The Lion King Trilogy Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

The Lion King Trilogy Blu-ray Movie Review

Hakuna Matata, four times over...

Reviewed by Kenneth Brown October 6, 2011

In addition to The Lion King and The Lion King 3D comes The Lion King Trilogy, an eight-disc box set that includes both the 2D and 3D editions of The Lion King and, a year ahead of their scheduled standalone releases, direct-to-video sequels The Lion King 1½ and The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride. Rather than posting one sprawling, altogether overwhelming review of the entire Lion King Trilogy, though, you'll find five comprehensive individual reviews:

1) This short review, which will focus solely on the Lion King Trilogy box set, its quality and its contents
2) A review of The Lion King 3D and its 3D presentation
3) A review of The Lion King and its 2D release
4) A review of The Lion King 1½
5) A review of The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride

Simply click on the individual links above to access each one. So, without further ado, onto the box set...

The Lion King Trilogy comes packaged in a light but sturdy rectangular box (6w x 8h x 6d) with an outward opening panel. A thin 1½ inch paper slip holds the panel closed and features full-color artwork of all the characters. Inside, a cardboard drum (7½ h, 5 inches in diameter) opens to reveal a small accordion-style paper case that houses the set's eight discs. Each disc has its own accordion-sleeve while two velcro flaps hold the paper case closed. It isn't ideal -- it's a bit flimsy actually -- and isn't nearly as well-constructed as the outer box or inner drum. (The discs tend to roll from side to side when handling the case.) Still, the accordion sleeve offers adequate protection and easy access, features a semi-convenient design, and sits snuggly in a fitted compartment within the drum. Suffice it to say, form bests function.

The set's eight discs break down as follows: The Lion King 3D (BD-50), The Lion King (BD-50), The Lion King 1½ (BD-50), The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride (BD-50), The Lion King (DVD), The Lion King (Digital Copy disc), The Lion King 1½ (DVD) and The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride (DVD). Each Blu-ray copy boasts 1080p video, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround and a number of special features.

The biggest drawback to The Lion King Trilogy box set is that standard Blu-ray cases are not included. If you abhor oversized packaging or don't have ample shelf space, you'll have to stick with the standalone release of The Lion King or The Lion King 3D for now and wait patiently for Disney to issue The Lion King 1½ and The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride separately in 2012. If you don't mind the oversized design, though, or have a knack for creating custom coverart, there isn't any real reason to avoid The Lion King Trilogy.