The Lion King | Kid-Friendly Movie Reviews | Family Movies & DVDs



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		The Lion King Diamond Edition

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		On DVD Now Best For Kids (6-9) Rated G
		Animation \| Life Lessons

		Young lion cub Simba must find the strength and courage to fulfill his destiny after his father, King Mufasa, is tragically killed at the hands of his jealous uncle. The first and perhaps the most beloved of the Lion King movies, this one boasts an all-star cast, including the voices of Whoopi Goldberg, Matthew Broderick, and James Earl Jones as well as that infectious song, "Hakuna Matata." There's also one of Disney's most evil and frightening villains: Scar (voiced by Jeremy Irons).


	Although this is among Disney's best animated features, it is also one of its darkest. The movie clearly shows the huge role death plays in the "circle of life," and it's not a subject toddlers should even have to consider. Mufasa's violent and graphic death--and Simba's grief--will be too upsetting for young children.

For most kids in this age group, the lovable characters, catchy tunes and very moments will be a perfect combination. For some sensitive preschoolers, though, the frightening elements may seem even more intense because kids this age will understand the story better and may start to worry about their own parents dying. Parents will want to be on hand to comfort youngsters during the scary scenes (or fast-forward to happier scenes). They'll easily relate to Simba, who gets embarrassed when his mom gives him a bath and who tries to assert his independence by disobeying his parents' warnings and wandering off in search of adventure. Hopefully, they'll also learn from the consequences of these actions.

Kids in this age group will still be horrified by Mufasa's death, but will be able to grasp the fact that life must go on. Young girls will be empowered by Simba's female friend, Nala, who never backs down and who pins him to the ground every time they wrestle. The word play and clever dialogue will keep them laughing, especially when Timon the meerkat says that Simba "looks blue," and Pumba the warthog answers, "I'd say brownish gold," and when a confused Pumba states, "You gotta put your behind in the past." They'll hear Mufasa loud and clear when he says, "Being brave doesn't mean you go looking for trouble," and they'll appreciate the pals' philosophy of "hakuna matata" or "no worries." This is a movie parents should watch with their children, and not just to gauge their reactions, but to enjoy themselves.


	This movie is intended for younger viewers.

--Lois Alter Mark, the Flicks for Kids Expert



		The combo pack comes with Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD and digital versions of the movie. The DVD includes "The Lion King: A Memoir." The Blu-ray and the Blu-Ray 3D (which is STUNNING) adds never-before-seen deleted scenes and bloopers, a deleted song, an extended scene, "Pride of the Lion King," and Classic DVD bonuses. They also give you the option to watch the movie in Disney Sing-Along Mode and interact with the movie on your laptop or iPad through Disney Second Screen.



			Movie Pluses
		Realistically depicts the "circle of life" Empowers children to overcome fears

			Movie Minuses
		The violent death of a parent Cartoon violence