When Disney’s The Lion King returns to theaters on Sept. 16, it will be in an additional dimension. And not only will the 1994 blockbuster be in Disney Digital 3D, but RealD will be reinforcing the sense of event by issuing specially designed 3D glasses to all children.
Each North American child’s ticket to a RealD-equipped theater will come with a pair of RealD 3D glasses, colored to match the movie and decorated with a picture of the lovable lion cub Simba, until the limited supply runs out.
Joseph Peixoto, president, worldwide cinema at RealD, pointed out that the theater experience of The Lion King would be new to an entire generation, and the 3D theater experience is new for everyone. He added that the glasses, which are designed to fit those who are 8 years old and younger, would be a fun souvenir to take home.
The Lion King grossed more than $783 million worldwide. Additionally, Disney reports that the DVD is the best-selling home entertainment release of all time, even though it has been off the market since 2004. So the “special two-week theatrical extravaganza,” as Disney described it, will serve as a strong launch pad for the Oct. 4 release of the movie in high-definition Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D.
“The all-new 3D format immerses viewers in the epic settings and puts them face-to-face with these beloved characters,” said Bob Chapek, president of distribution, The Walt Disney Studios. “It’s the must-see, must-own title for everyone.”
The Lion King was awarded Oscars for Best Original Score (Hans Zimmer) and Best Original Song (Elton John/Tim Rice, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”), and earned Golden Globes in both of those categories as well as for Best Motion Picture—Comedy or Musical.
