The Lion King 3D Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

The Lion King 3D Blu-ray Movie Review

Director Jon Favreau (The Jungle Book, Iron Man) once again takes the helm for a “live-action” Disney remake of a beloved animated classic with 2019's The Lion King. The film is a CG showcase and shows just how far special effects have come over the past twenty years. The Lion King features an all-star voice-cast which includes Beyonce, Donald Glover, John Oliver, James Earl Jones, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard, and Seth Rogen. While the remake lacks the majestic heart of the original animated masterpiece, The Lion King remains an entertaining experience that the entire family can modestly enjoy despite the lack of originality on display.

For more information and a full-length review of the feature-film, please refer to the review by my colleague Martin Liebman. Please note that the rating given to the film is a reflection of my own opinion on the film.

The Lion King 3D Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on 3D Blu-ray from Disney, The Lion King features a 1080p MPEG-4 MVC encoded high definition presentation in the 1.78:1 widescreen theatrical aspect ratio. The release features a strong presentation of the film in 3D and those equipped to view the film in the format should consider it a must-see with the third-dimension added to the equation. The entire production feels like a showcase for the technical wizardry of CGI special effects and the filmmaking is often as immersive and wide in scope as a first-rate video-game.

The spectacle of the effects work is immense and makes an undeniable impression. Colors are equally first-rate with lush detail in the image throughout the entire experience. There are so many landscape shots that are simply breathtaking and mindblowing in detail. Viewers will be awed by the impressive depth to the presentation and will be pulled even further into the story of the film with relative ease. Sequences are never too-dark or dim with the 3D. I experienced no ghosting, crosstalk, and loss in resolution. A superb image that makes The Lion King 3D a definitive way to experience the film. Outstanding from start to finish.

The Lion King 3D Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes an impressive lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack. While the 3D Blu-ray release does not contain the Dolby Atmos sound mix which is featured on the 4K UHD release of the film, the sound quality certainly doesn't suffer from the exclusion. The Lion King sounds terrific with an engaging, dynamic, and satisfying surround sound presentation. During the action-scenes the bass features engaging depth and immersion while the musical sequences are crisp, clear, and well-defined. The beautiful fidelity of the audio track makes the experience a rewarding one.

For more information on the audio presentation, please refer to the review by my colleague Martin Liebman.

The Lion King 3D Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The collectors edition steelbook for Disney's The Lion King 3D showcases an undeniably iconic image on the front cover. The steelbook has a strong print quality and the colorful illustration fits the tone of the film. The interior art-work was well selected as well. Though the release is not as premium as some import editions, the release is nonetheless excellent. A nice edition by Disney.

The release includes the same supplemental materials produced for the standard Blu-ray edition of the film. These extras are included on the Blu-ray disc included in this two-disc combo pack edition. The 3D Blu-ray disc does not contain any supplemental features.

For more information on the bonus features included on the standard Blu-ray please refer to the review by my colleague Martin Liebman.

The Lion King 3D Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Disney's interest in remaking every classic animated production in the pantheon of the studio's history continues with this almost lifeless remake of the beloved animated classic. The film lacks the heart and wonder of the original animated version. Even so, The Lion King is a modestly entertaining remake to watch (if only for the magnificent special effects on display). While this "live-action" CG version of The Lion King might feel like the least essential Disney remake to date, the 3D presentation makes some of the (obvious) shortcomings more bearable.

The 3D effects are astonishing and the visuals are absorbing. Without a doubt, 3D greatly enhances the experience and the film is worth seeing in the format for the first-rate special-effects alone. Even though the film never approaches the greatness of the animated classic, the 3D presentation makes it a must-see for 3D enthusiasts and Disney-fans alike.

Fans hoping to own a more deluxe version of Disney's The Lion King 3D will be pleased with the Zavvi exclusive 3D steelbook. The design is nice and the print quality makes a solid impression. Enthusiasts won't be able to resist.