The Lion King - 2019 (UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Disney
Release Date: October 22, 2019
Rating: G
Film: 2.5/5

Plot
Pioneering filmmaking techniques bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother — and former heir to the throne — has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.
 
 
My Thoughts
Disney has been on a remake binge of its classics ever since Cinderella hit theaters in 2015. Some have been quite entertaining, such at Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast, and others have been somewhat disappointing like Dumbo and Aladdin—granted, they’ve all been watchable and somewhat entertaining. Unfortunately, The Lion King is the worst of the remakes. It’s has zero emotional impact and frankly, is somewhat boring. Yes, I’m undoubtedly comparing it to the original animated classic, but even on its own I don’t think it measures up.

The biggest problem is with the lifelike CG, which really is mesmerizing. It literally feels like you’re watching an episode of Planet Earth, except the animals can talk. An there’s the rub. While they look photo realistic, they show zero emotion whatsoever. Their happy look is the same as their scared—there’s literally no change. So this is where the filmmaking technique actually takes away from a very entertaining screenplay, but in this new endeavor, it completely falls flat and lands with a dud.

On the positive side, the video encode is fantastic and is demo-worthy from beginning to end. No complaints on that front. Unfortunately, the audio track is once again recorded too low (by 4-5dB), which is a very disappointing effort once again from the House of Mouse. 

Video 10/10

Audio 8/10 (Dolby Atmos)
Special Features (Housed on Two Blu-ray Discs):

• The Journey to The Lion King
• More to Be Scene
• Music Videos
• Filmmaker Introduction
• Audio Commentary
• Song Selection
• Protect the Pride
• Pride Lands Pedia (Digital Exclusive)
• Perfecting the Pride (Pre-Sell Bonus)
• Blu-ray+ Digital Copy

Conclusion
To say I was disappointed with the film would be an understatement. I love the original for the sheer emotional impact it provides. Unfortunately, this remake fails miserably in that regard. Sure, it’s pretty to look at, but it misses the mark on virtually every other aspect. I know it did well at the Box Office, but I can’t fathom why.



Reference Review System:
 JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High Definition Front Projector
 (Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
 Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 88” 16x9 Fixed Screen
 Anthem AVM60 Audio/Video Processor
 ATI AT527NC Powering Bed ChannelsATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
 Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
 System Controller: URC MX-980M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
 Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
 SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
 HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
 SVS SB-3000 SubwooferJL Audio Dominion D110 Subwoofer x 2 (configured as tandem mid bass modules)Mini DSP controlling all subwoofers
 Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
 PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[DavidHir]

I've thought about giving this a rental and passed; but indeed, it does seem a bit weird to me given that Planet Earth effect with talking animals.  Some things are better left being purely animated.