Back in June we learned that Disney was planning to re-release their animated classic film The Lion King in 3D this September and altho we are still a few weeks away from its release, I was lucky enough to attend an early screening of the film last night here in LA. The last time I saw The Lion King in a theater was over 10 years ago and the last time I saw it in 3D was on stage on Broadway. Needless to say, I was very excited to see the film last night. I am happy to report that all of the Disney magic is still intact … and the added 3D elements just make it all that much better. I loved it entirely.
I had forgotten how charming this film is. Truly, The Lion King is one of the greatest animation masterpieces made by Disney … or anyone else, for that matter. The story, the music — everything! It all still holds up very well all these years later. Now, as for the 3D … I'm not kidding when I say that the effect actually makes the film more enjoyable. Most of the 3D lets the audience look into the screen but there are elements that come out (especially in the opening number). To be honest, the 3D isn't even the draw here … The Lion King is just so good, it could be re-released in regular 2D and still be just as fantastic. I had forgotten how great the vocal performances are. I had totally forgotten that Whoopi Goldberg played one of the evil hyenas. Whether you're a fan of 3D or not you gotta take this opportunity to see The Lion King on the big screen again. The film opens on September 16 and will only play for 2 weeks. Don't miss your chance to see it … trust me.
With its cinematic opening sequence, powerful emotional aspects, and memorable songs, The Lion King is one of Disney's greatest animated features. Released at the height of Disney's animation Renaissance, the film was in good company with The Little Mermaid (1989), Beauty & the Beast (1991), and Aladdin (1992) coming before it; films that raised the bar on animated features and made them no longer just for kids.
In making the films for a broader audience, the themes incorporated into these movies became more in nature. Death, grief, and guilt were no longer concepts saved for live-action movies geared strictly for audiences, animated characters were now venturing into these dark pathways of psychological turmoil. In doing so, the films deliver a depth and realism to their stories even while animals talk, magic spells are given, and songs break out spontaneously.
The Lion King delivers on all these aspects. It creates a very dark tragedy about death, grief, and guilt, while juxtaposing those themes against an animated universe. The results are breathtaking and quite remarkable, a skill that Pixar would adopt and bring to films like Up and Toy Story 3.
It's hard not to get caught up in the emotion of the film, and if you've never seen it I highly recommend it. The Lion King is one of Disney's finest animated achievements, and a testament to the power of great storytelling and dimensional characters. So how does it look in 3D? Watch The Lion King 3D Movie Online
For me, the addition of 3D made a few sequences pop, but it really didn't alter my perception or overall enjoyment of the movie itself. It's a film that doesn't need additional gimmickry or distraction in order to get an audience's attention; it was a strong film in 1994, and it still has an impact 17 years later.
Seeing it in theaters for the first time had a much greater impact than seeing it in 3D. I first saw the movie on VHS – when Disney movies came in those big white, plastic cases – and thought it was great. Then I got the DVD and was blown away. But seeing it on the big screen, with surround sound and an audience made it an even stronger experience.
Thankfully, the 3D version is taken from the original theatrical release and not the special edition that features the irritating song "Morning Report." This is the classic version of the film in all its glory. And it's definitely one of the best. To View The Full HD : free movies online for free