We have been anticipating the release of a stunningly realistic CG remake of our favourite Disney animated films with a brand-new original song by Beyonc since the day we first set foot on the earth. There is more to see than there was ever able to be in the theatrical version, despite the inevitable rehash that Jon Favreau’s The Lion King ended up being (to both more and lesser effect than the original, depending on who you ask). That’s correct, The Lion King will soon be available on Blu-ray and Digital with brand-new bonus features and extra material. The Blu-ray and digital release dates have been established by Disney for October 2019.
The Lion King will be released physically on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on October 22, 2019, according to Disney. The Lion King will first be available digitally in HD, 4K Ultra HD, and Movies Anywhere on October 11, 2019. Both the digital and print copies will come with a variety of added features, but only the digital version will offer an extra that “playfully portrays the importance of the dung beetle both in the film and the African savanna.” The featurette “Perfecting the Pride,” which follows the filmmakers on a study trip to Africa, will also be made available to customers who pre-purchase on Digital.
However, both versions will include supplementary materials exploring the making of the movie as well as music videos for the songs’ original compositions by Elton John and Beyonc.
BONUS FEATURES: (Retailer-specific)
PRE-SALE PERK:
- Perfecting the Pride Join the filmmakers on their research trip to Africa as they immerse themselves in the real world of “The Lion King.” From the animals in the pride, to the smallest of insects and the grasslands in the savanna, experience the attention to detail that brought the film to life.
- Pride Lands Pedia Dung beetle shares the importance of his “roll” in the African Savanna in a fun, bug’s eye view of the land and its inhabitants.
- The Journey to “The Lion King”
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- The Music – Go inside the studio with the cast and crew as they work to honor and elevate The Lion King’s beloved music.
- The Magic – Discover how the filmmakers blended the traditional filmmaking techniques with virtual reality technology to create amazing movie magic.
- The Timeless Tale – Filmmakers and cast reflect on the story that has moved generations and share how this Lion King carries a proud legacy forward.
- More to Be Scene – Recording studio and layer-by-layer progressions of some of most iconic moments in “The Lion King.”
- “Circle of Life” Peel back the layers of effects and go behind the scenes of this iconic musical moment from the film
- “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” See all the effects, talent and fun that went into creating this vibrant version of “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” for the movie
- “Hakuna Matata” Join Donald Glover (Simba), Seth Rogen (Pumbaa) and Billy Eichner (Timon) in the studio for the making of this memorable scene.
- Music Videos
- “Never Too Late” (lyric video) by Elton John
- “Spirit” performed by Beyonc Knowles-Carter
- Filmmaker Introduction
- Audio Commentary By Director Jon Favreau.
- Song Selection
- “Circle of Life”
- “I Just Can’t Wait to be King”
- “Be Prepared”
- “Hakuna Matata”
- “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”
- “Spirit”
- “Never Too Late”
- Protect the Pride Director Jon Favreau, the Lion Recovery Fund and conservationists highlight efforts to protect the majestic lions and their home.
The Lion King’s status as a remake has been widely contested because of the popularity of the original and the mediocre photorealistic recreations of the new one. The supplementary feature that perhaps provides the most information, even to those who (like me) aren’t fans of the new remake, is the one that can’t be disputed: Favreau used cutting-edge technology to produce those photorealistic animals and environments.
Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny on the plains of Africa. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother and former heir to the throne has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is soon ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. Now, with help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba must figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.
