The Lion King Blu-ray Review

The 2017 Blu-Ray video presentation of Disney’s "The Lion King" retains the same high quality as the 2011 Diamond Edition with a notable enhancement: the restoration of the missing clouds in Mufasa’s spirit scene, which adds an emotional depth previously lost. This 1.78:1, 1080p AVC-encoded transfer offers an extraordinary visual experience that captures the magic of Disney's hand-drawn animation with impeccable clarity. Colors across the Saharan and jungle landscapes are vivid and brightly saturated, ranging from earthy oranges and browns to vibrant greens and blues. The character lines are defined sharply without any noticeable digital anomalies or noise.

Despite the advancements in digital animation, this hand-drawn treasure stands out, offering an exquisite level of detail and depth perception. Every puff of dust, rivulet of water, and the distinction in cloud structures are impressively rendered, showing fantastic detail not just on the intended main images but also on the brush and pencil markings of the original art. This flat 2D animation transfer impressively creates a three-dimensional look, maintaining smooth movements without any blurring or jittering issues. Deep black levels remain consistent throughout, while the kaleidoscopic array of colors is both mesmerizing and true to the artistic intent of the film.

The technical specifications ensure an optimal viewing experience: framed at 1.78:1, encoded in MPEG-4 AVC on a BD-50 disc, and divided into 24 chapters, this release showcases a smooth and clean image free from previous artifacts like noisy colors or slight banding. This version provides a high-definition animated rendition that comfortably surpasses its standard definition counterparts while maintaining the nostalgia and charm of Disney’s classic animation style. The restored elements complete this edition, marking it as a must-see for long-time fans and new viewers alike seeking an authentic and enriched viewing experience.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 sound mix for "The Lion King" is an exemplary audio presentation, matching the high standards set by previous releases. First appearing in the Diamond Edition Blu-ray, this track continues to impress with its immersive and expansive soundscape. Dialogue is impeccably clear and precise, predominantly anchored in the center channel but occasionally flowing through the side channels for heightened directional effects. Hans Zimmer’s Oscar-winning score is a constant presence, enveloping the listener with lush orchestrations that perfectly complement the musical numbers. Dynamic range is robust, from the delicate chirping of crickets to the thunderous roar of Mufasa, without any discernible compression artifacts.

The low frequency extension in this track is profound, delivering deep, resonant bass that adds a palpable weight to scenes such as the wildebeest stampede or Scar's dramatic downfall. Surround channels are meticulously utilized to create a fully engulfing experience, capturing everything from the rustling of jungle leaves to the distant calls of wildlife. While an Atmos upgrade could have further enhanced overhead elements, the 7.1 mix remains a masterpiece of sound design, free of any sonic limitations of its time. The meticulous placement of ambient effects around the soundfield contributes to a deeply engaging audio experience that remains unparalleled.

Overall, this audio presentation of "The Lion King" maintains a high level of excellence, offering an exhilarating and fully dynamic auditory experience. The effortless blend of vocals with energetic musical numbers and an intricately detailed sound design ensures that this DTS-HD MA 7.1 track remains one of the best ever crafted for a Disney release, immersing viewers in the majestic and vibrant world of Pride Rock.

The bonus features of the Blu-ray release of "The Lion King" combine classic and new content, offering an in-depth look into the movie's production. Fans of the film will enjoy the detailed audio commentary provided by producer Don Hahn and directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff. The "Visualizing a Villain" feature is a unique blend of performance art and music that showcases artist David Garibaldi painting to Scar's theme, “Be Prepared.” Other highlights include "The Recording Sessions," which offers rare footage of the voice actors at work, and "Inside the Story Room," which delves into storyboard pitches for key scenes. Another standout is the engaging "Nathan and Matthew: The Extended Lion King Conversation," providing a nostalgic dialogue between Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick. These enhancements make this release a treasure trove for any fan of this timeless classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Brand New Sing-Along Version: Sing along with your favorite songs.
• Audio Commentary: Insightful commentary by producer Don Hahn and co-directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff.
• Visualizing a Villain: Artistic rendition of Scar with live dancers.
• The Recording Sessions: Archival footage of actors recording their roles.
• Nathan and Matthew: The Extended Lion King Conversation: In-depth chat between Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick.
• Inside the Story Room: Original story pitches presented by co-directors.
  • Circle of Life
  • Simba & Nala
  • Simba Takes Nala Out to Play
  • Hakuna Matata
  • Rafiki and Reflecting Pool
• Music & More: Karaoke versions of film songs.
  • Circle of Life
  • I Just Can't Wait to Be King
  • Be Prepared
  • Hakuna Matata
  • Can You Feel the Love Tonight
• Galleries: Explore visual development, character design, and more.
  • Visual Development
  • Character Design
  • Storyboards
  • Layouts
  • Backgrounds & Layouts

"The Lion King" transcends the confines of traditional animated films, offering a narrative depth that appeals equally to both children and adults. Drawing heavily from Shakespeare's "Hamlet," Disney weaves together elements from "Bambi" and Biblical stories to create a unique and compelling tale set in the African savannah. The film centers around Simba, voiced by Jonathan Taylor Thomas and later Matthew Broderick, who must reclaim his kingdom from his scheming Uncle Scar, performed masterfully by Jeremy Irons. This journey from exile to reclaiming his rightful place is underscored by Hans Zimmer's immersive score and Elton John and Tim Rice's iconic songs.

The voice cast contributes significantly to the film's enduring appeal. James Earl Jones brings a noble gravitas to Mufasa, while Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella inject comic relief as Timon and Pumbaa. Equally impressive are the visual elements, blending traditional hand-drawn animation with innovative computer-generated imagery. The opening sequence, "Circle of Life," remains a high point in animated filmmaking, combining breathtaking visuals with a powerful soundtrack. Despite its few minor flaws, such as the second act's middling pace and occasionally juvenile humor, the film's overall impact remains largely unaffected.

Even after more than two decades, "The Lion King" stands the test of time as a cinematic masterpiece. Its themes of loss, responsibility, and redemption resonate across generations, keeping it fresh and relevant. The film strikes a perfect balance between humor and serious thematic elements, making it not just a nostalgic favorite but also a timeless classic. The Disney Signature Collection release reaffirms its status with high-quality audio and video presentations, ensuring that both new audiences and longtime fans experience the magic of one of Disney's most celebrated animated features.

Disney's re-issue of The Lion King on Blu-ray under the Signature Collection line delivers an impressive audiovisual treat while retaining many elements familiar to long-time owners of prior editions. The high-definition video and DTS-HD MA 7.1 audio are consistently top-notch, preserving the visual splendor and auditory richness that fans adore. For those eyeing an upgrade, notable improvements include the restoring of missing digital clouds in one critical scene, rectifying a longstanding issue. However, it lacks the 3D version present in the 2011 Diamond Edition, a potential dealbreaker for those who prioritize that format.

The package presents a mix of the old and the new in terms of bonus content. Some cherished extras have been stripped to digital links, and a few previously unseen features have been added, offering a deeper "inside baseball" examination of the film's production. For die-hard fans, this might tip the scales toward a purchase, especially if they're keen on owning every conceivable piece of Lion King lore. However, for those who already invested in previous releases and aren't swayed by new special features or the lack of a 3D disc, maintaining existing copies would be prudent.

With all of Disney’s Signature releases, there is some give and take here. The Lion King (and its sequels) had been in the Disney vault for some time now, so this re-release marks its return without including the 3D disc. The extras offer new content but also convert several older bonuses to digital links only. Despite these changes, the restored visuals and high-quality encodes make this release a compelling acquisition for first-time buyers. Previous owners of the 2011 edition might find it hard to justify the double dip unless they highly value the specific updates. The Lion King remains an essential part of any collection, and this new edition continues to do it justice.