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The Lion King 1 1/2: Special Edition
[Blu-ray]
Blu-ray A - America - Walt Disney Home Entertainment/Buena Vista Review written by and copyright: Anthony Arrigo (3rd February 2015). |
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The Film
 This has been said more than once, but if “The Lion King” (1994) was Disney’s answer to Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”, then “The Lion King 1 ˝” (2004) is “Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead”. This follow-up (of sorts) actually came out six years after a proper second instalment, “The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride” (1998). What makes this entry unique among sequels is that it’s a prequel, a sequel, and some of it takes place concurrently with the events of “The Lion King”. It’s actually a great concept, as neither a full prequel nor sequel featuring Timon (Nathan Lane) and Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella) exclusively may have been all that enticing. The opening moments of this film focusing solely on Timon’s life in the meerkat colony are more painful than pleasurable to watch. It probably would have been a better idea not to make any sequels at all, but animation fans are aware of Disney’s temporary decade of insanity, when just about every major animated property was getting a sequel – nearly all of which were entirely unnecessary. “Bambi II” (2006), anyone? Disney executives finally saw the light in 2007 and ordered a stop on all DTV animated sequels; considering the revenue the studio is bringing in with Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, etc. it’s likely they stick to it, too. At least for a while… Right off the bat, the film takes the unique premise of having Timon & Pumbaa sitting in a theater, watching “The Lion King”. Think of it like “Mystery Science Theater 3000” (1988–1999). When we, the audience, “arrive” the duo hits the rewind button so they can fill us in on what was going on before we first met them ten years earlier. Timon is a black sheep in his massive meerkat colony, eventually leaving when his actions bring about a hyena attack. During his self-imposed exile he runs across Rafiki (Robert Guillaume), who teaches him the legendary catch phrase “Hakuna Matata”. Soon after, Timon runs into Pumbaa and the two wayward travellers take a liking to each other. This is right about where “The Lion King” begins, and Timon & Pumbaa are seen attending the festivities at Pride Rock when young Simba is born. Unfortunately, the film also takes the approach of retconning certain key events to place the clumsy duo in places not previously seen, such as offering up a foul (literally) reason for why the animals bow to Simba, or during the “I Just Can’t Wait to be King” musical number. These insertions don’t feel organic in any way, although they are occasionally a bit of fun. The only real issue is they take away some of the emotional impact present in “The Lion King” by presenting a goofier take on events. There isn’t a great deal of time dedicated to Simba’s rearing by the two makeshift parents, just some typical pratfalls involving the chummy trio. Eventually, Nala (Moira Kelly) comes around and the climax of “The Lion King” gets into full swing. Kids will be delighted to see their favorite characters back on screen (nearly all return), while parents will find amusement in the over-their-kids-heads film references and mildly adult humor. Seriously, this film makes more references to classic Hollywood pictures than just about any other animated film I’ve ever seen. As you might imagine, at times it’s fitting while at others it begins to feel exhausted. As far as Disney DTV sequels go, the company has undoubtedly produced worse. Despite coming a decade later, “The Lion King 1 ˝” tends to work better than “The Lion King 2”, which is too bland in comparison to the emotional, triumphant first film. Where this film really comes up short is where virtually all other DTV Disney sequels do, too: the songwriting. Without a powerhouse team behind the melodies, most of the songs simply sound “good enough” for what is really daytime kiddie fodder. Timon’s opening meerkat colony number, “Dig a Tunnel”, is particularly grating and banal. But everyone expects these DTV sequels to be inferior product, I would imagine, and therefore your enjoyment will largely depend on how well you liked the initial film’s characters. If there’s one thing Disney can get right, it’s carrying over as many familiar elements as possible so as not to alienate their target audience.
Video
Framed at 1.66:1, with a 1080p 24/fps AVC MPEG-4 encode, “The Lion King 1 ˝” looks flawless. Colors are bold and striking, leaping off the screen with vibrancy. Black levels are rich and stable, never hazy. Animation lines are tight and crisp, with no shakiness or smudging. There’s virtually no deficiency present here.
Audio
Despite boasting an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound track (48kHz/24-bit), there is a real lack of presence that leaves the entire picture sounding just like what it is – a low-budget DTV affair. Now, this is still a serviceable track, presenting dialogue clearly & balanced in the mix, but most of the effects and soundtrack simply… exist. There isn’t much in the way of discreetly placed sounds or ambient immersion. But as this is primarily marketed toward kids who don’t pay a lick of attention to this sort of thing, I can see why it wasn’t of paramount importance. French and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound tracks are also included. Subtitles are available in English, French and Spanish.
Extras
Disney’s new Blu-ray edition of “The Lion King 1 ˝” includes all of the previously available bonus features – deleted scenes, featurettes, etc. – along with a new short animated adventure. DISC ONE: BLU-RAY “Timon & Pumbaa’s Vacation Safari” (1080p) is a short film that runs for 4 minutes and 57 seconds, with the two friends watching nature footage. Deleted scenes (480p) are presented for the following: - “Opening concept #1” runs for 1 minute and 54 seconds. - “Opening concept #2” runs for 1 minute and 59 seconds. - “Old Fearless Buzz” runs for 56 seconds. - “Timon Talks to Dad” runs for 2 minutes and 34 seconds. - “Timon, Dad & Mom” runs for 1 minute and 2 seconds. - “Introduction to “Scurry, Flinch, Sniff”” runs for 1 minute and 24 seconds. - “Timon & Pumbaa Look for Oasis” runs for 1 minute and 54 seconds. “Timon: Behind the Legend” (480p) is a featurette that runs for 4 minutes and 4 seconds. “Before the Beginning: The Making of “The Lion King 1 ˝”” (480p) is a featurette that runs for 15 minutes and 2 seconds. “Grazin’ in the Grass” music video (480p) runs for 3 minutes and 12 seconds. “Discover Disney Blu-ray 3D with Timon & Pumbaa” (1080p) promo is Disney’s ingenious way to make kids pester their parents for a new product they’re desperate to sell, running for 4 minutes and 23 seconds. Bonus trailers (1080p) are also included for: - “Cinderella” runs for 2 minutes and 8 seconds. - “Chimpanzee” runs for 2 minutes and 6 seconds. - “The Lion King: The Musical” runs for 31 seconds. - “Treasure Buddies” runs for 1 minute and 2 seconds. - “Finding Nemo” runs for 1 minute and 1 second. DISC TWO: DVD This is a DVD copy of the feature film, with the same included supplements.
Packaging
The two-disc set comes housed in a Vortex eco-lite keep case, with each disc housed opposite the other on a hub. A slip-cover is included on first pressings.
Overall
Sure, it’s not even on the same level as “The Lion King”, but who would’ve ever expected it to be? Adults probably won’t find much replay value in this title, if they watch it at all, but the little ones will be endlessly entertained.
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