By Laura Tomah
Yeardisc editor
Disney gets the bright idea every once in a while to bring a movie back to the theaters that was beloved when it first came out.
“Lion King” is the latest of the lets-bring-it-back-to-the-theater craze.
If you are like me and remember going to see it as a young child, it is sure to bring back some memories.
A group of my sorority sisters and I decided to take a trip down memory lane a few weeks ago. Little did we know this movie would still bring a tear and a smile as it did years ago.
“Lion King” was originally released in June of 1994 and I, much like my sisters, can remember the trip to see the movie in the theater then.
While the 3-D elements of the movie were spectacular, it leaves me wondering if the emotional impact was almost just as valuable for my generation.
The 3-D effects caused the most emotional scenes to have an even greater effect. In particular, the stampede in 3-D left you feeling as if you were right there with Simba, much like you probably did in 1994.
The elephant graveyard was also highly enhanced by the 3-D viewing with the effect of feeling as if you were running from the hyenas.
The battle scene for pride rock was also intensified with the action coming out from the screen as Simba and Scar battled for Pride Rock.
Disney got it right by not changing anything about the original movie and simply making it 3-D.
The entire audience sang along throughout the movie and wiped tears once they were at chin level during the showing I attended. Did I fail to mention that there was not a single child in the movie theater?
“Lion King 3-D” is currently smashing the competition according to Box Office Mojo, with its domestic total estimated to be $61,676,000 as of Sept. 25. Its domestic-lifetime total estimated is $390,217,776 also according to Box Office Mojo.
This emotional flashback from your childhood is a must see for those who never really grew out of their love for cartoons, as well as those who thought they had left their childhood behind.
If you missed the film in theaters, you will have the chance, starting Tuesday, Oct. 4, to purchase the 3-D version on DVD.