“The Lion King” is one of Disney’s most popular films of all-time. In fact it’s the studio’s highest-grossing non-Pixar animated film ever (and #4 on the all-time animation list). In 2002, Disney re-released the movie for the first time, in IMAX theaters. And now nine years later the studio had brought it back again, this time in 3D. The story of “The Lion King” is based on the concept of “the circle of life.” You can call what Disney’s doing with this movie “the circle of cash”, as they go after a new group of kids and their parents excited to see Simba, Pumba and company on the big screen.
What’s interesting is that, while this “two weeks only special event” is being promoted as a 3D exclusive, the film is being offered in 2D as well. Obviously Disney is finally realizing what many of us have been saying for some time – that families can’t afford 3D ticket prices. So for those who just want to see this movie in a theater (after watching it over and over on DVD) 2D is an option. The main reason for this re-released is to get fans interested in buying “The Lion King 3D” DVD when it comes out on October 4th. Sing it with me: “The Circle of Cash”…
I saw the movie in 3D so I could review it in the new format and I’ll cut right to the chase: the 3D isn’t great. This is a bit disappointing considering how good Disney’s past 3D conversions (“The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Toy Story 1 & 2”) turned out. Many of the scenes are blurry and only a few times, during the wide nature sequences with animals running and birds flying, is the 3D that impressive. But even then, it’s nothing we haven’t seen before. I tipped-up my 3D glasses several times during the film and there are long stretches when the 3D effect isn’t used.
Originally Disney was planning to convert and re-release my all-time favorite, “Beauty and the Beast”, but that plan was scrapped after word leaked-out that the 3D conversion was not going well. If this was what that movie was going to look like I’m glad that project was never completed.
As for the “The Lion King” as a film, I didn’t remember much from the previous time I had seen it five or six years ago. I know I didn’t love it back then and now seeing it again I understand why. The blending of serious themes of murder, death and revenge and the goofy parts with Timon, Pumba and the hyenas just doesn’t work. It’s stunning to me that so many people consider this film a classic.
“The Lion King 3D” (like all other versions) is rated G. There are no new scenes or songs. It’s the 1994 original from the first frame to the last. As you already know there’s the death of a main character and several scenes of peril, which might be o.k. for younger kids watching the movie at home, but you may not want your very upset 5-year old crying out in a public theater: “Simba’s dad is dead”.
At the packed screening I attended the audience was made-up mostly of two groups: parents with their young kids and twenty-somethings who grew-up watching the movie on DVD. Members of both groups sang along with the songs and knew all the dialogue. I don’t belong to either group. I just sat and watched.
On “The Official Kid Critic Report Card“, “The Lion King 3D” gets a C-. If you’re a die-hard fan and have never seen it in a theater I suggest seeing the 2D version. You won’t miss out on anything and will save some money.
Pixar has hinted about converting and re-releasing more of their films in 3D and I’m sure that’s coming. Don’t be surprised if “Finding Nemo” is the next choice.