VHS : The Lion King [1994]

Rating: - Classic Disney
"The Lion King", in my opinion, becomes more difficult to watch as you get older. The music, Simba's scenes with his father - they are all spot-on; rewatching it, I was in tears almost constantly for the first thirty minutes. Disney *really* knew what they were doing when they made this, so props to them for that. When I rewatched this a few years ago, I actually thought that they had remade Shakespeare's "Richard III" - it turns out that they were aiming for "Hamlet" - and there's something really masterful in the story here, which is often nonexistant in other Disney films.

There are some great characters here as well. While Simba is a little on the bland side, Scar positively steals every scene he is in. The minor, "wacky" characters are possibly a little too numerous, but they are by and large very entertaining. Mufasa, Simba's father, is, of course, one of the great Disney parents, and his death is genuinely upsetting.

On a visual level, it is a little disappointing. While the backgrounds are full and lush, I do think that some of the animals are just a little *too* cartoonish. The lions in particular suffer in this case, which is unfortunate. The story structure as well is a little uneven - Timon and Pumbaa, two quite major characters, aren't introduced until quite late in the film, for example, and I felt that more of Simba's time living with the two of them and growing accustomed to their lifestyle would have improved things somewhat.

It's a good film, certainly, and I imagine many people would claim that it's the best Disney film of the '90s (if not of all time). While it's not quite my thing, it's a great family film which touches real emotions. The DVD is great as well, and comes packed with interesting additional features. Disney should definitely be proud of themselves.

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Rating: - The Lion King
The Lion King is, without doubt, the best Disney film, no, the best animated film ever made. It deserves its success, from breaking box-office records, to having a number one soundtrack, and even for making it to the stage (which, by the way, is one of the most amazing shows the West End, or Broadway, has ever seen). As a result, I'm disturbed to read certain reviews which favour CGI animated flicks such as Toy Story, Monsters Inc., and Ice Age over the splendour that is The Lion King. Sure, the CGI ones are witty, but where's the charm? They're just joke after joke. They don't take themselves seriously enough, which is, I think, their downfall. The Lion King has just the right amounts of comedy and seriousness, with a great plot, great characters, music and animation chucked in. Who can't fall in love with the awe-inspiring image of the African Serengeti?

The opening scene, the visually stunning 'Circle of Life' sequence, is a cinematic feat. Huge expanses of savannah, beautifully animated animals and wonderful music combine to make it the best opening scene in, I think, film history. From there it's just a constant rise, from Mufasa's tear-jerking death scene to the beautiful 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight', and ending in the victorious, jump-for-joy, and again tear-to-the-eye scene atop of the magnificent Pride Rock, whereupon the 'Circle of Life' is complete.

This film truly is Disney's animated classic (second, of course, being Beauty and the Beast). And what makes it so good? One of the main factors is, I think, the lack of human presence in the actual film itself, but with such an oh-so-human story pushing it to the top of the Disney pile. This film is not to be missed. It is one for all generations, to watch again and again.

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Rating: - What a con!
This is not 'The Lion King'. It is 3 Elton John videos, some badly animated stories and an 'educational' package which purports to help your child learn to read. We'd been saving it as a treat. Massive disappointment.

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Rating: - Amazing Set!
This Region 1 Set is simply amazing! Not only do you get one of the best Disney Movies ever, you also get a nice colour story book and signed character sketch lithographs all presented in a beautiful box! The dvd itself is fantastic, even the DVD menus are great (taking you around the various locations of the lion king). This is a must buy!

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Rating: - Best ever 2D animated feature
Outstanding animated feature from Disney that sports outstanding songs by Elton John, a compelling story and first-class animation. Young lion cub Simba is to be king, but he leaves after he believes he was the reason for his father's death (of course this is not so..that is the evil plot of his uncle Scar). As he grows up, he goes on a journey of love, friendship and discovery which will lead him back to his rightful place in the world. This is probably the best ever 2D animated feature and realistically, it wouldn't transcend on 3D - perfection cannot be bettered in this case.