The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride Blu-ray Review

The 1080p/AVC-encoded presentation of "The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride" is commendable but falls short compared to its predecessors, "The Lion King" and "The Lion King 1½". Despite a few minor issues, the video quality is fairly impressive overall. Notable technical shortcomings include brief instances of digital noise, particularly noticeable when Simba stares at a starry sky, several occurrences of almost negligible banding, and a hint of faint but visible ringing. These issues, however, do not significantly detract from the viewing experience. Colors remain vibrant and striking, black levels are deep and rich, and the details are as refined as those seen in the previous films' encodes. The animation itself, although not as mesmerizing as "The Lion King", holds up quite well.

The presentation largely retains the same lush, bright animation that made the first two films ideal for demo material. However, enthusiasts and critics alike might catch slight banding and digital noise in specific scenes. The color depth is remarkable, with lines appearing sharp and satisfying, fills remaining clean and stable, and backgrounds revitalized, showcasing every personal touch and imperfection in the animation. While these minor imperfections prevent "Simba's Pride" from earning top marks alongside its counterparts, the overall video quality leaves the standard DVD version far behind.

In summary, while "Simba's Pride" exhibits most of the great-looking visuals that defined the first two films, certain minor issues like digital noise, banding, and mild ringing hold it back from perfection. The representation of elements like fire may also seem a bit off to some viewers. Nonetheless, the film’s 1080p visual presentation is adequately robust and engaging for both new and returning audiences.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track for "The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride" provides a satisfactory but not outstanding listening experience. Similar to its predecessor, 'Lion King 1 ½,' the mix is serviceable but lacks the immersive and dynamic sound design found in the original 'Lion King.' Throughout the film, the rear speakers are active but fail to fully envelop the listener, and while the LFE channel offers some impactful rumblings, it does not achieve the powerful resonance that fans might expect. Dialogue clarity is commendable, and the directionality of effects earns a respectable grade; nevertheless, the overall sonic experience does not quite achieve the majesty of its forebear.

Notably, the audio presentation delivers more action-driven content than 'Lion King 1 ½,' yet the result remains only slightly above average. The musical segments, in particular, do not feature the engaging pizzazz of the original's soundtrack; instead, they come across as relatively flat and lacking originality, almost as though they emerged from a pop-music factory. Despite these shortcomings, the technical execution remains solid with clear dialogue and an absence of significant technical issues. The low-end frequencies during intense scenes offer some noteworthy sub-woofer activity, enhancing particular moments albeit without overwhelming force. Fans should manage their expectations accordingly—while this direct-to-video sequel offers decent audio quality, it does not rise to match the sonic grandeur of the original film.

The Blu-ray of "The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride" offers a satisfactory collection of extras that blend educational content with behind-the-scenes insights. Timon and Pumbaa feature prominently, providing humorous yet informative entries, though some may feel the educational segments lack depth. The animated short "One By One" stands out, presenting a touching story that unfortunately misses high-definition treatment. The “Proud of Simba's Pride” behind-the-scenes segment provides fans with an insightful look into the film's creation, while the included music video adds nostalgic value. The transition between standard definition and high definition in the extras is noticeable but does not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment.

Extras included in this disc:

• Timon & Pumbaa's Insectapedia: Facts and trivia about insects shared humorously by Timon and Pumbaa.
• One By One: Animated short about an African community making kites.
• Timon & Pumbaa: Find Out Why: Scientific questions answered by Timon and Pumbaa.
• Proud of Simba's Pride: Behind-the-scenes featurette on the film’s development.
• Music Video: "Love Will Find a Way" performed by Kenny Lattimore and Heather Headley.
• Discover Blu-ray 3D with Timon & Pumbaa: Demonstration of Blu-ray 3D features.
• Trailers and Sneak Peeks

The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride" represents a bold but flawed venture into new storytelling territory. Producer Jeannine Roussel's decision to marginalize iconic characters like Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa, in favor of introducing new characters, yields mixed results. This sequel explores the life of Kiara (voiced by Michelle Horn and later Neve Campbell), Simba's daughter, and her romance with Kovu (Jason Marsden), Scar's heir. The plot is a loose reinterpretation of "Romeo and Juliet," filled with narrative gaps and somewhat predictable story arcs. Simba, voiced again by Matthew Broderick, transitions into an overbearing and often unlikeable patriarch, complicating the viewing experience. The love story, while sweet, lacks the nuanced characterization and seamless plot progression that made the original so enchanting.

"Simba's Pride" also struggles with its audiovisual elements. The songs range from forgettable ("We Are One") to outright uninspired ("He Lives in You"), failing to capture the magic of the original's soundtrack. The animation doesn't quite match the splendor or fluidity exhibited in the first film or even "The Lion King 1½." Characters like Kiara and Kovu manage to fill some emotional vacuities, but ultimately, their arcs feel rushed and simplified for broader audience consumption. The film lacks the original's finesse, resulting in a direct-to-video feel that's hard to overlook.

Despite its shortcomings, "Simba's Pride" carries enough charm to entertain younger audiences. However, it inevitably pales in comparison to its predecessors. The film serves more as a lightly engaging 81-minute diversion rather than a memorable Disney classic. It struggles with sustaining narrative tension and emotional resonance, often feeling like a rehashed drama without the gravitas and creativity of the original "Lion King.

The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride Blu-ray release delivers a nostalgic addition for fans of the original film. While it doesn't stand up to the groundbreaking impact of its predecessor, it offers a familiar and heartfelt continuation of the beloved franchise. The story, inspired by Romeo and Juliet, introduces new characters Kiara and Kovu alongside returning favorites Timon, Pumbaa, and Rafiki, providing a fresh perspective despite some narrative predictability. The video presentation is competent, contributing to the overall charm for those invested in The Lion King's extended universe.

The Blu-ray's technical aspects are solid, though not particularly outstanding. The visual clarity is commendable but does not fully utilize the high-definition format to its maximum potential. Audio performance is consistent and fits well within Disney's usual high standards. Special features are sparse, and the overall length of the film may leave some viewers feeling underwhelmed given its less than 90-minute runtime. Yet, for dedicated fans or those introducing the series to a younger generation, it remains a valuable collection piece.

In conclusion, The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride is more of an official sequel than Lion King 1½, but it still doesn't reach the heights of the original. That said, it doesn't rehash the same story (as direct-to-video sequels tend to do), introduces a variety of new characters and puts a Disney spin on Romeo and Juliet. Sure, Simba is a bit of a jerk in his middle age, but franchise inductees Kiara and Kovu and returning favorites Timon, Pumbaa and Rafiki make up for dear ol' dad’s short-sightedness. Pride's Blu-ray release is decent as well, even if its video presentation is forced to shoulder most of the burden. If your love of The Lion King extends beyond the original film, Simba’s Pride and Lion King 1½ will be welcome additions to your collection, regardless of whether you purchase The Lion King Trilogy box set or wait for the sequels' standalone releases to arrive in 2012.