“The Lion King: Diamond Edition” DVD + Blu-ray Review

Hakuna Matata….what a wonderful phrase…..Hakuna Matata…..ain’t no passing craze.  I LOVE this movie and was so excited to add it to our family movie collection.  You don’t want to miss this animated classic, winning an Oscar and Golden Globe Award.  On September 16th, 2011, the all-new 3D version of “The Lion King” hit theaters for the first time ever, followed by its availability on Blu-ray Hi-Def and Blu-ray 3D for the first time ever.

“The Lion King” is the best-selling home entertainment release of all time – and this is ‘The Lion King’ like never before,” said Bob Chapek, president of distribution, The Walt Disney Studios.  “The all-new 3D format immerses viewers in the epic settings and puts them face-to-face with these beloved characters.  We’re showcasing one of the all-time favorite Disney movies in theaters and making it available in Blu-ray hi-def and in Blu-ray 3D—it’s the must-see, must-own title for everyone.”

Nearly a decade since “The Lion King” last appeared on the big screen, the upcoming theatrical release invites new generations into the “Circle of Life.”  The two-week, 3D-only presentation is a planned wide domestic release—the biggest since the film’s 1994 debut—and the film’s first-ever 3D release.

The Blu-ray debut marks the first time “The Lion King” has been available in any form since 2004.  Featuring pristine high definition picture and sound, the Blu-ray creates an incredible at-home experience with a host of picture and sound enhancements, interactive features and bonus content, including a new set of hilarious animated bloopers.

BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES

– 4 Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes;
– Deleted Song;
— The Morning Report: Extended scene;
– Never-Before-Seen Bloopers;
– Disney Second Screen*;
– Pride of The Lion King; The Lion King: A Memoir- Don Hahn; Disney Sing Along Mode; Interactive Gallery; Audio Commentary; Disney’s Virtual Vault: Classic DVD Features Powered by BD-Live*

“The Lion King”: Diamond Edition home entertainment release will be available from the Disney Vault for a limited time only beginning October 4 as follows:

4-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (for the suggested retail price of $49.99 U.S./ $56.99 Canada)

– “The Lion King” = Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray 2D + DVD + Digital Copy™

2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (for the suggested retail price of $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada)

– “The Lion King” = Blu-ray 2D + DVD

8-Disc Trilogy (for the suggested retail price of $100.00 U.S./ $115.00 Canada)

– “The Lion King” = Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray 2D + DVD + Digital Copy

– “The Lion King 1 1/2” = Blu-ray 2D + DVD

– “The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride” = Blu-ray 2D + DVD

And the one-disc DVD Edition will be available on November 15.

“The Lion King,” first released in 1994, won the Oscar® for Best Original Score (Hans Zimmer) and Best Original Song (Elton John/Tim Rice “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”), earning Golden Globes® in both categories, as well as for Best Motion Picture—Comedy or Musical.

The film inspired an immensely popular, Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical, which is currently featured on stages worldwide. It became the seventh longest-running musical in Broadway history in January 2011.

ABOUT THE LION KING

An unforgettable story, breathtaking animation, beloved characters and award-winning music sets thestage for “The Lion King”, a Disney classic that follows 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.” The all-star vocal talents—including Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Whoopi Goldberg, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Ernie Sabella, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Robert Guillaume, Cheech Marin and Moira Kelly—rip-roaring comedy and uplifting messages of courage, loyalty and hope make this a timeless tale for all ages. Produced by Don Hahn and directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff from a script by Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts and Linda Woolverton, “The Lion King” is rated G by the MPAA.

ABOUT DISNEY’S BLU-RAY DIAMOND COLLECTION

The Blu-ray Diamond Collection represents The Walt Disney Studio’s most prestigious animated classics. The Collection will be comprised with many of Walt Disney’s most treasured animated classic titles to be released through 2016. These titles represent the highest level of picture and sound, feature groundbreaking, state-of-the-art immersive bonus content, and include unprecedented levels of interactivity, personalization and customization, made possible because of Blu-ray technology.

MY THOUGHTS

My boys loved watching “The Lion King” and I enjoyed watching it as much as I did the first time I saw it. The Blu-ray edition has so many special features that you don’t want to miss. Our favorite was Pride of The Lion King; The Lion King: A Memoir.  We also loved the Deleted Song and the Bloopers.  This is an awesome DVD and Blu-ray combination!  A big thanks to Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment for this DVD and Blu-ray review opportunity!

I received a copy of “The Lion King: Diamond Edition” on DVD and Blu-ray from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment to facilitate this review.  All opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine.