Lion King is back, in 3D

Simba, Mufasa, Nala, Timon and Pumbaa are back and better than ever when Disney’s ‚The Lion King‚ roars into theaters and homes in 3D.

The special theatrical extravaganza kicks off August 26, 2011, showcasing the Oscar and Golden Globe winning film on the big screen in Disney Digital 3D for the first time ever, and its highly anticipated home entertainment debut kicks off October 17, celebrating the Diamond Edition release of the epic movie ‚The Lion King‚ in high-definition Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D .

‚‚The Lion King’ is the best-selling home entertainment release of all time‚Äîand this is ‚The Lion King’ like never before,‚ said Bob Chapek, president of distribution, The Walt Disney Studios. ‚The all-new 3D format immerses viewers in the epic settings and puts them face-to-face with these beloved characters. We’re showcasing one of the all-time favorite Disney movies in theaters and making it available in Blu-ray hi-def and in Blu-ray 3D‚Äîit’s the must-see, must-own title for everyone.‚

Nearly a decade since ‚The Lion King‚ last appeared on the big screen, the upcoming theatrical release invites new generations into the ‚Circle of Life.‚ The two-week, 3D-only presentation is a planned wide domestic release‚Äîthe biggest since the film’s 1994 debut‚Äîand the film’s first-ever 3D release. In addition, a Zulu-language 2D version of the film will be made available in selected cinemas.

The Blu-ray debut marks the first time ‚The Lion King‚ has been available in any form since 2004. Featuring pristine high definition picture and sound, the Blu-ray creates an incredible at-home experience with a host of picture and sound enhancements, interactive features and bonus content, including a new set of hilarious animated bloopers.

‚The Lion King,‚ first released in 1994, won the Oscar for Best Original Score (Hans Zimmer) and Best Original Song (Elton John/Tim Rice ‚Can You Feel the Love Tonight‚ ), earning Golden Globes in both categories, as well as for Best Motion Picture‚ÄîComedy or Musical.

The film inspired an immensely popular, Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, which is currently featured on stages worldwide. It became the seventh longest-running musical in Broadway history in January 2011.