Audiences will fall in love all over again with the treasured classic, and a new generation of fans will laugh with Timon and Pumbaa, cry with Simba and Mufasa, burst into song, and find their place in the “Circle of Life.” The Walt Disney Signature Collection release includes over three hours of classic bonus material and exclusive, brand new features inviting viewers to sing along with the film’s award-winning music, observe recording sessions, step inside the story room, witness the evolution of a villain, and join Nathan Lane (voice of Timon) and Matthew Broderick (voice of Adult Simba) for an extended conversation regarding the legacy of “The Lion King.”
Director Rob Minkoff, animators Mark Henn and Tony Bancroft, and Producer Don Hahn, along with some very special guests, reveal the secrets behind the making of the timeless animated classic:
The special guests were Jim Cummings, the voice of Ed the Hyena, Whoopi Goldberg, the voice of Shenzi the Hyena, and Ernie Sabella, the voice of Pumbaa. They recounted stories about how they got the roles, how they came up with the ideas for the voices for their characters, and then we saw a few vintage videos. It was incredible.
We had just seen Whoopi receive her Disney Legends award two days earlier, I was so excited to have the chance to see and hear her two times on this trip!
We also saw a video from almost 25 years ago of a young Whoopi in the voice booth. Watching her, and then later Ernie, working in the sound booths was interesting. You get to see them excitedly recite their lines, and then wait quietly for the next cue. This part of the process is truly remarkable.
And then, we got to hear the story behind Timon & Pumbaa’s luau scene in The Lion King! Ernie Sabella (voice of Pumbaa), Rob Minkoff (director), and Don Hahn (producer) reenacted this hilarious scene for all of us fans at the Expo!
Lastly, in true Disney style, we were treated to a live performance of Elton John and Tim Rice’s famous song “The Circle of Life,” performed by Carmen Twillie, who sang the song in the movie.
It was an honor to be a part of this piece of Disney history. Own The Lion King on Digital, with its new extras, Now!
Disclosure: Disney invited me on this press trip and paid all of my expenses. No other compensation was received.
This is such a great story with so much wonderful music. I am looking forward to seeing this latest version. How lucky to have a live performance of Circle of Life. I’m jealous.
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