4K Digital Review of Mufasa: The Lion King

 

After the success of the live-action The Lion King in 2019, another movie was more than likely. Who knew that it would be a prequel of how Mufasa became king. 

The film opens where The Lion King ended, with Simba as King. As he and Nala expect a new cub, they leave their first-born Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter) with Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogan). When a huge storm hits, Rafiki (John Kani) comes to help calm Kiara. Then Rafiki begins to tell the story of how Mufasa and his adoptive brother Take (Kevin Harrison Jr.) leave their homeland when the evil Kiros (Mads Mikkelsen) arrives. Heading towards the land of mythical land of Milele, they meet new friends Sarabi (Tiffany Boone), Zazu (Preston Nyman) and a young, wise baboon. 

The story and the characters grow and develop as they discover what it means to be family. The animation has greatly improved from the 2019 The Lion King. Everything from the foliage, the fur, the scenery all look incredibly photorealistic. All help to tell the story and make you a part of this world. A fine prequel to the legacy of The Lion King.

Video:

The streaming 4K video is stunning. The level of detail has vastly improved since the live-action versions of The Jungle Book and The Lion King. The fine details of the fur, the feathers, the plants and the scenery are breathtaking. The visuals are borderline true to life. There is a depth and a weight to the characters that wasn't felt in the 2019 movie. The colors are gorgeous and the blacks and shadows bring that weight and depth alive. Another fantastic video transfer from Disney.

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos mix here is solid. The dialogue is crisp and clear. The Lin-Manuel songs are catchy and fun and really fill the surround channels. The mix really shines in the various environments. The grasslands feel vast, the snowy mountains feel cold and windy, and you can feel the rumble of the loud crashes of falling rocks and the elephant stampede. Another fine audio mix from Disney. 

Bonus Features:

Full Length Sing-Along – Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the movie with on-screen lyrics.

 

Finding Milele: The Making of Mufasa: The Lion King – Join visionary director Barry Jenkins and the cast of Mufasa: The Lion King on an epic journey to create a brand-new chapter in the story of The Lion King. Explore how the story was developed and the technology used to make Mufasa's world come to life.

 

Songs of the Savanna – Director Barry Jenkins and songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda sit down to discuss the excitement and challenges of creating the music for Mufasa: The Lion King.

 

Ostrich Eggs with Timon & Pumbaa – Timon and Pumbaa reveal fun facts and some of the hidden references in the movie.

 

Outtakes – Watch the cast having fun in the recording booth.

Deleted Scenes:

• Who's the Mole Rat?
• What Do You Feel in There?
• Have Faith in Her
• Taka's Dream

 

Music Video: "I Always Wanted a Brother" – Join Lin-Manuel Miranda and the cast of Mufasa: The Lion King as they perform "I Always Wanted A Brother" backstage at a film shoot.

 

Song Selections:

• Milele (First Rain)
• I Always Wanted a Brother
• Bye Bye
• We Go Together
• Tell Me It’s You
• Brother Betrayed

 

Protect the Pride – Learn how Disney and The Lion Recovery Fund are working to protect the pride and conserve lions in the wild.

Conclusion:

I wasn't sure that this was a film that we needed, but I was wrong and Mufasa: The Lion King ended being a great movie. The story was engaging and the more emotive characters looked photo-real. The 4K transfer along with the Dolby Atmos audio mix are stunning. As always, I wish there were more substantial bonus features like an audio commentary. Mufasa: The Lion King deserves a place in your library. The movie is available on digital now.  

*The movie was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the sole purpose of this review. The review is strictly my own opinion.*

Disney’s MUFASA: THE LION KING Makes Its Streaming Debut on Disney+ on Mar. 26

 

Streaming audiences around the world will finally get to experience the epic adventure, unforgettable music and cinematic visuals of Mufasa: The Lion King again and again as the film journeys to Disney+ on March 26.

Directed by Oscar®-winning director Barry Jenkins and featuring all-new songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda – including the viral sensation, “I Always Wanted a Brother” – Mufasa: The Lion King became a sensation, earning over $700 million at the global box office and becoming one of the top 10 biggest global releases of 2024.

Critics and fans alike have praised Mufasa: The Lion King as “adventurous” (Brian Truitt, USA Today), a “dazzling musical” (Kevin Maher, The Times), and “visually stunning” (Pete Hammond, Deadline Hollywood). It comes to Disney+ – the exclusive streaming home of the film – and joins other titles from the iconic franchise including The Lion King (1994), The Lion King (2019), The Lion Guard, and the recently-released The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl concert special. 
 
Now through March 30, new and eligible returning customers can subscribe to the Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic for $2.99/month for four months – a $32 savings compared to the regular monthly price for four months – by visiting www.disneyplus.com.

Disney’s “The Lion King” Celebrates European Premiere

DISNEY’S “THE LION KING” PREMIERES IN LONDON IN SUPPORT OF THE CONSERVATION WORK

OF HRH THE DUKE OF SUSSEX THROUGH THE ROYAL FOUNDATION

Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Among Special Attendees

Disney’s “The Lion King” marked its European premiere earlier today in Leicester Square in London, welcoming a host of royal and celebrity guests including Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The event was in support of the conservation work of HRH The Duke of Sussex through The Royal Foundation. Headlining the celebration were voice-cast members Beyoncé Knowles-Carter (Nala), Seth Rogen (Pumbaa), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Scar), Billy Eichner (Timon), Florence Kasumba (Shenzi), Keegan-Michael Key (Kamari), plus filmmakers Jon Favreau (director), Karen Gilchrist (producer) and John Bartnicki (co-producer), as well as several members of the team behind the film’s music—songwriters Sir Elton John and Sir Tim Rice, composer Hans Zimmer, Producer Pharrell Williams and Lebo M.

"The Wild Cast" Featurette | The Lion King

Disney's The Lion King opens in theatres July 19, 2019. Get your tickets now: http://bit.ly/LnKngTix Director Jon Favreau’s all-new “The Lion King” journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon. Utilizing pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way, Disney’s “The Lion King” roars into theaters on July 19, 2019. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyTheLio... Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyLionKing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lionking Website: https://disney.com/lionking Hashtag: #TheLionKing

Non-Spoiler Movie Review: The Lion King (2019)

Hard to believe that it has been 25 years since the original, animated version of The Lion King first roared into theaters. Now, Jon Favreau brings us a new vision, a "live action" version if you will. The vision is so stunning that you will think this was a DisneyNature release. It seriously looks that photorealistic!

From the music, to iconic shots and most of the original dialogue will hit you with all the nostalgic feels! And we all know the story, but here is a quick recap just in case. Simba (voiced by JD McCrary and later Donald Glover) is worried about filling the paws of his father Mufasa (voiced magnificently once again by James Earl Jones). But Scar, Mufasa's evil brother (voiced by Chiwetel Ejiofor), is determined to kill them both so he can take the place as king. As Mufasa's fate is sealed, Simba grows up with the help of Pumbaa (voiced by Seth Rogen) and Timon (voiced by Billy Eichner), who are scene stealers!

There is a stand out performance by Beyonce as older Nala. Donald Glover and Beyonce deliver a phenomenal version of Can You Feel The Love Tonight. I wish there was more from Alfre Woodard who voices Sarabi, John Oliver who voices Zazu and John Kani that voices Rafiki. Chiwetel Ejiofor delivers a wonderfully chilling Scar. The entire voice cast is exceptional and can easily rival the original.

Han Zimmer delivers a new take on his Oscar-winning score from the original film. There are two new songs. Beyonce has a new powerfully uplifting song halfway through the movie called Spirit. Sir Elton John has a new son over the end credits. But most of the original songs are here and are done more than enough justice. The opening Circle of Life packs just as much of an emotional impact as ever. 

One of the things I loved about this vision of the story is that there was clearly a conscience effort to portray the animals as realistically as possible. Other than the fact that these animals talk, the mannerisms will make you stop and try to convince your brain that none of this is real. On the other hand, this attention to realism also means a minimum when it comes to facial expressions.

In the end, this vision of The Lion King is an astonishing visual feast for the eyes. The film is filled with heart and a rush of nostalgia. Don't walk but stampede your way to the theaters starting July 19th!

Photos from “The Lion King” World Premiere

Filmmakers, talent and special guests celebrated Disney’s “The Lion King” tonight in Hollywood. The movie, which opens on July 19, 2019, welcomes beloved characters back to the big screen in a whole new way. 

Attending the event were the stars from “The Lion King,” including Donald Glover, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard, Billy Eichner, John Kani, Florence Kasumba, Eric André, Keegan-Michael Key, JD McCrary, Shahadi Wright Joseph, Chance the Rapper. Also in attendance were members of the team behind the film, including Jon Favreau, p.g.a. (director/producer), Jeff Nathanson (screenwriter), Jeffrey Silver, p.g.a. (producer), Karen Gilchrist, p.g.a. (producer), Tom Peitzman (executive producer), Caleb Deschanel (director of photography), James Chinlund (production designer), Adam Gerstel (editor), John Bartnicki (co-producer), Hans Zimmer (composer), Lebo M (creator/producer African vocal/choir arrangements), Robert Legato, ASC, (VFX supervisor). The event also welcomed a host of special guests and celebrities. 

Clarence Avant, Mario Lopez, Yvette Nicole Brown, Nicole Byer, Steph & Ayesha Curry, Gina Carano, LeVar Burton, Reggie Miller, Emily Deschanel, Zooey Deschanel, Diplo, Dave Filoni, LeAnn Rimes, Tiffany Haddish, Atandwa Kani, Chrissy Metz, Doua Mona, Tracy Morgan, Cedric Yarbrough,  Gary Oldman, Pedro Pascal, Meghan Trainor, Lena Waithe & Alana Mayo, Taika Waititi, Michelle Williams, Kelly Rowland, Ali Wong, Niles Fitch. From ABC:  Marsai Martin. From Disney Channel:  Raven-Symone, Navia Robinson, Sky Katz, Ruth Righi, Skai Jackson. From Freeform: Chloe & Halle Bailey, Maia Mitchell, Yara Shahidi, Aubrey Joseph.

DISNEY’S “THE LION KING”— Cast Photo

Check out the voice talent from Disney’s “The Lion King” together for the first time in a new cast photo. Pictured are Billy Eichner (Timon), Shahadi Wright Joseph (Young Nala), JD McCrary (Young Simba), Seth Rogen (Pumbaa), Florence Kasumba (Shenzi), Donald Glover (Simba), Beyoncé Knowles-Carter (Nala), Alfre Woodard (Sarabi), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Scar), John Oliver (Zazu), Keegan-Michael Key (Kamari) and Eric André (Azizi).

DISNEY’S “THE LION KING” – Check out stunning new images of film’s cast with their characters

Check out the new images for Disney’s “The Lion King” featuring voice talent with their characters. Images include Donald Glover with Simba; Beyoncé Knowles-Carter with Nala; John Oliver, Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner with Zazu, Pumbaa and Timon; Chiwetel Ejiofor with Scar; Alfre Woodard with Sarabi; Eric André, Florence Kasumba and Keegan-Michael Key with hyenas Azizi, Shenzi and Kamari; and Shahadi Wright Joseph and JD McCrary with Young Nala and Young Simba.

There is also a new featurette about the movie with never-before-seen footage from the film, a glimpse behind the scenes during recording sessions, plus comments from director Jon Favreau and members of the voice cast. Directed by Jon Favreau, “The Lion King” opens on July 19. Tickets are available for advance purchase.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyTheLionKing/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyLionKing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lionking

Website: https://disney.com/lionking

Hashtag: #TheLionKing

Donald Glover and Beyoncé sing “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” in new TV Spot for Disney's The Lion King

Disney’s “The Lion King” revealed an extended TV spot this morning featuring the voices of Donald Glover (Simba) and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter (Nala), who perform the iconic song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” 

ON SALE TOMORROW: Tickets for the feature film are available for advance purchase starting tomorrow.

Disney's The Lion King Character Poster for Mufasa

Take a look at the character poster of Mufasa voiced by James Earl Jones.

Disney's The Lion King Character Poster for Simba

Take a look at the character poster of Simba voiced by Donald Glover.

Disney's The Lion King Character Poster for Nala

Take a look at the character poster of Nala voiced by Beyonce Knowles-Carter.

Disney's The Lion King Character Poster for Sarabi

Take a look at the character poster of Sarabi voiced by Alfre Woodard.

Disney's The Lion King Character Poster for Scar

Take a look at the character poster of Scar voiced by Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Disney's The Lion King Character Poster for Rafiki

Take a look at the character poster of Rafiki voiced by John Kani.

Disney's The Lion King Character Poster for Pumbaa

Take a look at the character poster of Pumbaa voiced by Seth Rogen.

Disney's The Lion King Character Poster for Timon

Take a look at the character poster of Timon voiced by Billy Eichner.

Disney's The Lion King Character Poster for Young Nala

Take a look at the character poster of Young Nala voiced by Shahadi Wright Joseph.

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION NETWORK’S LION RECOVERY FUND ANNOUNCE THE LION KING “PROTECT THE PRIDE” CAMPAIGN

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION NETWORK’S LION RECOVERY FUND ANNOUNCE THE LION KING “PROTECT THE PRIDE” CAMPAIGN

Disney to Donate up to $3 Million to Help Double the Lion Population by 2050

BURBANK, Calif., June 5, 2019 – To celebrate the release of Disney’s The Lion King, the upcoming groundbreaking feature film helmed by Jon Favreau, The Walt Disney Company has launched a global conservation campaign to raise awareness of the crisis facing lions and other wildlife across Africa. The Lion King “Protect the Pride” campaign focuses on protecting and revitalizing lion populations and the habitats they need to thrive. Disney has already donated more than $1.5 million to the Wildlife Conservation Network’s (WCN) Lion Recovery Fund (LRF) and its partners and will make additional grants as well as invite fans to help double the donation for a total contribution of up to $3 million. Fans may participate by taking part in celebratory experiences and purchasing special-edition products, as part of The Lion King Protect the Pride campaign.  

It’s been 25 years since Disney released the original version of The Lion King; sadly, during that time Africa has lost half of its lions, and only about 20,000 remain. Disney is supporting the Lion Recovery Fund and their vision to double the lion population by 2050 through efforts that engage communities to ensure a brighter future for African wildlife and their habitats. Protecting lions supports the entire circle of life in Africa, from hyenas to meerkats. Lions face rising threats; however, research shows their numbers can be strengthened if they and the habitats they share with people and other African wildlife are adequately protected.

“Disney is committed to supporting lion conservation efforts and we believe The Lion King is the perfect story to remind us of the role we each have in helping ensure a world where these majestic animals are treasured and protected,” said Elissa Margolis, senior vice president, Enterprise Social Responsibility for The Walt Disney Company. “Conservation has always been a core value of The Walt Disney Company and that commitment is apparent in everything from our films to our theme parks and is why we created the Disney Conservation Fund. Through the stories we tell and the experiences we create, we have the power to reach people around the world and inspire them to take action with us.”

The Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) has directed $75 million to save wildlife globally since 1995, including $13 million to protect African wildlife spanning more than 30 countries. The Lion King Protect the Pride donation will be DCF’s largest single contribution in its 24-year history, supporting WCN’s Lion Recovery Fund and their work to engage people in conservation solutions. The Lion Recovery Fund supports a variety of partner organizations working in Africa and employs a three-pronged approach to lion recovery: investing in conservation projects on the ground, developing campaigns that build support for the protection and revitalization of Africa’s lion populations, and expanding and strengthening collaborations, as no single entity will be able to solve this challenge alone.

As a kickoff to The Lion King Protect the Pride campaign, Disney and WCN convened more than 80 leading lion conservation experts this past May at the Lion Footprint Forum atWalt Disney World^® Resort, the first meeting of its kind in 20 years, aimed at expanding collaboration to grow conservation impact. Participants from 18 countries and representing more than 50 organizations and foundations discussed challenges impacting lion populations across lion range countries and strategies to address them. Resulting ideas and project proposals will be considered for support through the LRF.

“The Lion Recovery Fund has a vision to bring lions back across Africa, and Disney’s powerful storytelling is a perfect way to get even more people aware of the lion crisis and inspired to take action,” said Charles Knowles, President and Co-Founder of Wildlife Conservation Network. “The Wildlife Conservation Network is proud to continue its longstanding collaboration with Disney to make a meaningful impact for people and wildlife across Africa.”

Help Protect the Pride

It takes many different approaches, which differ by regions, habitats, and local communities, to help protect lion populations. Fans can explore The Lion King Protect the Pride website to learn more about The Lion King Protect the Pride campaign and find ways that they can get involved, including:

• This summer, take part in Protect the Pride lion-related Disney experiences celebrating WCN’s LRF, like the Kilimanjaro Safaris^®Expedition at Disney’s Animal Kingdom^® Theme Park in Florida during opening week of The Lion King film (July 19-25); purchase special-edition Simba and Nala plush lions available at certain Disney stores, on shopDisney.com, and in select U.S. Disney Parks and Resorts locations; Disney Theatrical Productions will celebrate with audiences on Broadway during the month of July, providing campaign information in Playbills^® for The Lion King; learn about the history of Disney’s commitment to conservation in films and Disney Publishing Worldwide’s support of the campaign through The Art and Making of The Lion King book. Disney is supporting these and other global opportunities in South Africa, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Australia and the United States. Disney.com/LionKingProtectThePride
• Support lion conservation efforts and learn more about the Lion Recovery Fund at lionrecoveryfund.org.
• Follow The Lion King, the Disney Conservation Fund, and the Lion Recovery Fund on social media to stay up to date on #TheLionKing #ProtectThePride campaign and share information with your friends and family about how they can help.

Disney's The Lion King Character Poster for Young Simba

Take a look at the character poster of Young Simba voiced by JD McCrary.