T
his “Signature Collection” release of The Lion King isn’t anything special but the video and audio transfers are both pitch perfect and while the features aren’t that great, it’s nice to see this amazing movie get back on Blu-ray.
The Lion King
— The Signature Collection —
(1994)
Genre(s): Animation, Drama, Comedy
Disney | G – 89 min. – $39.99 | August 29, 2017
Date Published: 08/30/2017 | Author: The Movieman
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THE MOVIE — 5.0/5 |
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Note: This portion was re-produced from Brad Lowenberg’s 2011 review. Synopsis: A young lion prince is born in Africa, thus making his uncle Scar the second in line to the throne. Scar plots with the hyenas to kill King Mufasa and Prince Simba, thus making himself King. The King is killed and Simba is led to believe by Scar that it was his fault, and so flees the kingdom in shame. After years of exile he is persuaded to return home to overthrow the usurper and claim the kingdom as his own thus completing the “Circle of Life”. Quick Hit Review: It’s been almost 3 decades since the film first came out, and it still comes across as being one of the best Disney Animated releases of all time. Disney had a slump in the 70’s and 80’s, but came back with a roar with Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Lion King. Judging by the amount of money Disney made by re-releasing this film in theaters in 3D, it looks like fans both old and young can still appreciate a fine film no matter the age. What works with the film is that Simba is just a great character. We see him as a young cub, and when he returns as an adult he still feels like someone that the audience can relate to. I know, a Disney movie and relating? I know these are animals, but the journey Simba goes on after his Father’s death is pretty amazing and to come back and take rightful seat on the throne just radiates through the audience. Of course, that’s not to say that Simba is the only good character. You have Timon and Pumbaa, along with Mufasa (for how brief we see him), Nala, Scar etc. After all these years, is it possible to still enjoy a Disney film as much as I do for The Lion King? Apparently so. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 3.5/5 |
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This release comes with a glossy, title-embossed slip cover. Not only is there a code for the Digital Copy, but a cell reproduction of one of the iconic scenes. Visualizing a Villain (2:53; HD) – Performances artist David Gariboldi creates his own unique interpretation of the villain, Scar. The Recording Sessions (4:46; HD) – Here we get some archive footage, in picture-in-picture form, of the voice actors in the recording booth from Nathan Lane to Jeremy Irons to James Earl Jones. Inside the Story Room (23:42; HD) is some rare archive footage that shows the origins of five iconic scenes. Nathan and Matthew: The Extended Lion King Conversation (7:08; HD) is a neat interview, conducted in 2011, where Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick discuss their roles in the movie. Really wish this was longer… Bloopers & Outtakes (3:44; HD) is filled with flubbed lines and jokes in animation. The Morning Report (2:30; HD) is an extended scene for a “new” song originally written for the musical stage and was then, by the original artists, animated. Song Selection (16:49; HD) allows viewers to go straight to their favorite song from the movie. Deleted & Alternate Scenes (12:42; HD) are scenes that didn’t make it to the final cut and are in rought animated form. Animation is, of course, in rough form. Audio Commentary – Co-Directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff and Producer Don Hahn Classic Bonus Preview (0:50; HD) for the Platinum and Diamond Editions. |
VIDEO – 5.0/5 |
| I’m not sure if this is a new transfer, the back cover doesn’t state that it is, but it’s excellent nevertheless. The movie is presented in its original 1.78 widescreen aspect ratio and a 1080p high-definition transfer. Colors are vivid throughout and most impressively the grading like in those in the sky vistas were nicely blended with no signs of banding. |
AUDIO – 5.0/5 |
| Like the picture, it would seem the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track is the same from the 2011 “Diamond Edition”. As such, it’s still sounds fantastic showcasing the memorable, and award-winning, music as well as it provides for clear dialogue levels and even some ambient noises from the front and rear channels. |
OVERALL – 4.5/5 |
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Overall, this “Signature Collection” release of The Lion King isn’t anything special but the video and audio transfers are both pitch perfect and while the features aren’t that great, although the “Inside the Story Room” is worth a watch, it’s nice to see this amazing movie get back on Blu-ray as the “Diamond Edition” I believe is OOP and/or expensive. |
Check out some more 1080p screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.