Lion King (DVD) (1994)

Editor's Note Wild Africa is the setting for this animated tale of a young lion cub whose evil uncle usurps his father's crown and lets hyenas overrun the kingdom. Dodging danger and befriending some oddball characters, the cub wanders until the day he's ready to return. Songs by Elton John and featuring the voices of Whoopie Goldberg, Cheech Marin, James Earl Jones, Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane and Jeremy Irons. Academy Award Nominations: 4, including 3 for Best Original Song. Academy Awards: 2, including Best Original Score and Best Original Song (Elton John and Tim Rice: "Can You Feel the Love Tonight").

	Ernie Sabella
	Jonathan Roberts - Screenwriter
	Elton John - Music
	Jim Cummings - Voice
	Cheech Marin - Voice
	Matthew Broderick - Voice
	Jeremy Irons - Voice
	Moira Kelly - Voice
	Tim Rice - Lyricist
	Nathan Lane - Voice
	James Earl Jones - Voice
	Jonathan Taylor Thomas - Voice
	Irene Mecchi - Screenwriter
	Madge Sinclair - Voice
	Whoopi Goldberg - Voice
	Robert Guillaume - Voice
	Hans Zimmer - Composer
	Roger Allers - Director
	Rob Minkoff - Director

This delightful Disney film features sumptuous animation, and wonderful, catchy songs by lyricist Tim Rice and pop star Elton John.| The story focuses on Simba, a young lion cub who's heir to the throne of the animal kingdom. But his evil uncle Scar longs to become king himself, and will do anything to make his wish come true. So he enlists the aid of three wicked hyenas and plots to kill not only Simba's father, but Simba himself.| If Scar's plans succeed, all the animals will suffer. But can little Simba do anything to stop his big, bad uncle? Premiere
"...Disney dazzle..." - Recommended 03/01/1995 p.91

Rolling Stone
"...A hugely entertaining blend of music, fun and eye-popping thrills....A movie of exhilarating surprises..." 07/14/1994 p.98

New York Times
"...As visually enchanting as its pedigree suggests....Anthropomorphic genius..." 06/15/1994 p.C11

Entertainment Weekly
"...[A] rapturous piece of storybook mythmaking." -- Rating: A- 07/08/1994 p.40

USA Today
"...A majestic outdoor spectacle....[With] nobly high visual and moral standards..." -- 3 1/2 out of 4 stars..." 06/15/1994 p.1D

Los Angeles Times
"...This latest Disney animated feature once again delivers what its audience wants..." 06/15/1994 p.F1

Chicago Sun-Times
"...THE LION KING deals with real issues....A learning experience as well as an entertainment..." 06/24/1994 p.39

Empire
"[T]his thrilling, anthropomorphic adventure retells Hamlet with lions in a triumphant mix of both the classical and the modern." 03/01/2008 p.116