AUDIENCES TO EXPERIENCE
DISNEY'S "THE LION KING" LIKE NEVER
BEFORE…
TWO FIRSTS FOR OSCAR®- AND GOLDEN GLOBE®-WINNING ANIMATED CLASSIC:
September 16, 2011-All-New 3D Version of "The Lion King" Hits Theaters for the First Time Ever
October 4, 2011- Available on Disney Blu-rayTM
Hi-Def and Blu-ray 3DTM for the First Time Ever
better than ever this fall when Disney's "The Lion King" roars into theaters
and homes in breathtaking 3D. A special two-week theatrical extravaganza kicks
off Sept. 16, 2011, showcasing the Oscar®- and Golden Globe®-winning film on
the big screen in Disney Digital 3DTM for the first time ever, and its highly
anticipated home entertainment debut kicks off October 4, celebrating the Diamond Edition release of the epic movie
"The Lion King" in high-definition Blu-rayTM and Blu-ray 3DTM.
"'The
Lion King' is the best-selling home entertainment release of all time-and this
is 'The Lion King' like never before," said Bob Chapek, president of
distribution, The Walt Disney Studios. "The all-new 3D format immerses viewers in
the epic settings and puts them face-to-face with these beloved characters. We're
showcasing one of the all-time favorite Disney movies in theaters and making it
available in Blu-ray hi-def and in Blu-ray 3D-it's the must-see, must-own title
for everyone."
Nearly
a decade since "The Lion King" last appeared on the big screen, the upcoming theatrical
release invites new generations into the "Circle of Life." The two-week, 3D-only presentation is a
planned wide domestic release-the biggest since the film's 1994 debut-and the film's
first-ever 3D release.
The
Blu-ray debut marks the first time "The Lion King" has been available in any
form since 2004. Featuring pristine high
definition picture and sound, the Blu-ray creates an incredible at-home
experience with a host of picture and sound enhancements, interactive features
and bonus content, including a new set of hilarious animated bloopers.
"The Lion King": Diamond Edition home entertainment release
will be available from the Disney Vault for a limited time only beginning
October 4 as follows:
-
4-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (for the suggested retail price of $49.99 U.S./ $56.99
Canada)-
"The
Lion King" = Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray 2D + DVD + Digital CopyTM
-
"The
-
2-Disc
Blu-ray Combo Pack (for the suggested retail price of $39.99 U.S./$46.99
Canada)-
"The
Lion King" = Blu-ray 2D + DVD
-
"The
-
8-Disc Trilogy
(for the suggested retail price of $100.00 U.S./ $115.00 Canada)-
"The
Lion King" = Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray 2D + DVD + Digital Copy -
"The
Lion King 1 1Ž2" = Blu-ray 2D + DVD -
"The
Lion King II: Simba's Pride" = Blu-ray 2D + DVD
-
"The
And the one-disc DVD Edition will be available on November
15.
"The Lion King," first released in 1994, won the
Oscar® for Best Original Score (Hans Zimmer) and Best Original Song (Elton
John/Tim Rice "Can You Feel the Love Tonight"), earning Golden Globes® in both
categories, as well as for Best Motion Picture-Comedy or Musical.
The film inspired an immensely popular, Tony Award®-winning
Broadway musical, which is currently featured on stages worldwide. It became
the seventh longest-running musical in Broadway history in January 2011.
ABOUT THE
LION KING:
An
unforgettable story,
breathtaking animation, beloved characters and award-winning music sets
the stage for "The Lion King", a Disney classic that follows the
adventures of
Simba, the feisty lion cub who "just can't wait to be king." But his
envious
Uncle Scar has plans for his own ascent to the throne, and he forces
Simba's
exile from the kingdom. Alone and adrift, Simba soon joins the escapades
of a
hilarious meerkat named Timon and his warmhearted warthog pal, Pumbaa. Adopting their carefree
lifestyle of "Hakuna Matata," Simba ignores his real responsibilities until he
realizes his destiny and returns to the Pride Lands to claim his place in the "Circle
of Life." The all-star vocal talents-including Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane,
Whoopi Goldberg, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Ernie Sabella, Jonathan
Taylor Thomas, Robert Guillaume, Cheech Marin and Moira Kelly-rip-roaring comedy and uplifting messages of courage,
loyalty and hope make this a timeless tale for all ages. Produced by Don Hahn
and directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff from a script by Irene
Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts and Linda Woolverton, "The
Lion King" is rated G by the MPAA.
ABOUT DISNEY'S
BLU-RAY DIAMOND COLLECTION:
The Blu-ray
Diamond Collection represents The Walt Disney Studio's most prestigious
animated classics. The Collection will be comprised with many of Walt Disney's
most treasured animated classic titles to be released through 2016. These
titles represent the highest level of picture and sound, feature
groundbreaking, state-of-the-art immersive bonus content, and include
unprecedented levels of interactivity, personalization and customization, made
possible because of Blu-ray technology.
ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS:
For
more
than 85 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) was built. Today, the Studio brings
quality
movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature
films
are released under four banners: Walt Disney Pictures, which includes
Walt
Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios, Disneynature,
Touchstone
Pictures and Marvel. Through the Home Entertainment division, innovative
distribution methods provide access to creative content across multiple
platforms. Original music and motion picture soundtracks are produced
under Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records, while Disney Theatrical
Group
produces and licenses live events, including Broadway theatrical
productions, Disney
on Ice and Disney LIVE!.
For more information, please visit www.disney.com/TheLionKing