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Community Corner

Lion King 3D Wins the Hearts of Skeptics and Captures New Audiences

Emily Everson shares reflections on the film's revival.

I still remember the first time I saw The Lion King, one of the last truly fantastic Disney Movies; that is before popular culture welcomed the heroes of Pixar as mainstays in animated entertainment. Like Up or Wall E, The Lion King was a film that parents could enjoy with their kids.

From the Academy Award Winning music by Elton John and Tim Rice, to the endless amount of one liners from Timon and Pumba, to the mesmerizing story line, brilliantly acted by James Earl Jones and Matthew Broderick; this film had the makings of a true classic. Despite my hesitation, I knew that I didn’t want to miss its reemergence in 3D.

I have been perpetually disappointed by every single 3D film I have seen. Even acclaimed film critic Roger Ebert has grown weary of the trend calling 3D films “an annoying distraction.”

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In general, I find it odd that this new fad is garnering so much attention. As a former manager of a prominent video game retailor with stores nationwide, I was present for the launch of the 3DS which was originally marketed at 250 dollars.

The 3DS, which resembles a glorified hologram can only be played for half an hour at time (any longer may cause damage to one’s eyes) and cannot be played at all by a child under the age of 8; doing so risks permanent damage.

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The 3D films that I have seen in theaters were nothing to write home about.  In fact, I chose not to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in 3D despite being a huge fan of the series.  And yet somehow, I found myself sitting in the AMC Lowes Theater in Mountainside, eagerly awaiting the start of one of my favorite childhood films.  

And I was not disappointed.

As the music began to play and the gorgeous savannah scene came to life as it had never done before, tears came to my eyes; I was astounded.  Someone finally got it right! Elephants stomped through the movies screen. Scar’s fatal blow to Mufasa during the epic, unforgettable stampede scene took on a new meaning.

The colors were more brilliant, the music more vibrant and the plot became more poetic because of the true art that was executed by Disney’s film studio extraoridinares. There were no gimmicks, no headaches.  For a few hours, this somewhat cynical journalist was immersed in the beauty and nostalgia of a childhood classic.

I’m not sure what this means for the future of 3D technology, but as I made my light hearted way out of the theater with a spring in my step and a song in my head, I had a chance to learn what this meant to a new generation of film fans.

Four year old Lila was literally dancing her way out of the theater. A sea of smiles and curls, Lila first pointed out her pink Disney princess crocs before explaining that Timon was her favorite character. “I liked when he dressed up in the hula skirt and danced for the hyenas,” she said.

When asked what it was like to relive a classic with a new generation of Disney fans, Lila’s Dad, Glenn Kaestner’s face lit up with an undeniable spark of happiness.

“I remember the first time I saw Lion King. I couldn’t help but think ‘I can’t wait to have kids so I can take them to see this movie.’ I am so glad that I get to experience this with my daughter.”

Despite my continuous objections to this new medium, it is clear that the most wonderful part of Lion King returning to theaters is that we get to experience the music, the joy, and the laughter with a whole new generation of Lion King fans.  Here are the upcoming movie times for your local theater.  It isn’t often that Disney makes such a memorable comeback; don’t miss the revival of a true classic.

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