Long live the King!

ORIGINALLY released in 1994, this week’s film of the week is the Disney Classic, The Lion King.

Seventeen years ago a generation of children (and adults) fell in love with the journey of Simba, the lion cub reluctant to accept his role as prince. It spawned stage shows, merchandise and an Oscar winning song by Elton John, ‘The circle of life’ and with the film now coming back round for another stint in cinemas, it couldn’t be more appropriate.

Now this Disney classic re-mastered for a new generation and is appearing in 3D as well as 2D editions.

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A young lion prince, Simba, is born in Africa, thus making his uncle Scar the second in line to the throne. Scar plots with the hyenas to kill King Mufasa and Prince Simba, thus making himself King.

The story of a young prince forced to deal with heart break, growing up and a murderous uncle has Shakespearian influence all over it.

With joyous musical numbers and comedy from the hilarious double act of warthog Pumbaa and his free-wheeling meerkat companion, Timon, the Lion King’s popularity is understandable.

The animation at the time was ground breaking and a hand-drawn hit shortly before the computer generated success of Pixar had been installed in Hollywood.

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However the Lion King used some computer animation creating thousands of animals across the African plains that looks incredible in 3D.

On the Omnimax screen the Lion King really comes alive, the vast landscape that has never looked better on Ireland’s biggest screen.

The Lion King really scores on the soundtrack, with outstanding characterisations from Jeremy Irons as the evil Scar and of course Sir Elton’s number.

If you have small children who are yet to experience the magic of the Lion King on the big screen, now is the perfect chance. You can always use that as an excuse for you to re-live the magic all over again.

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