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Summary: The Lion King with a new song and many extras and DVD games.
Review: If you don't want to see the previews of other films, press twice your upper left button. Not only do you have the usual DVD options, but many bonuses. "Grasslands", the making of "The Morning Report" segment is new footage and song from the stage musical added to the film for this special edition. Also, there is a DVD game to play. "The Lion King Personality Profile Game". In "Jungle", there are two more DVD games to play, just by pressing the arrows on your remote control. "Elephant Graveyard" are deleted scenes and concepts of "The Lion King". In "Index", you will find "Audio Commentary". Disc 2 includes a lot of extras about The Lion King, story, film, music, Lion King in different languages. But the best new thing is the Virtual Safari. You will be taken on a virtual trip similar to Disneyland's Jungle Cruise at night time, but this trip with Timon and Pumbaa is alot more scarier. You get to choose which path you take on the river. Choose left or right, you will get a different trip. There is actually two different trips of the virtual boat ride. I was able to discover two Hidden Mickeys. Also there is a Jeep Virtual Safari too. Again, you can choose left or right turns. There are two trips here too. All this leads to the new film "The Lion King 1 1/2" (2004), which is the story of Timon and Pumbaa leading up to the first Lion King story when they met Simba.
Rating: 
Summary: Great movie & lots of extras you probably won't ever watch!
Review: I'm thrilled that one of the last Disney movies that I've really loved is finally out on DVD. I could say a zillion glowing things about this movie that you probably agree with or already know. I have to admit that I do, however, have a slight issue or two with this DVD release. I know this is going to sound ridiculously funny but there is, quite simply, way too much packed on to this release. "The Lion King" IS an important movie and in time will most certainly be a Disney Classic, if not just a "film classic", Disney or not. (I think a movie needs to have been around for at least 20 years or so before it can be called "a classic", and it's sort of annoying that Disney sticks that word on just about everything they release regardless of whether it's new or old.) There's just a lot on here that seems unnecessary. Let me start with the good stuff: the movie has never looked or sounded better. Great care has been taken to improve an already great film. Make sure you click on "Enhanced Home Theater Mix" to watch the movie if you have more than just a TV hooked up to your DVD player. It sounds a zillion times better than the Dolby 5.1 stereo mix. The commentary is the same as the one that appeared on the laserdisc release. It's a fun, concise talk that will pretty much supply anyone with what they need to know about "The Lion King." The behind-the-scenes extras with Elton John are also quite enjoyable and informative, as is the short piece about Julie Taymor, who did the Broadway musical. Okay, the not-so-great stuff: several documentaries that drone on and on about things most viewers, especially children, won't care about; a piece featuring footage of real lions eating their prey (that's something I really didn't want to see). The menu screens seem a little overwhelming to navigate. Some people might get frustrated, thinking "I don't care about the rest of the stuff, just let me see the movie!!" Like I said before, there's just way too much unnecessary stuff on here. The kiddie games that can be played with a remote control and some of the other stuff should have perhaps been released on a separate DVD (maybe as a freebie that you send in for with proof-of-purchase) for diehard fans, thus making this DVD easier to control. I'm sure there will be diehard fans out there that take offense to my statement saying that they didn't have any trouble navigating. Good for them, I'm happy. All I'm saying is that casual viewers that perhaps don't use their DVD players on a daily basis might get a bit confused. The absolute worst thing on here has to be the "Circle Of Life" music video, performed by the Disney Channel "Circle Of Stars." It's just rather, well... stupid. There seems to be a disturbing trend on Disney DVD's of including extremely tired new versions of songs, performed by marginally talented musical outfits. Disney needs to put the kibosh on this immediately! The videos are obviously aimed at children, but to think that kids would enjoy this is a rather insulting thought. The weird and quite unnecessary carboard sleeve is here, too (just like what was released with "Beauty And The Beast" and "Sleeping Beauty"). The gatefold sleeve opens to reveal just what is on the DVD, which I suppose is really nice to know, if you are standing in a store wondering, but c'mon! This is a Disney DVD and people are going to buy it regardless of whether they know exactly how full of extras it is. It just seems wasteful because the plastic snap case that slides out of the cardboard sleeve is a good enough cover on its own. I'm sure a lot of people just throw this cardboard sleeve away, even though you can tell it wasn't cheap to produce. Knock off the cardboard sleeve nonsense, and knock off a buck or two off the list price while you're at it Disney! Having said all of that, this really is a great DVD release- even with all of the superfluous extras that would take you days to watch.
Rating:
Summary: Who bought the "Collector's Gift Set"?
Review: Would anyone who bought the "Collector's Gift Set" like to comment? No doubt the movie is a masterpiece and I am going to buy, but is this "gift set" worth getting or should I just pick up the regular version? How are the items other than the DVD itself included in this set? What is the "book" like? Is it a picture book? A word book? Is it about the making of the movie or just a storybook about the plot? Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.
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Summary: Lion King - The controversial "sex word scene" was altered
Review: Somebody remember the controversy about the showing of the word "SEX" when Simba falls in the grass, and a lot of dust fly with the wind?... When i saw this movie in the Imax, i noticed that the dust was changed, and in this DVD version was altered too... no longer is visible the word SEX... i guess that Mike Eisner prefered this instead of calling all the copies of this DVD when the controversy show its ugly face again.
Rating:
Summary: Stunning
Review: Stunning says it all. Between the restoration, the impeccable transfer to digital and the experience of watching it on my new widescreen in progressive scan, I can't say enough about the majesty of this picture. Both my wife and I felt it was like seeing the movie for the first time. The new song adds little (but doesn't detract), the extra features are nice and the special home theatre mix is great if you're listening in surround (which you should be). But it's the movie's visual impact-combined with the still great story-that makes this a must-have DVD. Now where's Aladdin?
Rating:
Summary: Technically Impressive & pre-teen re-enjoyment
Review: If you have a decent Home Theater setup, the Disney "Enhanced Home Theater Mix" really jumps from the speakers and provides a more enveloping 5.1 mix and will give your subwoofer a workout, making those intense parts of the film even more intense (a heads up for those with sensitive young ones). The colors really pop on screen too (almost over-saturated at times). While I enjoyed these technical aspects, my 11 year really enjoyed seeing it again because she got the next level of jokes she didnt get 5 years ago.
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Summary: Hands down, Disney¿s best animation movie ever.
Review: With a Touch of Hamlet and a sprinkle of King Lear, The Lion Kings is a real achievement in every aspect. A tale about coming of age and the right of destiny that has a real timeless effect on all age groups. Not only is this movie such a monumental film in animation but is an achievement in motion picture scoring as well. Elton John and Tim Rice not only bring a great soundtrack to this epic but accompanies it with a sense of style that has not be duplicated ever since its release. A real Disney classic in every sense of the word, and a real keeper for generations to come.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely love it
Review: You got your "Toy Story." You got your "Finding Nemo." You got your "Shrek." You got your "Spirited Away." Those are all great animated family films. You've got "Aladdin," "Snow White," "Bambi," "The Little Mermaid," and "Pinocchio." But "The Lion King," in my opinion, is the greatest of all. I have loved this movie for going on 10 years now, and I'm not even a fan of Elton John. It's my equivalent of "Bambi," a Disney cartoon I didn't exactly grow up with. "The Lion King" proceeds along similar lines and serves much the same purpose: to show kids maybe a darker side of life, to inspire thought and conversation on a level that is elevated above Robin Williams' antics as the Genie. Here is an edgy, intelligent, grown-up cartoon that, yes, children can and do enjoy. I got to experience this movie "through the eyes" of my daughter, and it's a film that has stayed with me ever since. The DVD release is much appreciated -- it has been a long wait. I am happy to report that the original theatrical version of the film looks absolutely spectacular on DVD. The colors are sharper and clearer, the picture is obviously much sharper, the sound quality has been vastly improved ... it's a glorious viewing experience. And the director/producer commentary track is insightful and entertaining. I haven't pored over the additional materials on the set, but I bought the DVD for the movie itself, and on that level alone, I am pleased. For me, "The Lion King" is one of the greatest examples of cinematic storytelling ever made. And what a story, the archetypal representation of the classic hero (Simba) who, through trial and tribulation, finds redemption and atonement after suffering much guilt over the death of his father. Kids can enjoy the music, the humor, the vivid cartoon characters and the action, but I think the symbolic imagery of this film is what affects so many adults. If you think it was an accident that the movie plays like a cross between "Bambi" and "Hamlet," you're wrong -- the filmmakers very much knew what they were doing. Aside from all that, you can't beat "The Lion King" for sheer entertainment. Ten years later, it's still the best. The characters are still lovable, imaginative and captivating. The sets and special effects are still awesome. The wildebeast stampede is still thrilling. The death of Mufasa is still terribly sad. "Hakuna Matata" is still hilarious. Scar is still a terrifying and repulsive villain. Nathan Lane's performance as Timon is still a comedy classic. The dialogue still rings true. And so forth and so on. Talk about a movie that hasn't aged a day. (Well ... ok. I'm not a big fan of "Can You Feel the Love Tonight." Hey, nothing's perfect.) "The Lion King" deserved at the very least an Oscar nomination for Best Picture -- hands down, for my money, it's better than "Beauty and the Beast," which I admit is a terrific movie. People who think this movie is "too violent" or "not for kids" should rethink their position. This movie is for everyone, precisely because it challenges our notion of what "should" and "shouldn't" be in a cartoon. Long story short: this is the "Citizen Kane" of animated films. Now, go forth, and enjoy the DVD.
Rating:
Summary: A True Work of Art and a Top Notch DVD
Review: The Lion King Platinum Edition DVD was announced over three years ago. Folks, it is well worth the wait. Shame on Disney for putting this work of art on moratorium for all these years. Disney is batting 1.000 on its Platinum Edition Movies. The Lion King is a wonderful story of how the young cub, Simba is deceived and betrayed by his uncle. Simba runs away from the kingdom to start a new life. He returns as an adult to challenge his uncle for the throne. The animation is both stunning and original. You quickly forget you are watching an animated movie. The characters are well developed and the film moves along at a fast pace. The picture quality on this THX certified DVD is nothing short of remarkable. I would say the best animated DVD I have seen to date. The color is so vibrant it leaps of the screen. The images are crystal clear. The picture will blow you away. The sound track is a very well balanced Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround. Exceptional voice clarity is noticeable right away. The soundtrack itself, is legendary. I cannot say enough good things about this movie and this DVD. I have my beefs with Disney sometimes, but this DVD takes my breath away. This is how ALL DVD's should be authored. Thank you Disney.....this was done right.
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Summary: The King of DVDs
Review: I have never ever bought a dvd in my life. I usually rent them, however, this is the ONE DVD that I decided to buy. I bought the Collectors Gift Set and i could not even open it because it just looked so damn good wrapped. However, my curiosity of the set got to me and I decided to open it up and, boy am i so damn happy that i bought this. The extras are amazing. A WHOLE CD full of extras that you actually want to watch. Enough has been said about this movie, it is without a shadow of a doubt the epitome of what animated or any kind of movie should be. I highly recommend it. If you buy only one dvd in your life, this should be it. Hakunama Tata
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