By OLIVIA FORNESS
Contributing Writer
Published September 20, 2011
The Lion King. Does it really need any more introduction than that? The current generation of college students all know the plot, the characters, and the music. We’ve been witnesses to a sequel (Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride, 1998), a re-telling from a different perspective (Lion King 1 ½, 2004) and a tremendous Broadway show that is still running (debuted in 1997). This is the movie that today’s college students have grown up with.
The Lion King 3-D was no surprise. I have to admit, when I first saw the preview for The Lion King 3-D, I was excited. A movie that I have known since I was a kid, in 3-D? Finally, technology is becoming more of a benefit then a headache. I was a little skeptical going in– sometimes 3-D doesn’t make the movie better, it just makes it tacky.
Stereographer Robert Neuman stayed true to the story and the 3-D effects were not overdone, which is a relief. The 3-D was meant to enhance, not change, and that made all the difference. The 3-D animations of Zazu were fantastic, as were those of the other characters. The opening scene and song, ‘The Circle of Life’, was exceptional in impact and effects containing a good balance of 3-D animation.
The scenery, however, fell flat. The possibilities to add depth to the African scenery are endless– this was the chance to really make the story come to life for the viewer. There were very limited 3-D effects done to the backgrounds throughout the entire movie. It was almost as if it was forgotten until the very end of production. The effects added to the scenery did not have the quality or precision of the characters’ animations. The end result was an unpolished, unfinished look and feel to the movie.
Despite the sloppy scenery work and the added 3-D effects to character movements, the plot stayed the same. Nothing was changed from the original production. This made the entire experience much more nostalgic and enjoyable.
When Disney re-released The Lion King in 2003 on its Platinum Edition Line, a bonus replacement scene was added along with a new song, “The Morning Report”. Many viewers preferred the original; change isn’t always progress. Disney made a wise choice and reverted back to the original scene. This change gave a new version to today’s kids who have never seen it, and was a happy surprise to those of us who cringe every time we hear that song.
Before Disney had singing pop stars leading dual lives, there were lions and hyenas. The Lion King 3-D was a breath of fresh air and a return to the true family movie genre. Small and big kids alike will enjoy this movie. As for those of us who have grown up with the legacy of The Lion King, it is worth it to experience it in 3-D. The Lion King 3-D is a chance to escape homework, professors, and papers to relive happy, carefree childhood memories.
