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Movies / On DVD / The Lion King
The Lion King

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The Lion King (1994)

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Reviews Counted:60

Fresh:55

Rotten:5

Average Rating:8/10

Consensus: Richly drawn and beautifully animated, The Lion King stands among Disney's pantheon of classic family films.

Rated: G

Runtime: 90 mins

Genre: Childrens

Theatrical Release:Jun 24, 1994 Wide

Synopsis: Wild Africa is the setting for this animated tale of a young lion cub whose evil uncle usurps his father's crown and lets hyenas overrun the kingdom (borrowing elements of both Hamlet and Richard... Wild Africa is the setting for this animated tale of a young lion cub whose evil uncle usurps his father's crown and lets hyenas overrun the kingdom (borrowing elements of both Hamlet and Richard III). Dodging danger and befriending some oddball characters, the cub wanders until the day he's ready to return. Songs by Elton John and featuring the voices of Whoopie Goldberg, Cheech Marin, James Earl Jones, Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane and Jeremy Irons. Academy Award Nominations: 4, including 3 for Best Original Song. Academy Awards: 2, including Best Original Score and Best Original Song (Elton John and Tim Rice: "Can You Feel the Love Tonight"). [More]

Starring: Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones, Whoopi Goldberg

Starring: Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones, Whoopi Goldberg, Robert Guillaume, Cheech Marin, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Ernie Sabella, Jim Cummings, Madge Sinclair, Moira Kelly, Nathan Lane

Director: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff

Director: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
Composer: Hans Zimmer
Screenwriter: Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts
Studio: Buena Vista Internationa

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Release:

Dec 9, 2003

[DVD Details]
 
 
  • The Lion King Special Edition
  • Disney's THE LION KING SPECIAL EDITION features an all-new song, "Morning Report," and never-before-seen animation, giving you even more of this award-winning masterpiece -- the greatest animated adventure of all time. An unforgettable story, breathtaking animation, beloved characters, and Academy Award(R)-winning music (Best Original Score, 1994; Best Song, "Can You Feel The Love Tonight") set the stage for the adventures of Simba, the feisty lion cub who "just can't wait to be king." But his envious Uncle Scar has plans for his own ascent to the throne, and he forces Simba's exile from the kingdom. Alone and adrift, Simba soon joins the escapades of a hilarious meerkat named Timon and his warmhearted warthog pal, Pumbaa. Adopting their carefree lifestyle of "Hakuna Matata," Simba ignores his real responsibilities until he realizes his destiny and returns to the Pride Lands to claim his place in the "Circle of Life." Now extensively restored and remastered -- experience THE LION KING like never before, from its magnificent musical opening over breathtaking African vistas to its emotional climax. The all-star vocal talents -- including Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, and Ernie Sabella -- rip-roaring comedy, and uplifting messages of courage, loyalty, and hope make this timeless tale entertainment for all ages.
  • Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
  •  
     
     
     

    Reviews for The Lion King

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    1 - 20 (sorted by date)
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    Full Review Source: Washington Post | comment Comment
    10/18/08
    Washington Post
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    This tale of a lion cub's coming of age in the African veldt offers a less memorable song score than did the previous hits, and a hasty, unsatisfying dramatic resolution.

    Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide | comment Comment
    03/04/08
    TV Guide's Movie Guide
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    This is more a favourite of the children than adult Disney fans. It has a few memorable songs and has spawned a very popular stage production.

    Full Review Source: Empire Magazine | comment 1 Comment
    03/04/08
    Empire Magazine
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    The sickly Elton John and Tim Rice songs ruin any attempts at hipness.

    Full Review Source: Channel 4 Film | comment 17 Comments
    03/04/08
    Channel 4 Film
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    A computer-animated scene featuring a stampede of wildebeest is positively breathtaking.

    Full Review Source: Washington Post | comment Comment
    03/04/08
    Desson Thomson
    Desson Thomson
    Washington Post
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    The Lion King, more than any of the recent wave of Disney animated features, has the resonance to stand not just as a terrific cartoon but as an emotionally pungent movie.

    Full Review Source: Entertainment Weekly | comment 1 Comment
    03/04/08
    Owen Gleiberman
    Owen Gleiberman
    Entertainment Weekly
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    The result is a step toward multiculturalism and ecological correctness, though not without a certain amount of confusion.

    Full Review Source: Chicago Reader | comment Comment
    03/04/08
    Jonathan Rosenbaum
    Jonathan Rosenbaum
    Chicago Reader
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    A winner.

    Full Review Source: Time Out | comment Comment
    02/09/06
    Time Out
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    Hakuna Matata aside, this is a worthwhile film.

    Full Review Source: StaciWilson.com | comment Comment
    01/28/05
    Staci Layne Wilson
    Staci Layne Wilson
    StaciWilson.com

    Trabalhando com arquétipos e temas verdadeiramente mitológicos, O Rei Leão conseguiu se transformar em clássico menos de uma década depois de seu lançamento.

    comment Comment
    08/06/04
    Pablo Villaca
    Pablo Villaca
    Cinema em Cena

    Makes up for its shortcomings in the musical department with a strong dose of mature drama.

    Full Review Source: TheMovieReport.com | comment 2 Comments
    01/05/04
    Michael Dequina
    Michael Dequina
    TheMovieReport.com

    This often dark tale about a lion cub holds real emotional resonance.

    Full Review Source: Creative Loafing | comment Comment
    11/04/03
    Matt Brunson
    Matt Brunson
    Creative Loafing

    It’s an animated and kid-friendly variation on Hamlet, and it is wonderful.

    Full Review Source: Reno Gazette-Journal | comment Comment
    10/24/03
    Forrest Hartman
    Forrest Hartman
    Reno Gazette-Journal

    A crown jewel of modern Disney animation.

    Full Review Source: Hollywood Reporter | comment Comment
    10/14/03
    Glenn Abel
    Glenn Abel
    Hollywood Reporter
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    You can't go wrong with The Lion King.

    Full Review Source: Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN) | comment Comment
    10/10/03
    Bob Bloom
    Bob Bloom
    Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)

    How ‘special’ is this ‘special edition’? It features one extra musical number . . . apparently.

    Full Review Source: Movie Gurus | comment Comment
    10/09/03
    James O'Ehley
    James O'Ehley
    Movie Gurus

    I can intellectualize the film's delights without feeling offended by my numbness to them

    Full Review Source: Film Freak Central | comment Comment
    10/06/03
    Bill Chambers
    Bill Chambers
    Film Freak Central

    No review available.

    comment Comment
    10/05/03
    Josh Gilchrist
    Josh Gilchrist
    Billings Outpost (Montana)

    The Lion King is loaded with hoary biblical references (ray of lights, burning bushes) and Shakespearean shout-outs, but that’s all they are.

    Full Review Source: Slant Magazine | comment 18 Comments
    09/28/03
    Ed Gonzalez
    Ed Gonzalez
    Slant Magazine

    Wonderful, beautiful, a moving story, beautifully told. Like a real film, just happens to be drawn.

    comment Comment
    09/26/03
    Fred Topel
    Fred Topel
    About.com
     
     
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