DVD Reviews

The Lion King (Two-Disc Blu-ray / DVD Combo) – Blu-ray Review

By Jeff Swindoll Oct 4, 2011, 15:12 GMT

The wait is over. For the first time ever, experience the majesty of Disney’s epic animated masterpiece as it roars off the screen and into your living room on Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D. With a spectacular digital picture, spine-tingling high definition sound and immersive bonus features—you will feel the love for this critically acclaimed and universally beloved classic like never before.Embark on an extraordinary coming-of-age adventure as Simba, a lion ...more

If I were king of the forest, not duke, not prince, not earl. Oh wait, wrong lion and lyric. Although Disney’s Simba has to find courage to defeat his villainous uncle and reclaim his throne, he just can’t wait to be king and you’ll not be able to wait to dig into another Blu-ray gem from Disney. Hakuna matata.

Young cub Simba (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) is to inherit the mantle of leader of the pride from his father Mufasa (James Earl Jones). This does not set well with his crafty uncle Scar (Jeremy Irons) so he assassinates Mufasa and makes Simba think he was responsible for the death of his father.

Overwhelmed with guilt, Simba runs away to the forest and finds meerkat Timon (Nathan Lane) and warthog Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella). He is raised by the lazy duo and grows into adulthood (now voiced by Matthew Broderick). Circumstance arises that he has to return to the pride and has to face his uncle as well as his rightful place in the group.

The Lion King of one of Disney’s modern masterpieces and in a string of hits that brought new life to the studio that Walt built. The film still has some roar and power as a limited run of the 3D version of the film beat new movies at the box office. It’s a fun movie that also teaches some lessons. The voice cast is superb, who wouldn’t buy James Earl Jones as the king of the lions?

Jeremy Irons is channeling the snarling purr of eternal cad George Saunders, who voiced Shere Khan in Jungle Book, as the wily Scar. Taylor Thomas and Broderkick also hit the right notes as Simba. The kids will certainly enjoy the antics of Lane and Sabella, who steal every scene they’re in. Mix those voices with top flight animation and grand songs they you’ve got a classic for sure.

The Lion King is presented in a stunning 1080p high definition transfer (1.85:1).

Special features are in high definition and include a commentary from producer Don Hahn and directors Rogers Allers and Rob Minkoff, the 38 minute “Pride of the Lion King” looks at the production and legacy, a sing-along mode, the 20 minute “Lion King: A Memoir” has Hahn looking back at his involvement, 15 minutes of deleted and alternative scenes (introduced by Allers & Minkoff), the 3 minute “Morning Report” extended scene, 4 minutes of bloopers and outtakes (wink, wink), and an extensive art gallery.

The Disney Virtual Vault links to their servers via BD-Live to bring you all the special features that were on other releases and aren’t on the discs.

I like that this stuff is included, but again have worries about the delivery system as not everyone has their player connected and slow connections or server troubles may annoy. Disc two is a DVD copy of the film.

The Lion King roars onto Blu-ray with an excellent transfer and prideful special features. Make sure you add it to your collection for your cubs. Disney provides the best of both worlds with this dual pack.