The Lion King DVD Press Release
Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2003 8:25 am
<center>
<font size="5"><u>FIRST TIME EVER ON DISNEY DVD</u></font>
<br><font size="7">THE LION KING</font>
<br><font size="4">SPECIAL EDITION</font>
<font size="3">
Platinum Edition 2-DISC DVD Available October 7
First Ever DIGITAL PRESENTATION of Academy Award-Winning* Film
Completely Restored With All-New 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix
Featuring All-New Song “Morning Report”
From Sir Elton John & Tim Rice
With Never-Before-Seen Animation
</font></center>
<font size="2">
BURBANK, Calif., April 11, 2003 - Disney’s crowning achievement, the #1 animated film of all time,
THE LION KING is available for the first time ever as a SPECIAL EDITION 2-Disc DVD set from
Walt Disney Home Entertainment on October 7. Now “THERE IS MORE TO BE SEEN THAN
HAS EVER BEEN SEEN” as this magnificent, Academy-Award-winning masterpiece is presented
with such outstanding special features as: TWO versions of the film; an all-new song “Morning
Report” by songwriters Elton John and Tim Rice; all-new animation created exclusively for the DVD;
a virtual safari in 5.1 Surround Sound; exciting journeys that take you behind this fabled movie and
more. Designed specifically for home theater systems, this DVD features the very finest in audio
quality with the all-new 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix, as befits the “king of all DVDs.”
There is MORE TO SEE, MORE TO HEAR and MORE TO DO with the incredible LION KING
SPECIAL EDITION as everyone can enjoy this greatest of Disney animated treasures in the best
home viewing mode possible, available on Disney DVD for $29.99 (S.R.P.). VHS $24.99 (S.R.P.).
THERE IS MORE TO SEE:
♦ The LION KING SPECIAL EDITION DVD represents the film’s first-ever digital
presentation of the film - a completely new and enhanced viewing experience!
♦ Two versions of the film are included:
The Original Theatrical Release
Special Edition with the all-new song “Morning Report”
♦ Rare deleted scenes.
♦ All-new 3D animation has been created exclusively for the DVD.
THERE IS MORE TO HEAR:
♦ A Disney innovation! All-new 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater mix
Engineered by Academy Award Nominated Re-recording Mixer, Terry Porter,
to create a more dynamic and spatially enhanced audio-sensory experience.
Designed specifically for home theater systems.
THERE IS MORE TO DO:
♦ “Experiential” features that extend the movie experience including Games and a
Virtual Safari in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound.
♦ Go beyond and explore the worldwide phenomenon of THE LION KING through a
breakthrough navigational system that offers five special journeys of music, film,
stage, story and animal inspirations.
♦ Revolutionary bonus features and exciting games will appeal to families, DVD
enthusiasts, movie fans and anyone interested in this classic film.
<center><b><u>ABOUT THE DVD FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
DISC 1</u></b></center>
Zazu hosts you on a fabulous trek through the different realms of the DVD kingdom.
<b>PRIDE ROCK</b>
• Two Versions Of The Film:
Original theatrical release
Special Edition with all-new song “Morning Report” seamlessly integrated
into the original film.
<b>GRASSLANDS</b>
• The Making Of The New Song “Morning Report”
• The Lion King Personality Profile Game
<b>TREE OF LIFE</b>
• All-New “Circle of Life” Music Video
Performed by the Disney Channel’s “Circle of Stars,” including Hillary
Duff (TV’s “Lizzy McGuire”), Raven Symone (TV’s “That’s So Raven”),
Christy Romano (TV’s “Even Stevens”), Anneliese Van Der Pol (TV’s
That’s So Raven), Orlando Brown (TV’s “The Proud Family”), Tahj
Mowry (TV’s “Smart Guy”), Kyla Pratt (TV’s “The Proud Family”) and
A.J. Trauth (TV’s “Even Stevens”).
• Sing Along Track
<b>JUNGLE</b>
• Timon’s Grab-A-Grub Game – Disney’s FIRST EVER 2-player set top game.
• Pumbaa’s Sound Sensations Game.
All-new sound matching game in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound.
<b>ELEPHANT GRAVEYARD</b>
• Deleted & Abandoned Scenes
Bug Football
Hakuna Matata
Warthog Rhapsody
• Abandoned Concept for “Can You Feel The Love Tonight”
• Audio Commentary
<center><u><b>DISC 2</u></b></center>
Set your course for adventure across the continents or embark on a chartered journey!
<b>VIRTUAL SAFARI</b>
• Join your outrageous tour guides Timon and Pumbaa for an action-packed blast
through the wilds of Africa – in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound!
<b>ANIMAL JOURNEY</b>
• Learn how real animals inspired the animated Lion King characters
Hosted by Roy Disney
<b>STORY JOURNEY</b>
• Learn the fascinating origin and influences behind The Lion King
Story origins
Timeless themes
The story comes to life
<b>STAGE JOURNEY</b>
• Behind the scenes featurette on the hit musical which explores masks, costumes,
puppets and more.
<b>FILM JOURNEY</b>
• Behind-The-Scenes footage
• Character design
• Computer animation
• Storyboards
• African art inspiration
<b>MUSIC JOURNEY</b>
• Exclusive interviews with Sir Elton John & Tim Rice
• Lion King music videos
• African influence on the music
Plus storyboard to film comparison, early presentation reels, character design galleries, art design
galleries and much more!
<i>All DVD bonus materials subject to change.</i>
<center><b><u>ABOUT THE RESTORATION</b></u></center>
THE LION KING – SPECIAL EDITION offers the highest quality digital presentation
with enhanced picture available, with an All-New 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater
Mix – creating a more dynamic and spatial audio-sensory experience. For the Special
Edition, THE LION KING has been meticulously and painstakingly reformatted one
frame at a time, working from the film’s original digitally stored files.
Led by the original filmmaking team from Disney’s famed Feature Animation division, a
group of Disney’s top artists and technicians launched a major effort to remove dust and
dirt, add detail and provide the home viewer with a digital picture and sound that is the
finest possible.
<center><b><u>ABOUT THE MUSIC</b></u></center>
All-New Song “Morning Report”
The legendary team of singer/songwriter Elton John and lyricist Tim Rice contribute the
new song “Morning Report” to THE LION KING SPECIAL EDITION DVD. The
DVD offers “Morning Report” on an alternate version of the film, with never-before-seen
animation produced and directed by the original Feature Animation Lion King team.
Elton John and Tim Rice won the 1994 Academy Award for Best Music (Song), with
their song “Can You Feel The Love Tonight. ” Their outstanding contributions include
such beloved songs as the buoyant “Hakuna Matata,” the upbeat “Just Can’t Wait To Be
King” and the majestic song “The Circle of Life.” Hans Zimmer won the 1994 Academy
Award for Best Music, Original Score for his evocative musical score.
<center><b><u>ABOUT THE CAST</b></u></center>
THE LION KING’s stellar cast includes Matthew Broderick (TV’s “The Music Man,”
Broadway’s “The Producers”), Jeremy Irons (“The Time Machine”; Academy Award
winner, Best Actor, “Reversal of Fortune” 1990), Robert Guillaume (TV’s “Sports
Night”), James Earl Jones (“Star Wars”), Nathan Lane (Broadway’s “The Producers”),
Cheech Marin (“Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams”), Ernie Sabella (TV’s “House of
Mouse”), Jonathan Taylor Thomas (“The Wild Thornberrys”), Whoopi Goldberg (“Rat
Race”) and Rowan Atkinson (“Bean”).
Street Date: October 7, 2003
Feature running time: Approximately 90 minutes
DVD aspect ratio: 1.66:1 (widescreen) Original Theatrical Aspect Ratio
Enhanced for 16x9 screens
Suggested retail price: $29.99 DVD (S.R.P.). $24.99 VHS (S.R.P.).
Rated: “G” General Audiences
Bonus material: Not Rated. Bonus material subject to change.
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
All-new 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix
From the magnificent musical opening over breathtaking African vistas, to its rip-roaring,
emotional climax, THE LION KING reigns supreme as one of animation’s greatest
crowning achievements. Set amid the majestic beauty of the Serengeti, Disney’s epic
coming-of-age saga tells of the love between a proud lion ruler Mufasa (James Earl
Jones) and his son Simba (Matthew Broderick), a naïve and curious cub who “just can’t
wait to be king.”
When Simba’s envious Uncle Scar (Jeremy Irons) schemes with his hyena henchmen,
including Shenzi (Whoopi Goldberg), trouble invades the kingdom. To the rescue comes
a hilarious meerkat named Timon (Nathan Lane) and that warmhearted warthog, Pumbaa
(Ernie Sabella) – and soon Simba joins in the carefree lifestyle of “Hakuna Matata.”
With Rafiki (Robert Guillaume) at his side, Simba reclaims his true destiny and joins the
“circle of life.”
Walt Disney Home Entertainment is distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment,
Inc., a recognized industry leader. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc. is the
marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Miramax,
Dimension and Buena Vista videocassettes and DVDs.
<b><font size="4">PRE-ORDER FROM AMAZON...</font></b>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... eimprovemz">
<IMG SRC="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000 ... ZZZZZZ.jpg" border="0" alt="cover" hspace="3" vspace="3"></A>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... eimprovemz">
The Lion King: Platinum Edition </A>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... eimprovemz">
<IMG SRC="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000 ... ZZZZZZ.jpg" border="0" alt="cover" hspace="3" vspace="3"></A>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... eimprovemz">
The Lion King - Collector's Gift Set</A>
<b><a href="http://www.ultimatedisney.com/lionking.html"><font size="5">On to more Lion King DVD details, artwork, menus, etc.</b></a></font>
<font size="5"><u>FIRST TIME EVER ON DISNEY DVD</u></font>
<br><font size="7">THE LION KING</font>
<br><font size="4">SPECIAL EDITION</font>
<font size="3">
Platinum Edition 2-DISC DVD Available October 7
First Ever DIGITAL PRESENTATION of Academy Award-Winning* Film
Completely Restored With All-New 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix
Featuring All-New Song “Morning Report”
From Sir Elton John & Tim Rice
With Never-Before-Seen Animation
</font></center>
<font size="2">
BURBANK, Calif., April 11, 2003 - Disney’s crowning achievement, the #1 animated film of all time,
THE LION KING is available for the first time ever as a SPECIAL EDITION 2-Disc DVD set from
Walt Disney Home Entertainment on October 7. Now “THERE IS MORE TO BE SEEN THAN
HAS EVER BEEN SEEN” as this magnificent, Academy-Award-winning masterpiece is presented
with such outstanding special features as: TWO versions of the film; an all-new song “Morning
Report” by songwriters Elton John and Tim Rice; all-new animation created exclusively for the DVD;
a virtual safari in 5.1 Surround Sound; exciting journeys that take you behind this fabled movie and
more. Designed specifically for home theater systems, this DVD features the very finest in audio
quality with the all-new 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix, as befits the “king of all DVDs.”
There is MORE TO SEE, MORE TO HEAR and MORE TO DO with the incredible LION KING
SPECIAL EDITION as everyone can enjoy this greatest of Disney animated treasures in the best
home viewing mode possible, available on Disney DVD for $29.99 (S.R.P.). VHS $24.99 (S.R.P.).
THERE IS MORE TO SEE:
♦ The LION KING SPECIAL EDITION DVD represents the film’s first-ever digital
presentation of the film - a completely new and enhanced viewing experience!
♦ Two versions of the film are included:
The Original Theatrical Release
Special Edition with the all-new song “Morning Report”
♦ Rare deleted scenes.
♦ All-new 3D animation has been created exclusively for the DVD.
THERE IS MORE TO HEAR:
♦ A Disney innovation! All-new 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater mix
Engineered by Academy Award Nominated Re-recording Mixer, Terry Porter,
to create a more dynamic and spatially enhanced audio-sensory experience.
Designed specifically for home theater systems.
THERE IS MORE TO DO:
♦ “Experiential” features that extend the movie experience including Games and a
Virtual Safari in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound.
♦ Go beyond and explore the worldwide phenomenon of THE LION KING through a
breakthrough navigational system that offers five special journeys of music, film,
stage, story and animal inspirations.
♦ Revolutionary bonus features and exciting games will appeal to families, DVD
enthusiasts, movie fans and anyone interested in this classic film.
<center><b><u>ABOUT THE DVD FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
DISC 1</u></b></center>
Zazu hosts you on a fabulous trek through the different realms of the DVD kingdom.
<b>PRIDE ROCK</b>
• Two Versions Of The Film:
Original theatrical release
Special Edition with all-new song “Morning Report” seamlessly integrated
into the original film.
<b>GRASSLANDS</b>
• The Making Of The New Song “Morning Report”
• The Lion King Personality Profile Game
<b>TREE OF LIFE</b>
• All-New “Circle of Life” Music Video
Performed by the Disney Channel’s “Circle of Stars,” including Hillary
Duff (TV’s “Lizzy McGuire”), Raven Symone (TV’s “That’s So Raven”),
Christy Romano (TV’s “Even Stevens”), Anneliese Van Der Pol (TV’s
That’s So Raven), Orlando Brown (TV’s “The Proud Family”), Tahj
Mowry (TV’s “Smart Guy”), Kyla Pratt (TV’s “The Proud Family”) and
A.J. Trauth (TV’s “Even Stevens”).
• Sing Along Track
<b>JUNGLE</b>
• Timon’s Grab-A-Grub Game – Disney’s FIRST EVER 2-player set top game.
• Pumbaa’s Sound Sensations Game.
All-new sound matching game in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound.
<b>ELEPHANT GRAVEYARD</b>
• Deleted & Abandoned Scenes
Bug Football
Hakuna Matata
Warthog Rhapsody
• Abandoned Concept for “Can You Feel The Love Tonight”
• Audio Commentary
<center><u><b>DISC 2</u></b></center>
Set your course for adventure across the continents or embark on a chartered journey!
<b>VIRTUAL SAFARI</b>
• Join your outrageous tour guides Timon and Pumbaa for an action-packed blast
through the wilds of Africa – in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound!
<b>ANIMAL JOURNEY</b>
• Learn how real animals inspired the animated Lion King characters
Hosted by Roy Disney
<b>STORY JOURNEY</b>
• Learn the fascinating origin and influences behind The Lion King
Story origins
Timeless themes
The story comes to life
<b>STAGE JOURNEY</b>
• Behind the scenes featurette on the hit musical which explores masks, costumes,
puppets and more.
<b>FILM JOURNEY</b>
• Behind-The-Scenes footage
• Character design
• Computer animation
• Storyboards
• African art inspiration
<b>MUSIC JOURNEY</b>
• Exclusive interviews with Sir Elton John & Tim Rice
• Lion King music videos
• African influence on the music
Plus storyboard to film comparison, early presentation reels, character design galleries, art design
galleries and much more!
<i>All DVD bonus materials subject to change.</i>
<center><b><u>ABOUT THE RESTORATION</b></u></center>
THE LION KING – SPECIAL EDITION offers the highest quality digital presentation
with enhanced picture available, with an All-New 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater
Mix – creating a more dynamic and spatial audio-sensory experience. For the Special
Edition, THE LION KING has been meticulously and painstakingly reformatted one
frame at a time, working from the film’s original digitally stored files.
Led by the original filmmaking team from Disney’s famed Feature Animation division, a
group of Disney’s top artists and technicians launched a major effort to remove dust and
dirt, add detail and provide the home viewer with a digital picture and sound that is the
finest possible.
<center><b><u>ABOUT THE MUSIC</b></u></center>
All-New Song “Morning Report”
The legendary team of singer/songwriter Elton John and lyricist Tim Rice contribute the
new song “Morning Report” to THE LION KING SPECIAL EDITION DVD. The
DVD offers “Morning Report” on an alternate version of the film, with never-before-seen
animation produced and directed by the original Feature Animation Lion King team.
Elton John and Tim Rice won the 1994 Academy Award for Best Music (Song), with
their song “Can You Feel The Love Tonight. ” Their outstanding contributions include
such beloved songs as the buoyant “Hakuna Matata,” the upbeat “Just Can’t Wait To Be
King” and the majestic song “The Circle of Life.” Hans Zimmer won the 1994 Academy
Award for Best Music, Original Score for his evocative musical score.
<center><b><u>ABOUT THE CAST</b></u></center>
THE LION KING’s stellar cast includes Matthew Broderick (TV’s “The Music Man,”
Broadway’s “The Producers”), Jeremy Irons (“The Time Machine”; Academy Award
winner, Best Actor, “Reversal of Fortune” 1990), Robert Guillaume (TV’s “Sports
Night”), James Earl Jones (“Star Wars”), Nathan Lane (Broadway’s “The Producers”),
Cheech Marin (“Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams”), Ernie Sabella (TV’s “House of
Mouse”), Jonathan Taylor Thomas (“The Wild Thornberrys”), Whoopi Goldberg (“Rat
Race”) and Rowan Atkinson (“Bean”).
Street Date: October 7, 2003
Feature running time: Approximately 90 minutes
DVD aspect ratio: 1.66:1 (widescreen) Original Theatrical Aspect Ratio
Enhanced for 16x9 screens
Suggested retail price: $29.99 DVD (S.R.P.). $24.99 VHS (S.R.P.).
Rated: “G” General Audiences
Bonus material: Not Rated. Bonus material subject to change.
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
All-new 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix
From the magnificent musical opening over breathtaking African vistas, to its rip-roaring,
emotional climax, THE LION KING reigns supreme as one of animation’s greatest
crowning achievements. Set amid the majestic beauty of the Serengeti, Disney’s epic
coming-of-age saga tells of the love between a proud lion ruler Mufasa (James Earl
Jones) and his son Simba (Matthew Broderick), a naïve and curious cub who “just can’t
wait to be king.”
When Simba’s envious Uncle Scar (Jeremy Irons) schemes with his hyena henchmen,
including Shenzi (Whoopi Goldberg), trouble invades the kingdom. To the rescue comes
a hilarious meerkat named Timon (Nathan Lane) and that warmhearted warthog, Pumbaa
(Ernie Sabella) – and soon Simba joins in the carefree lifestyle of “Hakuna Matata.”
With Rafiki (Robert Guillaume) at his side, Simba reclaims his true destiny and joins the
“circle of life.”
Walt Disney Home Entertainment is distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment,
Inc., a recognized industry leader. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc. is the
marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Miramax,
Dimension and Buena Vista videocassettes and DVDs.
<b><font size="4">PRE-ORDER FROM AMAZON...</font></b>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... eimprovemz">
<IMG SRC="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000 ... ZZZZZZ.jpg" border="0" alt="cover" hspace="3" vspace="3"></A>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... eimprovemz">
The Lion King: Platinum Edition </A>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... eimprovemz">
<IMG SRC="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000 ... ZZZZZZ.jpg" border="0" alt="cover" hspace="3" vspace="3"></A>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... eimprovemz">
The Lion King - Collector's Gift Set</A>
<b><a href="http://www.ultimatedisney.com/lionking.html"><font size="5">On to more Lion King DVD details, artwork, menus, etc.</b></a></font>