Released in 3D Sept. 16, Disney’s The Lion King has already grossed $69 million. I grew up during the “Renaissance” of Disney animation. Back in 1994, when I saw The Lion King in theaters, for the first time, I thought it was fantastic. That’s why I knew it would be a must-see for me; it was a guaranteed hit.
While I loved the story this time as much the first (and all those subsequent VHS and DVD viewings), I felt the 3D added nothing to the film. In fact, I think it took away from the escapist fare, as the additional 3D imagery looked glaringly unnatural—it didn’t belong.
Now, I have enjoyed 3D movies and rereleases in the past, and am still awaiting this epic event. However, unlike films such as Up or The Toy Story Trilogy, 3D technology did nothing to enhance The Lion King. When the first two Toy Story films were rereleased in 3D in 2009, it made the film richer, and only improved upon the beloved Pixar-animated features.
This added dimension does not work with the 2D classics. A viewer’s naked eye easily picks up the new elements. This seamlessness serves to take viewers out of the film, diminishing the power of the story. If you’re asking an audience to invest more time and money in seeing a nearly 20 year old film, the movie should enhance the viewing experience, not act as a gimmick. Here, unfortunately, the venerable Disney fails.
Questionable 3D conversion has not seemed to diminish the film’s success at the box office, however. Older fans, and young children who are just discovering the tale of Simba and Pride Rock, have turned out in droves—more than willing to spend $12 on a ticket. Including the most recent sales, The Lion King has become one of Disney’s highest grossing films at nearly $900 million dollars.
The success of The Lion King will mostly likely lead to further classics being reissued in 3D. This episode begs the question, would a reissued version of the original Lion King have done just as well, or was wanting to see a new depth to the animation the motivating factor behind filling seats?
Photo Credit: Disney
Do like your Disney in 3D?
