With the D23 Expo in full swing, Walt Disney Studios has been unveiling tons of new footage for the likes of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, The Avengers: Infinity War, and making casting announcements for its live-action adaptations of its famed animated classics Aladdin and The Lion King. And speaking of The Lion King comes the announcement that it is the latest entry as part of the Walt Disney Signature Collection. It will roar to Blu-ray this August.
Audiences will sing “Hakuna Matata” and the Oscar-winning “Circle of Life” and other hit, original songs as part of a brand new sing-along version of the film. They’ll get to step inside the story room and see recording sessions from the actors. Plus stars Matthew Broderick (voice of Adult Simba) and Nathan Lane (Timon) look back that the lasting legacy of The Lion King, which would inspire the Tony Award-winning musical and the forthcoming live-action film from Jon Favreau (The Jungle Book).
The Lion King takes its place alongside Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Beauty and the Beast, Pinocchio, and Bambi as the fifth title as part of the Walt Disney Signature Collection.
Scroll down to see a complete breakdown of what is expected with the Digital (Aug. 15) and Blu-ray/DVD (Aug. 29) releases.
BLU-RAY, DIGITAL*:
· Brand New Sing-Along Version
· Audio Commentary – View the film with commentary by producer Don Hahn and co-directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff.
· Visualizing a Villain – Against a backdrop of live dancers and the animated “Be Prepared” sequence, artist David Garibaldi paints a masterpiece of evil.
· The Recording Sessions – Watch rare footage of the actors recording their roles, matched with the final animation. Intro by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff.
· Nathan and Matthew: The Extended Lion King Conversation – Nathan Lane (Timon) and Matthew Broderick (Adult Simba) offer candid and hilarious insights into their Lion King experiences.
· Inside the Story Room – Co-directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff present archival footage of five original story pitches.
o Circle of Life – See how color creates emotion and meaning in the film’s iconic opening.
o Simba & Nala – See how elements proposed in story meetings evolve into what appears onscreen.
o Simba Takes Nala Out to Play – …And, sometimes what seems funny in story meetings never makes it into the film!
o Hakuna Matata – Co-directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff sing, act and dance their hearts out as they pitch the “Hakuna Matata” sequence.
o Rafiki and Reflecting Pool – Co-directors Roger Allers & Rob Minkoff pitch a sequence that became the emotional heart of The Lion King to Producer Don Hahn.
· Music & More – Sing along to your favorite songs from the movie!
o “Circle of Life”
o “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King”
o “Be Prepared”
o “Hakuna Matata”
o “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”
· Galleries
o Visual Development – Explore a gallery of striking artwork that inspired the movie’s look and feel.
o Character Design – Trace the development of the film’s unforgettable characters through early concept art drawings.
o Storyboards – Examine storyboards created in the development of “The Lion King.”
o Layouts – Feast your eyes on layouts created in the development of “The Lion King.”
o Backgrounds & Layouts – Journey through a gallery of landscape paintings that shaped the world of “The Lion King.”
· Classic Bonus Features (Digital Only) – These offerings from prior home entertainment releases include hours of bonus material, such as bloopers, audio commentary, deleted and alternate scenes, and in-depth journeys into the music, film, story, animals and stage show.
Highlights from the D23 Expo…
