Lion King 3D

     17 years ago Walt Disney released a film that would permanently ingrain itself in the minds of millions of people across the globe. That film would be The Lion King, it went on to win two Academy Awards and three Golden Globes including Best Motion Picture - Comedy/Musical. Now it's 2011 and The Lion King is back for a limited release and remastered for 3D.
     The Lion King for it's time was unprecedented. It's liquid animation and vivid color palette make it one of a kind. Boasting an award winning score from Hans Zimmer (Inception, Dark Knight) and playful dialogue, Lion King set itself aside as an instant classic. It's actually surprising that Lion King did not garner a Best Picture nod from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. Beauty & the Beast was nominated a few years prior, but faced lesser competition (Best Picture nominees from 1995 were Apollo 13, Braveheart, Babe, Sense & Sensibility, and Il Postino).
     Now for those who remain skeptical of the 3D format, film conversions such as this {The Lion King} are a glimmering bastion of hope. While most 3D conversion comes across as a cheap parlor tricks aimed at pillaging the consumer's wallet, Lion King was obviously transformed with tender love & care. The opening sequence in which the animal kingdom pays their tribute to the newly born Simba is absolutely breathtaking. The contrast between background to foreground imagery is striking. The 3D conversion along with the digital remastering, gives The Lion King the truly vibrant life it deserves. I hope that learning from the smash success that The Lion King 3D experienced during it's opening weekend, that Disney will continue this trend and release it's other classics in 3D as they come out of those cavernous vaults. I will be impatiently awaiting The Little Mermaid 3D for next year.

Rating: 5 Stars (Maximum of 5) - A truly beloved film, remastered to perfection and bolstered by 3D reanimation.