Archive from 08.11.03 to 09.10.2003
 

1. Circle of Life / Carmen Twillie
2. I Just Can't Wait to Be King / Rowan Atkinson
3. Be Prepared / Cheech Marin
4. Hakuna Matata / Ernie Sabella
5. Can You Feel the Love Tonight / Ernie Sabella
6. The Morning Report / Jeff Bennett
7. This Land
8. ...to Die For
9. Under the Stars [Instrumental
10. King of Pride Rock
11. Circle of Life / Elton John
12. I Just Can't Wait to Be King / Elton John
13. Can You Feel the Love Tonight (End Title) / Elton John
14. Can You Feel the Love Tonight / Elton John

Spotted by Simba B; in addition to the regular Special Edition soundtrack, Amazon.com is apparently selling an alternate UK version in a lenticular sleeve, with different cover art-- featuring Adolescent Simba on that log during "Hakuna Matata". Release date is given as October 27.

Timecode Magazine, which serves video rental chain stores in the UK with industry news and new-release information, has a cover story this month on the TLK DVD Special Edition. click here and then click the "features" link to read the intro to the story. (The rest is available by subscription.)

Rob Jongmans, senior vice president with Buena Vista Home Entertainment Europe reiterates the importance of the special edition: "The Lion King created the biggest entertainment phenomenon ever in its initial release and we are confident that this success will be unsurpassed when it is released." Peet continues: "The Lion King is still the biggest animated film in terms of video sales and the intention with the Platinum titles is to make the biggest splash we can. We've genuinely tried to pull out all the stops to make this one of the best DVDs ever."

Whilst that might be considered to be quite a claim, it doesn't appear to be an unrealistic one. Certainly the DVD is far and away above what might be expected for most aniamted films, even most live-action classics. The disc comes with the original theatrical version of the film as well as a new, re-mastered edit that features The Morning Report, an all-new song composed by Elton John and Tim Rice, that arrives with a never before seen aniamted sequence featuring Zazu, the feathered emissary to the king. And as you will see, the list of extra features doesn't stop there.

Spotted by Elfasi.

Video Game News
Noticed by Simba B. and Simba's Lil' Lioness-- the Disney Store Online has been busily updating itself with "coming soon" and "new release" items for both the TLK DVD SE and the upcoming TLK3/TLK1.5. We already knew about the TLK 1 1/2 game for the Game Boy Advance; but news to me is that they're also bringing out a "The Lion King Classic Collection" CD-ROM, which (oddly) doesn't contain the old multi-platform TLK game, but instead has three learning-style games aimed at kids.

"The Lion King 1 1/2" for GBA
"The Lion King Classic Collection" CD-ROM

9/6/03 - Keebler's Exclusive Mail-In Offer

Spotted by Cass Wagner:

Exclusive Mail-in Offer from Keebler, Mini Talkin' Lion King Cookies Jars. Found on the packages of Keeber's Grahams ( Original ) Gramcrackers. You can buy Timon, Pumba or Simba for $4.99 plus 2 UPC symbols, or the entire set for $12.99 plus 4 UPC symbols. Each cookie jar is appoximstely 6" inches high, and designed to fit together as a set.

Simba B. forwards me this USA Today article which claims confidently that the version of the original movie that's on the DVD will be the real original theatrical mix, not just the new Special Edition with the "Morning Report" snipped out.

The original version of The Lion King, with no remixing, no tinkering and no new song, will also be included in the DVD.

"The purists out there can see the movie exactly as it was in 1994," Hahn says. "Those who enjoy seeing new innovations can sing a new song."

Ho thinks he knows which you'll choose.

"Nine out of 10 people will prefer the home theater mix," Ho predicts. "I mean, the wildebeests feel like they're stampeding over your head."

Maybe, maybe. But those 1 out of 10 of us might like to see the clouds retreating after Mufasa's ghost's appearance, for instance...

According to Amazon.com , the TLK Special Edition Soundtrack will carry the same visual design for both the UK and US releases.

Thanks to Simba B.

There's a DVD and VHS bundle/promotion being sold at the French alapage.com. It's a collectible bag with a plush Simba toy, an exclusive edition of the TLK book, and the complete original soundtrack.

Via Simba B.

Wal-Mart is stocking new TLK stuff to coincide with the DVD release, which coincidentally is right in time for back-to-school merchandising:

They're also at Wal-Mart and they're some back to school items for kids. The 3D rubber things are Backpack clips, and the big package in the middle are magnets that you punch out of a sheet. On the other image, those are (obviously) pencils with plastic, character tops. I have one of each and there's also a stationary set with a tin pencil case, a Simba note pad, pencils, erasers and sharpeners. They're products of Disney Hallmark, I've never heard of it yet but with at least the word Disney they seem like worthy-of must haves.

Submitted by Lindsay Gagnon.

Yipes-- they're not kidding around about this. From animated-movies.net :

Disney Places High Hopes on Lion King DVD

Brandweek reports that Disney is investing a whopping $200 million in overall marketing support in October for the DVD debut of The Lion King--a budget that eclipses the outlay for most theatrical releases, with McDonald's, Kellog, Hasbro and Wal-Mart in tow. Support will cover three DVDs, including the Platinum Edition and the spring 2004 launch of Lion King 1 1/2: Hakuna Matata and Lion King 2: Simba's Pride.

Via Simba B.

08.27.2003 September 30 Release for TLK SE Soundtrack

The marketing blitz is officially in high gear: Simba B. has found a Karaoke CD full of TLK songs for sale at Wal-Mart's online store.
 

Things are really gearing up: Disney has officially opened its newly redesigned website for the TLK DVD, complete with Flash animation, online games, downloads, and ordering links.

You can get to the site at either www.lionking.com or the longer redirect URL, http://disney.go.com/disneyvideos/animatedfilms/lionking/ . (lionkingdvd.com goes there too.) Thanks to all who alerted me to the news!

Simba B. notes that Buy.com has a listing for the Special Edition Original Soundtrack CD, with a release date of September 23, 2003. You can pre-order it now.