The Lion King (DVD 2003)

Looking back, I knew The Lion King would be something truly special from the first time I saw the posters for it. This film is a world apart from any other, Disney or otherwise. It fully deserves to have grossed so much money in the cinemas, broken records for video sales, inspired two sequels and even make it onto the stage. Just when will it go from the West End? 2050?
The sweeping views of the African landscape and the creatures which inhabit it are awe-inspiring. The animators did their research well - the way that the lions move and interact is as real as any wildlife documentary. The songs complement the movie well, even the gaudy and humourous brilliance of I Just Can't Wait to be King. Can You Feel the Love Tonight (Elton John's single version that is, sung over the credits) is one of the most beautiful songs ever.
The characters blend the quality of the actors playing them with their animated counterparts in a way that makes them all too real. Young Simba and Nala, quintessential lovable rascals, will cause kids to sympathise and adults to sigh nostalgically. Grown-ups will also understand as Simba and Nala emerge later as careworn adults, falling for each other. James Earl Jones, as Mufasa, is a character all will inherantly respect, even after his tragic exit. Timon and Pumbaa (Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella) deliver genuinely witty laughs. Rowan Atkinson lends just a touch of Blackadder to the stuffy hornbill Zazu. And while it seems inappropriate to love the villain, Jeremy Irons is sharp and haunting as Mufasa's bitter, devious and malevolent brother Scar. Every movement of this character's eyes, lips and body speaks volumes and of all the characters, he is the one you are sure to discuss the most.
All this makes for a film full of genuine emotion, perhaps simply through the fact the characters are not real people being filmed. Just watch the love shown between Simba and his family, or the fear, sadness and regret in Simba following what happens to his father. There will not only be gasps of awe and plenty of laughs from the audience, but almost certainly tears as well, both of sadness ("Dad, get up...") and joy ("It is time...").
As for the extras on the DVD, they compliment the film perfectly. Here you will get the back-story to the film, discover some deleted concepts and take part in some fun interactive activities. No kid, big or small, should be without this. Five stars is not enough.