The Lion King: Special Edition (tbc)

Fresh from its IMAX re-release, Disney's 1994 classic returns in a two-disc set to restate its claim as one of the finest animated features ever made. Good timing, too, given Finding Nemo's just outstripped its record box-office take.

Part Bambi, part Hamlet, The Lion King follows furball Simba as he flees into exile after being blamed for his dad's death. What follows is an age-old tale of betrayal, heredity and redemption, spiced up by great songs, jaw-crashing animation and a farting warthog. What more do you need?

DVD Extras:

Disc one has a commentary from producer Don Hahn and co-directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, the three-way gab spilling several beans on the production process, voice casting and visual inspirations (David Lean and Leni Riefenstahl get name checks). There are also three deleted scenes (only in storyboard form, alas) and multiple-choice games for the kiddies.The lion's share of extras are on disc two, though. Highlights include four mini wildlife docs, a featurette on Disney critters over the years and a behind-the-scenes look at Julie Taymor's Broadway musical. It's just a shame there's no input from the original voice cast, while repetition stops this being quite as exhaustive as it first appears.

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