That’s right!!! Simba, Mufasa, Nala, Timon and Pumbaa are back and better than ever this fall when Disneys 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 3D 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-ray and Blu-ray 3D.
While in LA for The Lion King 3D Premiere we actually met with the guy who actually creates the 3D that we all see. He’s done many other movies that you and your kiddos probably know all too well. I learned a few things about cartoons, we make them iconic but there are actually real people and a lot that goes into what we see on the screen. I never appreciated that before.
See all of those numbers on the screen? That’s how they mark the depth of the 3D, by controlling the depth our eyes are able to pull images off the screen. It’s a pretty complicated process but the end result is truly stunning and after seeing this movie in 3D TWICE I can say I didn’t think it could get better. 
The Walt Disney Studios said 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.
What’s funny is when we learned about the movie Disney didn’t think it would be that big of a hit, instead they put more effort into another of my favorite childhood movies Pocahontas. (which I can’t wait to be re-released!) 1994 was a pretty defining time of my childhood, my father died in 1995 and I hugged tight to my Timon and Pumba bed sheets. I love that Disney was sensitive with Mufasa’s death but allowed me a young child to have this sense that my father was still around. The movie holds quite a few meanings for me but this one is truly special. The Lion King helped define my childhood and I was so honored that Disney allowed me to take part in the premiere of the 3D version.
Among my favorite moments of the trip was meeting the guys who created the characters I loved so much. In fact, they’ve put life into some of Disney’s finest characters. I took home these drawing and they will forever hold a special place in my home. We also learned about how they studied animals and took a trip to Africa. It’s all in the special features on the new Blu-ray disk but we also heard first hand accounts of what it was like creating this movie. I couldn’t imagine working for Disney in such a time, literally drawing out of their garages after the Northridge Earthquake. For a movie that Disney had no idea how it was going to do it sure did become an iconic piece of history.
aww great pics! LOVE lion king!!!!
I am so stinkin’ excited for this to come out. My girls are going to watch it for the first time.