The Lion King [Blu-Ray]

(Directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff) I must have seen Disney's The Lion King a great number of times as a kid because when I finally sat down to watch the film as an adult, I could practically recite it word for word. The film's recent theatrical re-release success proves that The Lion King is unquestionably one of the most loved animated films of all time. And its debut appearance on Blu-Ray is a clear reminder why. The 1994 Oscar winner is back and as majestic as it's ever been. From the moment the procession of elephants, giraffes and zebras makes its way to Pride Rock for the unveiling of Simba, the newborn lion cub who will one day be king, The Lion King roars loud enough to earn its moniker. The African savannah is breathtaking in its yellow and orange hues, and the Elton John/Tim Rice song, "Circle of Life," is a true triumph (one of many on the jubilant soundtrack). This ceremony is a celebration and the film is just as much of one. Its message of overcoming your fears and past to become the king you are inside holds true to this day without falling prey to cliché. The new Blu-Ray edition contains many of the same features that previous DVD editions did, but it also has some never before seen deleted scenes, as well as a newly "discovered blooper reel featuring most of the original voice cast, from Matthew Broderick as the adult Simba to Jeremy Irons as the villainous Scar. Regardless of how many new features there are, the high definition transfer itself is well worth the upgrade. The Lion King is simply a must-own for any family film collection.