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").

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?

Theatrical release: June 17, 1994 (NY/LA).
June 24, 1994 (Wide Release).

THE LION KING is the 32nd full-length animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures.

In 1995, "The Lion King" was the top-selling video, surpassing "Aladdin," "Snow White," and "Beauty and the Beast." It actually sold 20 million copies in the first six days of its release.

DVD Features:

Region 1
Box Set
Collectors Edition
Disc 1: Theatrical Version
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.66
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
THX Mastered Audio
Additional Release Material:
Deleted Scenes
Music Video: Discovery Channel Circle of Friends - "Circle of Life"
Interactive Features:
Scene Access
Interactive Menus
Interactive Games:
1. Virtual Safari
2. Personality Profile Game
3. Grab A Grub Game
4. Sound Sensations Game
Disc 2: Extended Version with New Song
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.66
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
THX Mastered Audio
Additional Release Material:
Behind the Scenes
Documentary: ANIMAL JOURNEY: DISNEY ANIMALS
Interviews: Elton John and Tim Rice - Composers
Featurette:
1. STORY JOURNEY: STORYMAKING MAGIC
2. STAGE JOURNEY: BEHIND THE SCENES ON BROADWAY
Interactive Features:
Scene Access
Interactive Menus
Additional Products:
5 Exclusive Character Portraits Signed and Sketched by the Original Animators
THE LION KING Special Edition Book

Ernie Sabella: 

Roger Allers: director
Rob Minkoff: Director

Irene Mecchi: 
Jonathan Roberts: Screenwriter, FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH (1982)

Hans Zimmer: Composer

"...Disney dazzle..." - Recommended
"...THE LION KING deals with real issues....A learning experience as well as an entertainment..."
"[T]his thrilling, anthropomorphic adventure retells Hamlet with lions in a triumphant mix of both the classical and the modern."
"...As visually enchanting as its pedigree suggests....Anthropomorphic genius..."
"...[A] rapturous piece of storybook mythmaking." -- Rating: A-
"...A majestic outdoor spectacle....[With] nobly high visual and moral standards..." -- 3 1/2 out of 4 stars..."
"...This latest Disney animated feature once again delivers what its audience wants..."
"...A hugely entertaining blend of music, fun and eye-popping thrills....A movie of exhilarating surprises..."