In case you’ve been under a rock (Pride Rock?) you probably know that Disney has put a shiny coat of 3D magic on the classic film, Lion King. Saturday was the world premiere of Disney’s Lion King 3D at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. Yes, I know I just said “the the” and I’m okay with it.
The Disney Blog had press credentials, so I took my fancy camera (read, iPhone) and my talent (read, 8-year-old son Atticus) and bellied up to the green carpet to let the stars come to us — which they did by the limo-ful (or whatever they drove, I didn’t have to valet this time).
Sadly, my iPhone couldn’t capture sound and picture with any clarity. I blame the thousands of people around us and the gentle lullaby of Hollywood Blvd. And by “gentle” I mean loud and freaky. Rather than have video without audio I went with the still photographs and casual conversation. Plus, my son was a little too nervous to conduct the interviews, and it was really, really hot out. We decided to play it cool, which works for us.
Hello, and welcome to the D23 Expo, Day 2 (for more expo coverage read my D23 Expo Day 1 and Alison’s D23 Expo Day 3 recaps!) where things were taken up a big ol’ notch. I know, I couldn’t believe it either.
This is where you say, “How in the world did they top the first day? Nothing could be sweeter than Kermit the Frog and Rowlf the Dog singing a tribute to the late, great Jim Henson! Nothing could be better than Dick Van Dyke in concert!
Fair enough. However, where Day 1 was a tip of the hat to Disney legends, Day 2 was about the now and the immediate future. Hence John Lasseter introducing Billy Crystal to a standing ovation (Lasseter also received a standing ovation) while discussing the upcoming Pixar film Monsters University. Also, Jason Segel coming out with Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy to discuss the new Muppet Movie. And of course, the Avengers assembling. On stage. That’s right, with the exception of the Hulk and Captain America, the entire team came out to watch a trailer that they had never seen. Robert Downey, Jr. made us watch it twice. Basically, it was a parade of celebrities (including Jennifer Garner, Sarah Silverman, and Jon Cryer, to name but a few) and Disney awesomeness (including Rich Ross, Andrew Stanton, and Marvel’s Kevin Feige, to again name but a few). My inner geek setting was at 11.
Editor: Please help me welcome our latest guest author Amanda Correia.
Since the release of its first film in 2005, Chicken Little, Disney Digital 3-D has been quite busy. In fact, every year since, it has released at least one original or adapted 2-D animated film, including The Nightmare Before Christmas, Toy Story 1,2 & 3, Up, Cars 2, and in September 2011, The Lion King.
It may not make much sense today to think that Chicken Little was one of the most significant and controversial decisions that the Walt Disney Company has ever made. However, given the state of affairs around the time of its release, it is clear why this film and its marketing were immensely influential. It was a time of war, an open-fire battle between all of the major animation studios and, the newcomer, Pixar. After the recent successes of Pixar’s The Incredibles and Finding Nemo, and DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek 1 & 2, it was clear that Disney, the supposed category king, was lacking: Where was their CG animation?
Director Rob Minkoff helped guide the Disney animated feature The Lion King as it revolutionized the animation industry, now he’s returned to make sure the 3D version meets his high standards. This interview with Minkoff on MovieWeb has peaked my interested. I was very excited… Read More »Director Rob Minkoff talks The Lion King 3D
Heading out to the movie theater to see Cars 2 in 3D this weekend? Disney just announced today that you’ll will be treated to a special 4 minute preview of the first four minutes of The Lion King in its new 3D splendor. That will… Read More »Special 3D Preview of The Lion King to run with Cars 2 3D showings
Ready for a trip down memory lane? Simba, Mufasa, Nala, Timon, and Pumbaa are back and better than ever this fall when Disney’s “The Lion King” roars into theaters and homes in breathtaking 3D. A special two-week theatrical run kicks off Sept. 16, 2011, showcasing the Oscar- and Golden Globe-winning film on the big screen in Disney Digital 3D for the first time ever. Then on October 4, collect the new Diamond Edition version of the epic movie “The Lion King” in high-definition Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D.
“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 Copy
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
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 ½” = Blu-ray 2D + DVD
– “The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride” = Blu-ray 2D + DVD
And the one-disc DVD Edition will be available on November 15.
Whether or not you think Home 3D TV is here to stay, count Disney in the sticking around category. The Walt Disney Company is setting expectations for 2011 Blu-ray 3D releases high with at least 15 titles planned for release. This includes a few old… Read More »Walt Disney Studios announces 15 new 3D Blu-Ray Movies for 2011
Drivers along Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard can welcome one more eye-catching advertisement to the roster of billboards along the world famous road. This TRON: Legacy billboard even lights up the night for some extra excitement. TRON: Legacy opens in theaters near you and at participating Disney… Read More »TRON: Legacy Billboard Adorns Sunset Blvd
