In the years before VHS tapes and DVDs, the Disney Company would re-release their animated films into theaters every seven years. It was believed (correctly so) that during that time interval, a whole new batch of Disney fans would enter movie-going age and want to see earlier classics. But home video changed all that. Why would you spend money to see a movie in a theater when you could see it at home multiple times for $20? So for the most part, the re-releasing of movies in theaters stopped. But a new technology is changing this. We will once again be able to see Disney classics in theaters – at least for the next couple of years.
It is now possible to convert two-dimensional animated films into 3D. I was invited to a press event today where I was treated to a preview showing of The Lion King in 3D. It was outstanding! I was very impressed! I don’t know how they do it, but the effect is superbly executed. I’ve seen other Disney films that were created in 3D from the get-go, and it would be difficult for most people to tell the difference between these “originals” and movies that have been converted.
On Friday, September 16, Disney will re-release The Lion King in 3D in theaters across the country for two weeks only. This film is a masterpiece. Watching movies at home is nice and convenient, but it can’t compare to seeing a film on the big screen and sharing the experience with others. I know you’ve all seen The Lion King a dozen times, but you might want to see it again in 3D.
For you home-theater buffs, The Lion King will be released in Hi-Def and Blu-ray 3Dâ„¢ on October 4th. For more information, click here.
Hi Jack –
Though this is a little delayed, I just wanted say thanks for posting this review! It was only because of this post and the fact that you gave the 3D technology the seal of approval that I was able to convince a group of college girls to go out on a Friday night and see this movie! 🙂
Another great post as usual!
Sam
Jack, can you please tell me if the 3D version of the Lion King includes the morning report section that was added to the DVD version of the film? I love the Lion King but HATE that segment, mostly because they didn’t seem to make an effort to find a boy’s voice that sounds like the original. Because of this I only watch the movie on my VHS tape.
Jack’s Answer:
I do not follow Disney movies as closely as I do Disney theme parks, so I’m not entirely sure how to answer this. There was a segment in the 3D Lion King movie where the morning report is discussed between Simba, Zazu, and Mufasa. However, it is spoken dialogue and not the musical version that was in the Broadway play. Is this what you’re referring to? If yes, then it’s part of the 3D DVD.
I know in Beauty and the Beast they added the “musical” number “Human Again” from the Broadway version to the DVD. No new music was added to the Lion King.
Andrew,
In my opinion, Disney does a fantastic job of high definition transfer to Blu-Ray. I too was sKeptical of animation on Blu-Ray, until I saw an example on my 55″ TV. It is actually clearer than you might see in in a theatre, since projectionists don’t tend to use binoculars to focus the projectors.
When Disney digitally restores old animated films and releases them to Blu-Ray, it really is magical. In the restoration process, they not only eliminate dirt and scratches, but while correcting the color, they actually remove much of the grain from the film. It’s like you are really looking at the animation cells in motion.
This morning I had a new 55″ 3-D TV delivered, and The Nightmare Before Christmas in 3-D is fantastic!
Greg
I watched the previews and, like you said, it looks like it was filmed in 3D. Impressive.
I don’t get the appeal of HD Dvds, especially for animated films. Does it really enhance the movie that much? The only thing I really watch in HD are sports. As for the re-release, that is cool. I remember Disney used to do it fairly often (I saw the re-releases of the Little Mermaid in ’97 and Oliver and Company a year earlier). Now if only they would rerelease Song of the South although I know the issues.
I definitely will go see The Lion King when the theatrical release hits town, but to me the 3D version is not the motivation, it is simply a great film! The story is a compelling variation on time honored themes with wonderful characters, beautiful cinematography, and some of Disney’s best music. The opening sequence ranks up there with the beloved Fantasia. I would go see it again even if it was re-released in living black-and-white and glorious monophonic sound (Casablanca, anyone?).
hey jack
I really hope i get a chance to see the lion king in 3d. it is one of my favorite disney movies of all time. can’t wait for your next blog and as always keep up the great work.
Hi Jack,
Recently I saw a 3-D trailer for The Lion King, and since I’m a real 3-D geek, I watch with a very critical eye. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first heard that a hand-drawn feature was being converted to 3-D. I sort of imagined a shadow box effect where characters would be flat-looking, but on differing planes. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the trailer. The characters were rounded, and the 3-D effect was executed extremely well. I would absolutely love to know the process for creating this 3-D from 2-D effect, but that’s the geek side of me.
I’ve been saving money for a future purchase of a 3-D TV, as well as buying new releases in the 3-D packs in anticipation. (I already have my 3-D copy of the Lion King pre-ordered through Amazon.) Due to a sale, and extended 36-month same-as-cash financing deal, I took the plunge and purchased a 3-D TV set. It will be delivered next Thursday, and you can imagine how excited I am right now.
I took a “test disk” of my own 3-D photography to the store to see if I could get it to work, and the fact that I could really put me over the edge. I’m not sure what I’m more excited about, seeing professional movies in 3-D in my family room, or seeing my own photography in full color rather than tinted red and blue.
Greg
hi Jack,
So glad to read your review- my husband is taking our 5y/o tomorrow to see the movie. He hasn’t seen it before (no Hebrew version avilable), though I tried showing him some clips on YouTube. The Lion King is one of Disney’s best, IMHO, I love the music and the wonderul portrayl of the African landscape. (Plot ? not so much…)