's opening. Most of the songs were quite bland and simply did nothing for character. The life lessons in this movie are...well simply not there. The jokes are embarrasing to hear. Mustofa's hench men are mind-numbingly dumb to watch (especially the "Nazi-march" at night). I think this film was done so half way 'cause it was a rip off to begin with (Japan's "Kimba")...so Disney didn't have to work on story, character, or it what it could offer. I would never ever try to show my child this film (if he/she wants to...that's cool). There are WAY more better animated/Disney films like the real classics (Pinoccio, Bambi, Toy Story, etc.) that contain real life lessons and entertainment. This movie is just plain pathetic.
Rating:
Summary: "the journey that will keep you coming back ~ The Lion King"
Review: This one of the best films Disney ever released "The Lion King", with it's extraordinary animation and Academy Award winning score. The animation and special effects are incredible. In fact it's so good my family and friends have seen this many times at the theater and purchased the video. Now we have this first time on DVD, with a 2-disc Special Edition chuck full of extras. For the first time never before seen footage with an all new song "Morning Report"~ *first ever digital presentation ~ *bonus features with all new animation ~ *deleated scenes ~ *music videos ~ *"Can You Feel The Love Tonight" performed by Sir Elton John ~ *"Circle Of Life" performed by Disney Channel "Circle Of Stars" ~ *exciting journeys that take you beyond the film ~ *DVD-ROM links ~ *THX-certified ~ and much much more. This is a must have for "Disney-classic-collectors" that will do your ever growing collection proud. This is someting you'll cherish and watch over and over again through the years. Disney has done it again ~ it just keeps getting better with every DVD release from the Disney people...gotta love it! Total: 2-DVD-Set ~ Walt Disney Home Video 30387 ~ (10/07/2003)
Rating:
Summary: Extraordinary drama still can't cover up mediocrity...
Review: ...and confusion. On first glance, The Lion King has everything. Good animation, sweeping soundtrack, strong voice acting, and drama, drama, drama. Its number one problem is still plot. This really isn't anything we haven't seen a million times before...both in children's and adult films. Rewatching the special edition however I'm mostly shocked at how thin the plot really is. For some reason, I remembered more to Simba taking back pride rock, but it is over so fast after Simba has his vision that one would think Disney was terrified of its audience getting bored. Maybe if my attention span was shorter, this would be great! There's lot's of fire, the orchestra lays on swells of emotion and the film suddenly ends. It's more a visual, visceral experience than a film. I suspect if you pulled the musicals out, the film might be less than an hour. Man, I sound down on this film. It's still probably one of the best things Disney did in the 90's (though I strangely prefer Tarzan and Mulan...although I can understand all who'd differ with me on this one.) What Lion King is is a paradox--at times it treats its themes and characters so seriously you could almost cheer or weep, then quickly sinks back into standard Disney fare...and oh, there must be fart jokes... It also suffers from a bit of the Lucas syndrome. What's that? Remember back when you saw your first Kurosawa film and realized how much Lucas had freely borrowed? Or perhaps when reading your favorite books on Eastern philosophy or Joseph Campbell and you'd come across something that Lucas plugged into Star Wars. In fact, pretty soon it started becoming evident how many ideas had just been slammed together to make a new synthesis--and that can be a great thing, or sometimes it can just be weird. I lean more toward weird with the Lion King. Disney tries to elicit every emotion and play on every theme, and instead of being effective the whole business just feels rather strange to me. Maybe I've just seen a lot of films where the son is exiled, grows, becomes mighty and returns for revenge. In my most recent viewing I could only think of Conan (it doesn't help that James Earl Jones is in both movies.) Stuck with all these associations (many I like more than Lion King), I can't call this more than an average film. And perhaps that statement needs some rectification. Like everything else by Disney, the right time and the right place can make their films great. Since I was in college when this first came out, perhaps there never was a best time. I know Disney put their heart into this, and I think young people will continue to love it as they grow up--but I also think its sad that Disney treats this like their very best film. Bambi still hasn't been reissued while Dumbo got a rather shoddy release. I guess it doesn't matter since Disney has now apparently discarded 2D animation altogether, but I've always hoped for the best from Disney as I know they're capable of it.
Rating:
Summary: great movie, great version!!
Review: One of Disney's most beloved story of all time becomes even better in this great version that was a great hit on south - american theaters. The Lion King (El Rey Leon) was characterized for the incredible never seen before effects made on computer and for the amazing characters that made this movie great for both for children and adults because of the intense drama situations shown during the story.
The spanish version was also one of the first Disney's movies presented in theathers in this language and that's why people from all around the world made this movie one of Disney's all time masterpieces.
This new version on DVD comes full of great features for all the family to enjoy, specially the music from the Grammy Award - winning writer end performer Elthon John that will leave you breathless.
This 2 disc Sspecial Eedition includes all the technical features from the English version plus Spanish 5.1 surround sound (Dolby Digital)and spanish subtitles.
Both original theatrical edition and Special Edition are included, and they are presented in a Widescreen format. The new Disney's Enhanced Theather Mix sound is also included but only english. To enjoy this new type of 5.1 surround sound you need a DTS decoder on your DVD player.
All the disc menus, trailers and special features can be configured to be played in spanish or with spanish subtitles, so that means that this Awesome DVD is fully loaded of features you could enjoy in spanish or english with the same excelent quality.
Finally I would say that the spanish version is even better than the english one 'cause of the awesome performance of the voice characters that give an incredible realistic, funny and dramatic enviroment to the the movie.
If you want to enjoy one of Disney's best animated movies, "El Rey Leon" is the perfect choice now available on Disney DVD and video!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: The movie survives the test of time.
Review: I've never been a fan of these animated movies with the exception of The Lion King. It's funny, but I remember watching tons of movies gear toward kids, when I was much younger, and really enjoying them then, but when I watch one of them now, I realize how bad they really are. This movie however, is not one of those. Despit what some critics say, this movie is great for the kids. It includes tons of song and amazing animations that will just razzle dazzle them away. On the other hand, this movie has a very mature plot. The plot is very VERY similar to the great Shakespearian play Hamlett. The main difference I saw between the play and the movie is that in the movie, everyones an animal. There is a bit of violance toward the end of the movie that may not be suitable for very young children. It's possible that the ending could scare them, but then again, Sesame Street scares my little cousin, so you can never be to sure. All in all, if your kids are afraid of Sesame Street then maybe you shouldn't let them watch this movie, but you will surely love it.
Rating:
Summary: Teaching little children lessons of life and death
Review: I watched this movie with my little 2 year old granddaughter, who asked questions about death in the movie and then was delighted to find out that loved ones are always with us, wathcing over us from heaven. This is a wonderful and delightful movie for all ages and an excellent way for little ones to learn the facts of life and death and hope. Teanie Schmucky
Rating:
Summary: One of the greatest Disney classics
Review: I think the lion king is one of Disney's greatest movies. I am very happy it is coming out on DVD in October. This Dvd is great, not just the movie, but all the special features. I don't like the part when Mufasa gets killed, but I like the song "Hakuna Matata".
Rating:
Summary: i love this movie
Review: this movie was able to touch me in many different ways. when this movie came out, i was only one so not able to enjoy it until i was in preschool. every day after school i would come home and sit in front of my t.v. with a tissue box ready. everytime it came to the scene when simba's father died, i cried and cried. this movie is one of the greatest movies of all time and will be remembered. i would say that this is one the best disney movie ever. anybody who hasn't seen it, god forbid, should immediatley run out and rent it.
Rating:
Summary: sad, but super
Review: The Lion King is still one of the all time greatest movies ever created. It has plot and emotion. The first time I saw it, I was crying my eyes out! This movie has the ability to touch everybody of any age. Everytime I think of this movie, it brings a tear to my eye as I think of how powerful this movie is. I can't wait for the special platinum edtion to come out.
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