The Lion King [VHS] [1994]

I did had problems accessing the Original 1994 Version on Special Edition DVD, the “play” icon on the main menu just seemed to play the New Version of the Lion King.

I called Buena Vista Home Entertainment, they informed me that you need to do the following;

Wait for the main film menu to appear, then go to set-up Icon, in set-up go to the Languages Icon and lastly in Language menu you will find Original Version, (just under Hebrew).

Thank you for reading my review and I hope it helps anyone who thinking about buying this DVD or anyone who had the same problem as me.


Excellent with one disappointment!   October 17, 2003
Ben Singer (Cardiff, UK)
24 out of 26 found this review helpful

This is an excellent DVD from Disney. The only dissapointment is the new sequence 'The Morning Report' as it is extremely obvious it is a different singer singing for Young Simba, and this kind of spoils the new sequence. You shouldn't let this put you off though because it is still interesting to see, and the original version of the film is on the DVD anyway.

The lion king never looked better on DVD. The images are crystal clear with the colour more obvious than ever before.

Theres a whole disk of extras as well as many extras on the disk with the film including a new version of 'Circle of Life' (sang by random stars from the Disney Channel), a 'Which character are you most like?' quiz and many featurettes about the making of the film.

If you liked Disney's previous 'Platinum Edition' offers you'll love this, and if you are a huge fan of the lion king, it is definitely for you!


Wonderful film - disappointing DVD   July 18, 2007
Louise Searl (Essex, United Kingdom)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

'The Lion King' tells the story of Simba, a lion cub growing up on the African savannah. His father, Mufasa, is the wise king of the Pridelands, and teaches Simba about 'the circle of life' and the responsibilities he will have as the future king. However, Mufasa's covetous brother Scar is plotting to usurp the throne, and with the help of some hyenas, he engineers Mufasa's death. The hyenas chase Simba from the Pridelands, and he is left to grow up in exile with only Timon, a fast-talking meerkat, and Pumbaa, a slow-witted warthog, for company. But one day he must return and reclaim his kingdom ...

By turns heart-warming, tear-jerking and hilarious, 'The Lion King' is, in my opinion, the greatest Disney film of all time. The animation is wonderful for the most part, the songs are catchy, and the story is engaging for children and adults alike, though young children may find some scenes, such as Mufasa's death, upsetting.

I would have given the film by itself five stars, but was forced to knock a star off for the complete mess that was made of this special edition. Firstly, though it contains both the original theatrical release and a new version with an added song, the original theatrical version is hidden away in the Languages menu (even then it is not exactly the original, since the crocodiles in the song 'I Just Can't Wait To Be King' have been inexplicably changed). There is no information given on how to find it, and it is the new version, featuring the extra song 'The Morning Report', that plays by default. Since this song was added several years after the others were recorded, a new voice artist for the character of Simba had to be used, and the difference is glaringly obvious. Not only is the song awful, it completely disrupts a touching and amusing scene - I cannot imagine what the Disney executives were thinking when they decided to tamper with a near-perfect film in this manner.

Secondly, the 'factual' section of extras, which claims to give information about the various animals featured in the film, is rife with inaccuracy. During the segment on hyenas, for example, half the time the animals on screen are not hyenas but African wild dogs! (The narrator also states that there are two species of hyena, when there are actually three). Similarly, when the aardvark is mentioned in the segment on warthogs, a picture of a tamandua is shown. In the segment on meerkats we are told that they belong to 'the weasel or mongoose family' - they do belong to the mongoose family (Herpestidae), but this is a completely separate family from the weasel family (Mustelidae). I can see little point in adding a section that claims to be informative and educational if no effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the facts it contains.

The rest of the extras, however, are more satisfying. There are games and sing-along options that children will find entertaining, and much information on the background of the film, including how the film-makers came up with the story, early character designs, the origins of the music, and how the film was adapted for the stage.

In conclusion, a wonderful film - it's just a shame Disney didn't put a bit more thought and research into the special edition DVD release.



Brilliant   July 19, 2006
Bairdio
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I dont usually give anything 5 stars but I think that the Lion King really deserves it.

The lion king is one of disneys' finest movies, from its breath taking musical opening over the african plains to its great climax the lion king has certainly captured everyones hearts with its upbeat songs and wonderful characters.

This film is fun for the whole family, even the adults who will enjoy Timon and Pumbaa's sense of humour.


Outstanding!   April 25, 2006
Mr. B. Ambrose (London, England)
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

Disney are known for creating amazing tales but this one, along with the animation the powerful voices for the characters, and the amazing music makes this a truly breathtaking Disney classic!

I saw this film when it came out in the cinema, and I have watched it so many times since then as I think it should be regarded as one of the best animated films out there.

I was lucky enough to get hold of this version of the DVD and I would totally recommend adding it to your list today! One of the best Disney films out there.

I grew up watching Disney films, and have seen most of the classis, but this for me is the ultimate classic. Its got laughs its tear jerking moments and above all it's a film that has proved the test of time and deserves its classic status. So buy it while you can because you won't be disappointed.