Film Viewings: The King Has Returned

On Sunday, a couple of friends from work and myself went out to our local movie theater to see one of my favorite movies, The Lion King---In 3D! Now, I'm not really a 3D freak. I mean, it's fun, and the Terminator 2 3D attraction at DisneyWorld is awesome, but other than that, 3D just really isn't my thing. But when I heard that The Lion King would be re released in 3D, I jumped at the chance to see it.

Although I had spent nearly fifteen dollars on a ticket, it was so worth it for me. Movies are made to be watched on a huge screen, in deafening surround sound, in a darkened theater filled with people all sharing the experience of enjoying a movie. Although I have seen The Lion King more times than I can probably count, watching it in the theater was like seeing it for the first time.

From the opening sequence of the sun rising over the African Savannah accompanied by that incredible African chorus, I was amazed by the realism, the beauty, the colors and sound. I was moved to tears. Not to mention Circle of Life is such a beautiful song.

Mufasa's death is even more devastating on the big screen. I don't think I've ever cried harder watching a movie. As I've said before, I have seen this movie many, many times, and Mufasa's death still affects me as if I had never seen it before.I know I've written this before, but I'm quite sure that Mufasa dying is quite possibly the most devastating event in film history. I mean, come on, how can one not watch Simba crawl under Mufasa's paw without bursting into hysterical sobs?

The stampede leading to Mufasa's death was incredible to watch. With the surround sound, you could almost feel the rumbling of the approaching wildebeest. Their thundering hooves were much more menacing as they leaped out of the screen.

The best part of the film in 3D was the climactic fight between Simba and Scar. As if it's not cool enough in 2D being in slow motion and all, the 3D element really rocked here. Scar leaping out of the flames has always been a great part, but in 3D he leaps out of the flames and into your face. It looked awesome.

It's always great to see a beloved movie on the big screen in all its glory. Watching The Lion King (in 3D) in a darkened movie theater, next to friends, sharing such a great movie with a bunch of people, young and old,  that I don't even know, was such a beautiful and rich experience that I will look back upon in years to come and cherish.

I'm not the one who's confused, you don't even know who you are!

 The Lion King, 1994

I think that The Lion King is probably Disney's best film. Everything about it is perfect, from the hand-drawn
 animation, to the incredibly lifelike images of the African plains (remember how they drew the sun rising over 
the Savannah?) to Elton John's songs, and the great cast of voice actors (Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones, Whoopi Goldberg, Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, and Cheech Marin)- The Lion King is good, old fashioned Disney at its best, when the animation department was untouched by any other studio, and the company had something that it seems to have lost now- pride.

I think that the Lion King has got to be the saddest movie I have ever watched in my entire life. Remember how hard you cried when Mufasa died? I'm not sure I've ever cried harder watching a movie before or since. I've seen this movie so many times, and that scene is still totally heartbreaking. I would say it's the saddest thing in moves ever. The only other scene I can think that would run a close second would probably be when Old Yeller gets shot.

The best part of the movie to me though, is the ending. It is so epic, and so Disney in its heyday. With the animation, and the gorgeous Hans Zimmer score, I still get goosebumps to this day whenever I see it. It's such the perfect ending- Simba ascending Pride Rock as the rain washes everything away for a fresh start. It's so beautiful.








Now that's how to end a movie!

Apologies- I can't understand why there's like 18 of the video clip posted, and I can't get any of them off. Forgive me!