Zimmer's partners Mark Mancina and Jay Rifkin helped with arrangements and song production. The "Lion King" original motion picture soundtrack was released by Walt Disney Records on April 27, 1994. It was the fourth-best-selling album of the year on the "Billboard" 200 and the top-selling soundtrack. It is the only soundtrack for an animated film to be certified Diamond (10× platinum) by the Recording Industry Association of America. Zimmer's complete instrumental score for the film was never originally given a full release, until the soundtrack's commemorative in 2014. "The Lion King" also inspired the 1995 release "Rhythm of the Pride Lands", with eight songs by Zimmer, Mancina, and Lebo M.
Music
The Lion King
The Lion King | Music
Hans Zimmer Tim Rice and Elton John. Tim Rice and Elton John Elton John
who did the voice for simba in lion king
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Matthew Broderick
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can you name the movie ?
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The Lion King
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when was it released?
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June 1994
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who designed the protagonist?
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Mark Henn served as Simba's supervising animator as a cub, Ruben A. Aquino animated the character as he appears as an adult.
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what response did the character receive?
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Universal acclaim, a superbly realized character
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who did the music for the movie?
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The original motion picture soundtrack for the first film was released by Walt Disney Records on June 13, 1994, two days before the film's release. It contains songs by songwriter Elton John and Tim Rice, who wrote five original songs, with Elton John performing "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" during the end credits. Additionally, "The Morning Report", a song which was not present in the original theatrical film, was later added to the IMAX theater and to the DVD Platinum Edition release. The film's score was composed by Hans Zimmer and supplemented with traditional African music and choir elements arranged by Lebo M.
The Lion King (franchise) | Music
However, it features the award-winning music from the first film, written by Elton John and Tim Rice. The show uses songs, dance, puppetry and visual effects to create an African savannah setting filled with lions, elephants, giraffes, birds, zebras and gazelles.
The Lion King (franchise) | Theatrical
When Zimmer was chosen by Disney to compose the music for their film "The Lion King", he specifically wanted to collaborate with Morake. His voice is the first voice heard at the beginning of the film, singing a chant over the opening sequence, which is often considered synonymous with the film's image in popular culture. He also contributed to the sequel to the film's soundtrack, "Rhythm of the Pride Lands", and the film's direct-to-video sequel "". The duo composed so much music that Disney approved of an additional soundtrack album, "Rhythm of the Pride Lands", containing extra compositions. "The Lion King's" original soundtrack, with the compositions that had made the cut for the theatrical release, earned the two composers a Grammy Award, and Zimmer won an Academy Award for Best Original Score.
Lebo M. | The Lion King
The film's soundtrack album contains two original songs; "Diggah Tunnah Dance", written by Lebo M., who co-wrote many of the songs for the original film, and "That's All I Need", written by Elton John and Tim Rice, who also worked on the first film. The latter song, which is performed by Nathan Lane in the film, is largely based on a cut song from "The Lion King" titled "The Warthog Rhapsody", with which it shares a similar melody. The film features the song "Hakuna Matata" from the first film, which is featured both as the original soundtrack recording in the soundtrack album and in the film as a new cover performed by Lane and Ernie Sabella.
The Lion King 1½ | Soundtrack
As in the original soundtrack recording, Scar begins the song with a brief soliloquy. The song is similar to its film counterpart in most respects, including the goose stepping hyenas, but there is a dance number performed by the hyena ensemble halfway through. Scar later sings a brief reprise while declaring himself king at Mufasa's funeral in which he introduces the hyenas as his direct and privileged minions (the aforementioned deleted reprise from the film). However, the Broadway reprise was not featured in the soundtrack, and is instead replaced with a sinister chord at the end of the song "Rafiki Mourns".
Be Prepared (song) | "The Lion King" Broadway musical
The Lion King is a musical based on the 1994 Walt Disney Animation Studios' animated feature film of the same name with music by Elton John, lyrics by Tim Rice, and book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, along with additional music and lyrics by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor, and Hans Zimmer. Directed by Taymor, the musical features actors in animal costumes as well as giant, hollow puppets. The show is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions.
The Lion King (musical) | Introduction
Lyricist Tim Rice, who was working with composer Alan Menken on songs for "Aladdin", was invited to write the songs, and accepted on the condition of finding a composing partner. As Menken was unavailable, the producers accepted Rice's suggestion of Elton John, after Rice's invitation of ABBA fell through due to Benny Andersson being busy with the musical "Kristina från Duvemåla". John expressed an interest in writing "ultra-pop songs that kids would like; then adults can go and see those movies and get just as much pleasure out of them", mentioning a possible influence of "The Jungle Book", where he felt the "music was so funny and appealed to kids and adults".
The Lion King | Music
Tina Turner recorded a version of "He Lives in You" for the film. On August 31, 2004, Disney released an "enhanced soundtrack" to coincide with the release of the film's 2-Disc Special Edition DVD. However, the CD only contains the songs featured in the film, without any of the inspired songs by the first film. "Siskel & Ebert" noted that it was best the film was direct-to-video, since the music was lacking and not remotely equal to the original's soundtrack.
The Lion King (franchise) | Music
He asked Zimmer if any sort of musical version of the song could still be a part of the film; Favreau subsequently asked Tim Rice if he could update the song's lyrics to reflect Scar's new dynamic with the hyenas. Rice did so, and the final version of the song is a mix of the monologue Nathanson penned (from "Mufasa has always shown too much restraint when it comes to hunting" to "the need for a diff'rnt dream"), Rice's old and new lyrics, and new score created by Zimmer. Favreau opined that while it wasn't the full song, it would give the audiences the impression that they had still seen the sequence in the remake, and cited the final shot of Scar on a peak with a crescent moon behind him as a key image he had to keep for the film.
The Lion King (2019 soundtrack) | Background
John and Rice wrote five original songs for the film ("Circle of Life", "I Just Can't Wait to Be King", "Be Prepared", "Hakuna Matata" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight"), with John's performance of "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" playing over the end credits. The IMAX and DVD releases added another song, "The Morning Report", based on a song discarded during development that eventually featured in the live musical version of "The Lion King". The score was composed by Hans Zimmer, who was hired based on his work in two films in African settings, "The Power of One" and "A World Apart", and supplemented the score with traditional African music and choir elements arranged by Lebo M.
The Lion King | Music
The chorus, dressed in colorful clothes with ornate bird puppets and kites, begin the Second Act ("One by One"). As the song ends, however, the beautiful birds are replaced by vultures and gazelle skeletons. Under Scar's rule, the Circle of Life is out of balance and a drought has hit the Pride Lands. Zazu, now a prisoner of Scar, listens to the king's woes. The hyenas are complaining about the lack of food, but Scar is only concerned with himself and why he is not loved. He is haunted by visions of Mufasa and rapidly switches between delusional confidence and paranoid despair ("The Madness of King Scar").
The Lion King (musical) | Act II
In other soundtracks from different productions, the song is not represented at all.
Be Prepared (song) | "The Lion King" Broadway musical
Hans Zimmer, who composed the 1994 animated version, would return to compose the score for the remake with Pharrell Williams as a collaborator. Elton John also returned to rework his musical compositions from the original film before his retirement, with Knowles-Carter assisting John in the reworking of the soundtrack. John, the original film's lyricist, Tim Rice, and Beyoncé were also slated in 2018 to create a new song for the film. However, the collaboration between Beyoncé and John did not pan out as the unreleased song was not added to the official soundtrack. John and Rice also wrote a new song for the film's end credits, titled "Never Too Late" and performed by John.
The Lion King (2019 film) | Music
On June 24, 2019 Disney released the soundtrack's official track listing (which includes the song).
Scar (The Lion King) | Music
The score and the songs in the remake were influenced by the music featured in the Broadway version of "The Lion King", as Favreau felt that "[Zimmer and John] really [explored] further what the roots of the music are [in the Broadway show]". Of the five songs of the original, the fate of "Be Prepared" was the one which was most debated when creating the film's soundtrack. Favreau felt that the original sequence, which he compared to the "Night on Bald Mountain" segment of "Fantasia", would clash too heavily with the remake's tone and characterization of Scar. Favreau considered outright cutting the song and had screenwriter Jeff Nathanson create a spoken word monologue to replace the song, but was unsatisfied since he knew how important a villain song is to a Disney film.
The Lion King (2019 soundtrack) | Background
The soundtrack also consists of various covers of pop songs, such as Hugh Masekela's "Grazing in the Grass" performed by Raven-Symoné, Kool and the Gang's "Jungle Boogie" performed by Drew K. and The French, and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" (which appears briefly in the original film as well) performed by Lebo M. and Vinx. Other featured songs not on the soundtrack include "Sunrise, Sunset" from the musical "Fiddler on the Roof" and the eponymous theme song from the television show "Peter Gunn" composed by Henry Mancini. The film contains an original score composed by Don L. Harper, and also features Ennio Morricone's instrumental theme from the Sergio Leone film "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly".
The Lion King 1½ | Soundtrack
! colspan="3" | Original album release ! colspan="3" | Original cast recording ! colspan="3" | Sing-Along shortform
The Lion King (1994 soundtrack) | Certifications
The soundtrack for the 2019 Walt Disney Pictures film "The Lion King", a photorealistic computer-animated remake of the 1994 animated film of the same name, consists of a soundtrack featuring songs from the original film written by Elton John and Tim Rice, and performed by the film's cast, as well as a new song by Beyoncé and an end-credit song titled "Never Too Late", written by John and Rice and performed by John, and a score composed by the original film's composer Hans Zimmer. Beyoncé also produced a curated soundtrack titled , which features new songs performed by multiple artists.
The Lion King (2019 soundtrack) | Introduction
This production was performed in Mandarin and led by Ntsepa Pitjeng.
The Lion King (musical) | Other countries
The Lion King
1st Blockbuster Entertainment Awards | Favorite Soundtrack
"The New York Times" writer Caryn James thought the "subtle and graceful" tune was "attuned to the film's hopeful theme of regeneration". Despite believing that The Lion King 2 not having the same "impact" or "pizazz" of its predecessor, "Black Family Today" thought Kidjo's version of this song was strong enough to last beyond the context of the film it was written for. "Drum: A Magazine of Africa for Africa" felt Kidgo's rendition is "the song to watch" form the film's soundtrack. The song was nominated for an Annie Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement for Music in an Animated Feature Production along with "My Lullaby".
We Are One (Simba's Pride) | Reception
The song is performed as a musical number by Scar, who lusts for the position as king of the Pride Lands. Scar is inspired to develop a plot for both his brother Mufasa and his nephew Simba to be murdered, and tells about this plan through song to a large army of spotted hyena minions by his pledge to spare the hungry animals from starvation if they provide him with assistance.
Be Prepared (song) | "The Lion King"
The music was by Deepak Dev and the lyrics were penned by Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri. The background music was scored by Ouseppachan.
Lion (2006 film) | Songs
On September 28, 2016, it was announced that Jon Favreau would direct a remake of Disney's "The Lion King", which was announced to feature songs from the original film by Elton John and Tim Rice. On November 1, 2017, it was announced that the original film's composer, Hans Zimmer, who composed additional music for Favreau's "Iron Man", would return to score the film. Zimmer initially hesitated to return for the remake, arguing that "[he has] worked very hard to not ruin things through improvement", however, he agreed to compose the remake after performing the original film's score in a concert, saying that he "suddenly realized what [his] place in this new version was: to try a big experiment and use my band and orchestra, go back to Africa, work with Lebo and the chorus and extraordinary musicians from all over the world, and really make this a "performance"".
The Lion King (2019 soundtrack) | Background
The Lion King: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is the soundtrack album for the 1994 Disney animated film, "The Lion King". It contains songs from the film written by Elton John and Tim Rice, and a score composed by Hans Zimmer. Elton John has a dual role of performer for several tracks. Additional performers include Lebo M, Carmen Twillie, Jason Weaver, Rowan Atkinson, Joseph Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, Jeremy Irons, Cheech Marin, Jim Cummings, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, and Sally Dworsky. The album was released on May 31, 1994 on CD and audio cassette. The soundtrack was recorded in three different countries: the U.S., the U.K.
The Lion King (1994 soundtrack) | Introduction
The Lion King is a 1994 American animated musical drama film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It is the 32nd Disney animated feature film, and the fifth animated film produced during a period known as the Disney Renaissance. "The Lion King" was directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, produced by Don Hahn, and has a screenplay credited to Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, and Linda Woolverton. Its original songs were written by composer Elton John and lyricist Tim Rice, with a score by Hans Zimmer. The film features an ensemble voice cast that includes Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Moira Kelly, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Rowan Atkinson, Robert Guillaume, Madge Sinclair (in her last film role), Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin, and Jim Cummings.
The Lion King | Introduction
Timon falls from the branch and Simba snaps out of the flashback, rescuing his friend. Simba is ashamed that Timon nearly died because of his recklessness. The three friends settle to sleep and discuss the stars. Simba recalls Mufasa's words, but his friends laugh at the notion of dead kings watching them. Simba leaves, expressing his loneliness and bitterly recalling Mufasa's promise to be there for him ("Endless Night"). Rafiki hears the song on the wind, joyfully realizes that Simba is alive, and draws a mane onto her painting of Simba.
The Lion King (musical) | Act II
The music of the film was composed by Upendra Kumar and the lyrics were written by R. N. Jayagopal.
Lion Jagapathi Rao | Soundtrack
"The Lion King" received four Golden Globe Award and Oscar nominations. The film would go on to win two Golden Globes; for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Original Score, as well as two Academy Awards, for Best Original Score (Hans Zimmer) and Best Original Song with "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" by Elton John and Tim Rice. The songs "Circle of Life" and "Hakuna Matata" were also nominated. "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" also won the Grammy Award for Best Male Vocal Performance. "The Lion King" also won Annie Awards for Best Animated Feature, Best Achievement in Voice Acting (for Jeremy Irons) and Best Individual Achievement for Story Contribution in the Field of Animation.
The Lion King | Other awards
The song is used twice in the musical based on the film, once in each act. During the first act, it is sung by Mufasa to young Simba as "They Live in You". The lyrics were changed slightly to represent the Great Kings of the Past - reference is made to the stars from which the Great Kings of the Past are believed to watch over the world. Mufasa, during the song, shows Simba that he is never alone as there is always someone watching over him. The song is performed by Mufasa and the ensemble and has a reverent and subdued tone throughout.
He Lives in You | "The Lion King" musical
"Endless Night", also from "Rhythm of the Pride Lands" with Swahili lyrics as "Lala", is sung by Simba while reflecting on Mufasa's promise to always be there. "One by One", from the "Rhythm of the Pride Lands" CD, was adapted as the rousing African-styled entre act sung by the chorus at the opening of the second act.
The Lion King (musical) | Differences between the musical and film
The instrumental scoring for the film was composed by Mark Mancina, who had previously produced music for "The Lion King", and the musical of the same name. Mancina and Collins worked closely to create music that would complement the film's setting and used many obscure instruments from Mancina's personal collection in the score. "The idea of score and song arrangement came together as one entity, as Phil and I worked in tandem to create what's heard in the film", Mancina said.
Tarzan (1999 film) | Music
All three series' music was composed by Peter Blake and the theme tune lyrics written by Bob Smith.
The Lion Man | Introduction
The songwriters were Marty Panzer, Tom Snow, Kevin Quinn, Randy Petersen, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Lebo M, Jack Feldman, Scott Warrender, and Joss Whedon.
The Lion King II: Simba's Pride | Songs
In DisneyToon's 2004 direct-to-video film "The Lion King 1½", the music from the beginning of the song is briefly heard as Timon and Pumbaa tour Scar's lair as a possible new home, commenting on how it is quiet, secluded and with no uninvited visitors. The shadows of the goose-stepping hyena army are then seen marching in front of them, though they haven't started singing yet. Timon and Pumbaa stare at them for a few seconds, and remark that the hyenas "ain't the traveling company of Riverdance." They then riverdance out of the scene.
Be Prepared (song) | "The Lion King 1½"
Most of the show's international productions had cast recordings which are available on CD, including: Of all the show's productions (counting the English ones), only the Brazilian and the Korean ones didn't have cast recordings released.
The Lion King (musical) | Recordings
In 1994, the Walt Disney Animation Studios animated film "The Lion King" brought the phrase international recognition, featuring it prominently in the plot and devoting a song to it. A meerkat and a warthog, Timon and Pumbaa, teach Simba that he should forget his troubled past and live in the present. The song was written by Elton John (music) and Tim Rice (lyrics), who found the term in a Swahili phrasebook. It was nominated for Best Original Song at the 1995 Academy Awards, and was later ranked the 99th best song in movie history by the American Film Institute on a list of 100.
Hakuna matata | "The Lion King" song
Zimmer's partners Mark Mancina and Jay Rifkin helped with arrangements and song production. The "Lion King" original motion picture soundtrack was released by Walt Disney Records on April 27, 1994. It was the fourth-best-selling album of the year on the "Billboard" 200 and the top-selling soundtrack. It is the only soundtrack for an animated film to be certified Diamond (10× platinum) by the Recording Industry Association of America. Zimmer's complete instrumental score for the film was never originally given a full release, until the soundtrack's commemorative in 2014. "The Lion King" also inspired the 1995 release "Rhythm of the Pride Lands", with eight songs by Zimmer, Mancina, and Lebo M.
The Lion King | Music
Zimmer treated his work on the remake similar to his work on the original film, stating that "[He is] doing this strictly for the people for whom it means something. [He is] working [his] musicians to the bone because [he] wants to get that performance. [He wanted] to smell sweat and blood in [the] studio". However, he also had a different approach on the score than in the original film, trying to "rehearse and record the score like a live concert performance". On November 28, 2017, it was reported that Elton John had signed onto the project to rework his musical compositions from the original film before retiring.
The Lion King (2019 soundtrack) | Background
The Lion King: Original Broadway Cast Recording is a cast recording released on 1997 by The Walt Disney Company, a recording of the songs as heard in the stage musical. Most of the tracks were composed by African composer Lebo M. and focused primarily on the African influences of the film's original music, with most songs being sung either partially or entirely in various African languages. Rafiki's chants in "Rafiki Mourns" were written by Tsidii Le Loka, who originated the role on Broadway.
The Lion King (musical) | "The Lion King: Original Broadway Cast Recording"
Maurice Jarre scored the film and invited classical Indian musicians to participate in the recording sessions with a traditional European symphony orchestra. A key song, which figures within the plot of the movie, is a fusion of the music of the Irish song "The Minstrel Boy" with the lyrics of Reginald Heber's "The Son of God Goes Forth to War". This song is heard at key moments in the score, notably being sung by Dravot as he is being executed and as he tumbles to his death. The film's performance of The Minstrel Boy is by William Lang, late of the Black Dyke Band and the London Symphony Orchestra.
The Man Who Would Be King (film) | Music
The soundtrack received two Golden Globe award nominations: "Best Original Score" and "Best Original Song" (for "Wunderkind").
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (soundtrack) | Response
Happily, for those of us who generally stay far away from 'cartoons', they have succeeded."
The Lion King | Critical response
The song appeared briefly in Jon Favreau's CGI remake of Disney's "The Lion King", performed by Billy Eichner as Timon the meerkat. In order to distract the hyenas, Timon sat on top of Pumbaa the warthog (Seth Rogen) and sang the opening lines of the song, but only got to "Be our", and then screaming as the hyenas began to circle.
Be Our Guest | "<a href="The%20Lion%20King%20%282019%20film%29">The Lion King</a>"
He lies to the lionesses about where they are going, and Sarafina (Nala's mother) and Sarabi allow the cubs to go, escorted by Zazu. Simba and Nala formulate a plan and manage to lose Zazu, while Simba brags about his future position ("I Just Can't Wait to Be King").
The Lion King (musical) | Act I
In the second act, the song is sung by Rafiki, the ensemble and adult Simba as "He Lives in You". The first part of the song is subdued and sung by Rafiki and the ensemble as Rafiki summons Mufasa's spirit. Mufasa's spirit appears and instructs Simba to return home and take his rightful place as king. After Mufasa's spirit fades Simba realizes that he must take responsibility and return home. At this point there is an instrumental break, after which the song becomes livelier and Simba joins in the celebratory singing after realizing his responsibilities as the true king.
He Lives in You | "The Lion King" musical
A musical, based on the original animated film, debuted July 8, 1997, in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the Orpheum Theatre. Directed by Julie Taymor, produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, and written by the co-director of the original film, Roger Allers, with writer Irene Mecchi. The musical features actors in elaborate animal costumes, and complex puppetry, created by Taymor and Michael Curry. The musical is divided in two acts and has music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, along with the musical score created by Hans Zimmer with choral arrangements by Lebo M. The musical incorporates several changes and additions to the storyline as compared to the film, as well as adding more songs.
The Lion King (franchise) | Broadway musical
Music was composed by Mani Sharma. Audio CD was released on Lahari Music Company. Audio was launched on 9 April 2015, held at Hyderabad Shilpakala Vedika by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu.
Lion (2015 film) | Soundtrack
The film received nominations for Best Animated Feature Film and Original Song categories at the 77th Golden Globe Awards and 25th Critics' Choice Awards. It was also nominated at 73rd British Academy Film Awards and 92nd Academy Awards, both for visual effects.
The Lion King (2019 film) | Introduction
Lebo M. performs a version of the song that plays over the credits of the 2019 version of The Lion King and is included on the film's soundtrack.
He Lives in You | "The Lion King (2019 film)"
The album was released on July 19, 2019.
The Lion King (2019 film) | Music
On November 28, 2017, it was reported that Elton John had signed onto the project to rework his musical compositions from the original film. Production for the film began in May 2017. It was released on July 19, 2019.
The Lion King | CGI remake
However, the producers of the film stated that they had never approached Lee about penning music for the film, and that it was "news to them". No Evanescence music had ever been planned for the score of the film.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (soundtrack) | Songs
Elton John thought his career had hit a new low when he was writing the music to the song "Hakuna Matata". However, the strongly enthusiastic audience reception to an early film trailer which consisted solely of the opening sequence with the song "Circle of Life", suggested that the film would be very successful. Out of the five original songs, "Hakuna Matata" was listed at number 99 in the AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs list in 2004, and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" won the Oscar for Best Original Song during the 67th Academy Awards. The soundtrack itself was the fourth best-selling album of 1994 on the "Billboard" 200 and the top-selling soundtrack.
The Lion King (franchise) | Music
Scar sings the musical number "Be Prepared," written by songwriters Elton John and Tim Rice, while contemplating Mufasa's death plot and bringing the hyenas along. Described as the film's "darkest" song, a "pompous," "fascistic paean to usurpers," the musical sequence depicts the lion "as a big-cat fascist." According to "Business Insider", in addition to loosely basing the character on Adolf Hitler to further emphasize Scar's tyranny, the filmmakers very much directly based his song "Be Prepared," which references Nazism by having Scar's army of hyenas goose step while addressing them from a high ledge – similar to the way in which Hitler would have from a balcony – in the Nazi propaganda film "Triumph of the Will "(1935), a film that documents Nazi Germany during 1934.
Scar (The Lion King) | Music
If truth be told, even for adults it is downright strange." Owen Gleiberman of "Entertainment Weekly" praised the film, writing that it "has the resonance to stand not just as a terrific cartoon but as an emotionally pungent movie". "Rolling Stone" film critic Peter Travers praised the film and felt that it was "a hugely entertaining blend of music, fun, and eye-popping thrills, though it doesn't lack for heart". James Berardinelli from ReelViews praised the film saying, "With each new animated release, Disney seems to be expanding its already-broad horizons a little more. "The Lion King" is the most mature (in more than one sense) of these films, and there clearly has been a conscious effort to please adults as much as children.
The Lion King | Critical response
sounds like he's having a better time than he's ever had in movies before." In a rare lukewarm review, Anthony Quinn of "The Independent" felt that Irons's performance was too campy: "more Liberace than George Sanders."
Scar (The Lion King) | Critical response
Morake also helped score "The Lion King's" stage musical, creating new music and adding pieces from "Rhythm of the Pride Lands". The musical was nominated for Best Original Score at the 52nd Tony Awards in 1998. He founded the Lebo M Foundation and Till Dawn Entertainment.
Lebo M. | The Lion King
As the sun rises, Rafiki the mandrill calls the animals to Pride Rock. She greets King Mufasa and Queen Sarabi before presenting their cub to the gathered animals ("Circle of Life"). Elsewhere, Mufasa's brother, Scar, laments his lost chance at becoming King. Back at her baobab tree, Rafiki paints an image of the cub and asks the spirits to conjure the new prince's name: Simba. Time passes and Simba grows into a lively young cub ("Grasslands Chant"). Mufasa shows Simba the Pride Lands from the top of Pride Rock and explains that everything exists in a delicate balance known as the Circle of Life.
The Lion King (musical) | Act I
The review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes reports that the film has an approval rating of 62% based on 13 reviews with an average rating of 5.97/10. "Siskel & Ebert" gave the film a "two-thumbs up" and said it was a "satisfactory sequel to one of the most popular films of all time, "The Lion King"". However, they also said it was best that it went to video, citing that the music was lacking and not remotely equal to the original's soundtrack. "TV Guide" gave the film 2½ stars out of four, claiming that, despite being of slightly higher quality than Disney's previous direct-to-video animated sequels, "comes nowhere near the level of its big-screen predecessor", either musically or artistically.
The Lion King II: Simba's Pride | Reception
Mecchi and Roberts took charge of the revision process, fixing unresolved emotional issues in the script and adding a comic business for Pumbaa, Timon, and the hyenas. Lyricist Tim Rice worked closely with the writing team, flying to California at least once a month because his songs needed to work in the narrative continuity. Rice's lyrics—which were reworked up to the production's end—were pinned to the storyboards during development. Rewrites were frequent, with animator Andreas Deja saying that completed scenes would be delivered, only for the response to be that parts needed to be reanimated because of dialog changes.
The Lion King | Development
Walt Disney Records released an expanded edition of "The Lion King" soundtrack containing an additional thirty minutes of previously unreleased material from the film, as well as a collection of demo versions of cues. This revision contains a new remastered mix by Alan Meyerson.
The Lion King (1994 soundtrack) | "The Legacy Collection" release
Mufasa warns Simba not to stray beyond the boundaries of the Pride Lands, pointing out a shadowy area in the distance. Zazu, a hornbill who acts as Mufasa's advisor, arrives and delivers his daily report on the state of affairs in the King's domain ("The Morning Report", now cut from the Broadway production). Simba goes to see his Uncle Scar. The scheming lion piques the cub's curiosity by mentioning the elephant graveyard, where Simba is forbidden to go. Meanwhile, the lionesses go hunting ("The Lioness Hunt"). Simba arrives and asks his best friend, a female cub named Nala, to come with him to the elephant graveyard.
The Lion King (musical) | Act I
Nala refuses and later announces her intention to depart the Pride Lands and find help. She receives the blessings of the lionesses and Rafiki during the new song "Shadowland". Like its predecessor, the "Beauty and the Beast" musical, the show adds more songs to its stage production, including "Morning Report", sung by Zazu the hornbill and later added to the film for the Platinum Edition DVD release. "Shadowland". originally featured on the CD "Rhythm of the Pride Lands" with Zulu lyrics as "Lea Halelela", was adapted for the musical with new English lyrics. It is sung by Nala, the lionesses, and Rafiki.
The Lion King (musical) | Differences between the musical and film
"Spirit", performed by Knowles-Carter and written by herself, Ilya Salmanzadeh, and Labrinth, was released on July 9, 2019, as the lead single from the soundtrack. The film also features all the songs from the original film, a cover of The Tokens' "The Lion Sleeps Tonight", and the song "He Lives in You" from "Rhythm of the Pride Lands" and the Broadway production. The soundtrack, featuring Zimmer's score and John and Rice's songs, was released digitally on July 11, 2019, and physically on July 19, 2019. Knowles-Carter also produced and curated an album titled "", which features "Spirit", as well as songs inspired by the film.
The Lion King (2019 film) | Music
The musical incorporates several changes and additions to the storyline as compared to the film. The mandrill Rafiki's gender was changed to a female role because Taymor believed that there was generally no leading female character in the film. Rafiki was portrayed by Tsidii Le Loka in the original Broadway musical, and by Josette Bushell-Mingo in the original London production. Several new scenes are present, including a conversation between Mufasa and Zazu about Mufasa's parenting and a perilous scene in which Timon finds himself nearly drowning in a waterfall while Simba feels powerless to help him. A major narrative addition is the depiction of Nala's departure in the scene "The Madness of King Scar", where the mentally deteriorating villain tries to make Nala his mate.
The Lion King (musical) | Differences between the musical and film
Instead, this soulless chimera of a film comes off as little more than a glorified tech demo from a greedy conglomerate—a well-rendered but creatively bankrupt self-portrait of a movie studio eating its own tail."
The Lion King (2019 film) | Critical response
The following day, it was reported that Beyoncé would assist John in the soundtrack's re-work. On February 18, 2018, it was reported that four songs from the original film would be included: "Circle of Life", "I Just Can't Wait to Be King", "Hakuna Matata", and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight", the latter being performed by Beyoncé, Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, and Billy Eichner. On February 3, 2019, it was reported that "Be Prepared" would be featured in the film as well. Favreau described the experience of "not trying to create new songs but trying to build on what people remember and love about the old ones" as something "really fun and formative".
The Lion King (2019 soundtrack) | Background
A soundtrack for the show was released in 2020. Track listing:
Theme park live adaptations of The Lion King | Soundtrack
"The Lion King" won the Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie at the 1995 Kids' Choice Awards. In 2008, "The Lion King" was ranked as the 319th greatest film ever made by "Empire" magazine, and in June 2011, "TIME" named it one of "The 25 All-TIME Best Animated Films". In June 2008, the American Film Institute listed "The Lion King" as the fourth best film in the animation genre in its AFI's 10 Top 10 list, having previously put "Hakuna Matata" as 99th on its AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs ranking.
The Lion King | Other awards
Disney decided that the five pop-oriented songs composer Elton John and lyricist Tim Rice had written for the animated film would be augmented by more exotic-sounding, percussive and African-influenced musical numbers for its stage adaptation. "Shadowland" was written by songwriters Lebo M., Hans Zimmer, and Mark Mancina, with Lebo and Zimmer composing its music, while both Lebo and Mancina wrote the song's lyrics. "Shadowland" is based on "Lea Halalela (Holy Land)", a song Zimmer and Lebo had originally written for the film that debuted on the "Lion King"-inspired concept album "Rhythm of the Pride Lands" (1995). The track itself is inspired by an orchestral theme used in the film.
Shadowland (The Lion King) | Background
"The Lion King" was released to critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 93%, based on 129 reviews, with an average rating of 8.43/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Emotionally stirring, richly drawn, and beautifully animated, "The Lion King" stands tall within Disney's pantheon of classic family films." It also ranked 56th on their "Top 100 Animation Movies". On Metacritic, the film has a score of 88 out of 100, based on 30 critics, indicating "universal acclaim". Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film a rare "A+" grade on an A+ to F scale. Roger Ebert of the "Chicago Sun-Times" gave the film three-and-a-half stars out of a possible four and called it "a superbly drawn animated feature".
The Lion King | Critical response
The soundtrack was digitally released on July 11, 2019, while both the soundtrack's CD and Beyoncé's album were released on July 19, 2019.
The Lion King (2019 soundtrack) | Introduction
Originally, the song (first called "Thanks to Me") was about Scar introducing the hyenas to the lionesses after he pronounced himself king. This idea was eventually scrapped and replaced with "Be Prepared". A reprise of the song after Mufasa's death was also cut from the film, but is featured in the musical version. In the beginning of the second verse, an army of hyenas is shown goose-stepping in front of Scar, who is perched on an overlooking cliff in resemblance of Adolf Hitler with upwards of 22 beams of light pointing straight-up (resembling the Cathedral of light featured in many of the Nuremberg Rallies).
Be Prepared (song) | Production
In Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom's "Festival of the Lion King", Kiume sings the song while the theater takes on a darker tone with the male dancers carrying spears and shields, while the female dancers dance with streamers. After Kiume sings the first verse, the solo hyena performer does a tribal dance with a fire torch. In the finale, when the snippet of "Be Prepared" is sung, the hyena comes back out but dances with blades.
Be Prepared (song) | "Festival of The Lion King"
"Be Prepared" is a song written by Elton John and Tim Rice (music and lyrics, respectively) for the Disney animated feature film "The Lion King" (1994). The song was originally performed in the film by Jeremy Irons, with Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin, and Jim Cummings providing supporting vocals; Cummings performed partial material for Scar after Irons' voice gave out. The song is also featured in the 1997 Broadway musical "The Lion King", with John Vickery, Kevin Cahoon, Stanley Wayne Mathis, and Tracy Nicole Chapman performing it in the original Broadway cast for the musical. Chiwetel Ejiofor performed an altered version of the song in the 2019 film adaptation.
Be Prepared (song) | Introduction
The original principal casts of all major productions. The original production crew for the Broadway production.
The Lion King (musical) | Original casts
He composed the original score and then spent late September through early November 2005 conducting the Hollywood Orchestra and overseeing the recording of the English choir. For "colour", he employed instruments used in ancient folk music, and to underscore critical dramatic moments, he added choral textures and, occasionally, a solo voice. The score includes instances of electronic music. The soundtrack received two Golden Globe Award nominations: "Best Original Score" and "Best Original Song" (for "Wunderkind").
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe | Music
He further wrote in his print review, "The saga of Simba, which in its deeply buried origins owes something to Greek tragedy and certainly to "Hamlet", is a learning experience as well as an entertainment." On the television program "Siskel & Ebert", the film was praised but received a mixed reaction when compared to the previous Disney films. Ebert and his partner Gene Siskel both gave the film a "Thumbs Up", but Siskel said that it was not as good as "Beauty and the Beast" and that it was "a good film, not a great one". Hal Hinson of "The Washington Post" called it "an impressive, almost daunting achievement" and felt that the film was "spectacular in a manner that has nearly become commonplace with Disney's feature-length animations", but was less enthusiastic toward the end of his review saying, "Shakespearean in tone, epic in scope, it seems more appropriate for grown-ups than for kids.
The Lion King | Critical response
"Black Is King" is based on the music of "The Lion King: The Gift", with each song on the album receiving corresponding visuals in the film. An extended version of "Black Parade" was used for the film's credits. The film's score was composed by James William Blades, MeLo-X, and Derek Dixie, while Beyoncé and Derek Dixie acted as music directors. The score contains traditional African music from the UNESCO Collection of Traditional Music and released by Smithsonian Folkways. Ethnomusicologist and retired Smithsonian Folkways associated director Atesh Sonneborn commented that the choice of songs used were notably lullabies and children's songs, with the selection showing that Beyoncé was trying "to reach back to her own sense of African heritage".
Black Is King | Music
and South Africa. It is the best-selling soundtrack album to an animated film in the United States with over 7 million copies sold, with 4,934,000 copies sold in 1994. An expanded version of "The Lion King" soundtrack, featuring 30 minutes of previously-unreleased material, was released as part of the "" series on June 24, 2014. In 2014, Hot Topic released a vinyl picture disc of the soundtrack.
The Lion King (1994 soundtrack) | Introduction
The music was made available on a soundtrack album, but no official sheet music exists. However, Simon Bozonnet, an amateur musician and fan of the film, released a faithful transcription of the piano theme on his website.
The King and the Mockingbird | Production
Disney released "Rhythm of the Pride Lands" on February 28, 1995 as a sequel to the soundtrack of the first film. Rhythm of the Pride Lands was initially printed in a very limited quantity. However, it was re-released in 2003, included in some international versions of The Lion King's special edition soundtrack with an additional track, "Circle of Life". An audio CD entitled "" was released on September 8, 1998. Although not promoted as a soundtrack to "The Lion King II: Simba's Pride", it contained all the songs from the film and some additional songs inspired by it by Lebo M.
The Lion King (franchise) | Music
The songs were also produced by African producers, which Beyoncé said was because "authenticity and heart were important to [her]", since the film is set in Africa. Cameroonian singer/producer Salatiel also features on the album. Some other African musicians featured on the album include, Ghana's Shatta Wale, Nigeria's Wizkid, Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Mr Eazi, Tiwa Savage and Tekno.
The Lion King (2019 soundtrack) | "The Lion King: The Gift"
Musicians that were involved in the making of the soundtrack.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (soundtrack) | Musicians
He begins to roar: he has that sound, that yarrrrragh, as he has never had it before. He is not singing it, it is singing him."
Listen to the Lion | Reception
Plans for a remake of 1994's "The Lion King" were confirmed in September 2016 following box office successes for Disney remakes such as "The Jungle Book" (2016), which was also directed by Favreau. Favreau was inspired by certain roles of characters in the Broadway adaptation, and developed upon elements of the original film's story. Much of the main cast signed in early 2017, and principal photography began in mid-2017 on a blue screen stage in Los Angeles. The "virtual-reality tools" utilized in "The Jungle Book"s cinematography were used to a greater degree during filming of "The Lion King". Composers Hans Zimmer, Elton John, and lyricist Tim Rice, all of whom worked on the original's soundtrack, returned to compose the score alongside Knowles-Carter, who assisted John in the reworking of the soundtrack and wrote a new song for the film, titled "Spirit", which she also performed.
The Lion King (2019 film) | Introduction
Dustin O'Halloran and Hauschka teamed up to write the score for the film. Sia wrote the song "Never Give Up" for the film which also includes the song "The Sun, The Sand And The Sea" from songwriter Jimmy Radcliffe and "Urvasi Urvasi" by A R Rahman. The film also includes songs from artists such as Hercules and Love Affair ("Blind"), Mondo Rock ("State of the Heart"), Enigma ("The Rivers of Belief") and Picturetone Pete and Jimmy Radcliffe ("The Sun the Sand and the Sea"). The ‘Disco King’ legendary Bappi Lahiri's iconic track ‘Come Closer’ from the movie Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki has been picturised on Dev Patel in Australia.
Lion (2016 film) | Music
The cast album, however, which cuts several musical numbers and reprises, has been praised.
King David (musical) | Critical response
At the Saturn Awards, the film was nominated in two categories, Best Fantasy Film and Best Performance by a Younger Actor although it did not win in either category. The film also received two nominations at the British Academy Film Awards, for Best Sound as well as the Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music although it lost in both categories to "Speed" and "Backbeat" respectively. The film received two BMI Film & TV Awards for Film Music and Most Performed Song with "Can You Feel the Love Tonight." At the 1995 MTV Movie Awards, the film received nominations for Best Villain and Best Song, though it lost in both categories.
The Lion King | Other awards
"The Madness of King Scar" is a song written by composer Elton John and lyricist Tim Rice, which premiered in the musical "The Lion King", a stage adaptation of Disney's 1994 animated film of the same name. Originally recorded and storyboarded for the movie, it was removed from the final version. Media outlets believed the decision to exclude the song was based on its explicit references to sexuality. "The Madness of King Scar" had been added to the musical along with two other songs. It is one of two tracks that more prominently features vocals from the character Nala. The title is a reference to the 1994 film "The Madness of King George".
The Madness of King Scar | Introduction
But thanks to a clever story line, snappy dialogue that kids and adults will enjoy, a couple of decent new songs and the return of the original voice actors, "Lion King " is an irreverent gas." Many reviewers have suggested that the film was influenced by the Tom Stoppard play "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead", which follows Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two minor characters from Shakespeare's play "Hamlet", and details their experiences taking place during the same time as the events of "Hamlet", similar to what the film does with its predecessor, which has been similarly compared to "Hamlet". Screenwriter Tom Rogers confirmed that this was intentional in a 2019 interview, adding that the film's frame story was inspired by "Mystery Science Theater 3000".
The Lion King 1½ | Reception
Following the success of "The Lion King", "Beauty and the Beast", and "Aida", Disney wanted to create a musical that showcased a wide variety of Disney songs without a movie screen. After one attempt on a play called "When You Wish", On the Record was made. The original cast featured Ashley Brown, Emily Skinner, Brian Sutherland, and Andrew Samonsky. All but Skinner were featured on the soundtrack. Skinner was replaced by Kaitlin Hopkins. The songs and movies are listed below.
List of songs in On the Record | Introduction
Labeling Timon and Pumbaa the only interesting characters in "The Lion King", Hinson questioned Simba's role as the film's hero. Kenneth Turan of the "Los Angeles Times "agreed, "A movie's heroes may have their names above the title, but often as not it's the sidekicks who get the real work done." Turan went on to pan Simba, describing him as "irritatingly callow." Chris Hick of the "Deseret News" complained about the fact that Simba and the other "characters in "The Lion King" are not as warm and fuzzy as other Disney animated features," crediting this with making "the film a bit tougher to warm [up] to." ComingSoon.net strongly panned Simba as a lead character, writing, "typically for Disney animated fare, it's the hero who is the weak link being both blandly designed and blandly performed." Acknowledging the character's Shakespearean origins, "The Baltimore Sun"s Stephen Hunter gave Simba a negative review, writing, "Alas ...Simba stands in for Hamlet, but he's a lot less complicated; in fact, he's less complicated than Morris the Cat or Sylvester." Hunter continued, "Simba the Exile is even less interesting than Simba the Prince." Christopher Null of Contactmusic.com was critical of Weaver's performance as the singing voice of Young Simba, writing, "If there's anything annoying about the film, it's the singing.
Simba | Critical response
A total of thirteen supervising animators from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Disney-MGM Studios were responsible for establishing the personalities and setting the tone for the first film's main characters. The animation team studied real-life animals for reference, as was done for the earlier film "Bambi". The animation of the characters was created with supervision by wildlife experts such as Jim Fowler, who visited the studio on several occasions with an assortment of lions and other jungle inhabitants to discuss behavior and help the animators give their drawings an authentic feel. He taught them how lions greet one another by gently butting heads, and show affection by placing one's head under the other's chin, mannerisms that can be appreciated in Simba and Nala's encounter during the song "Can You Feel the Love Tonight".
The Lion King (franchise) | Cast and characters
"The Lion King" was first released on VHS and laserdisc in the United States on March 3, 1995, under Disney's "Masterpiece Collection" video series. The VHS edition of this release contained a special preview for Walt Disney Pictures' then-upcoming animated film "Pocahontas", in which the title character (voiced by Judy Kuhn) sings the musical number "Colors of the Wind". In addition, Deluxe Editions of both formats were released. The VHS Deluxe Edition included the film, an exclusive lithograph of Rafiki and Simba (in some editions), a commemorative "Circle of Life" epigraph, six concept art lithographs, another tape with the half-hour TV special "The Making of The Lion King", and a certificate of authenticity.
The Lion King | Home media
The song is used in the opening sequence of the , sung by Lebo M.. Animals are shown traveling to Pride Rock to witness the presentation of Simba and Nala's daughter, Kiara. The main theme of the song is that Mufasa's legacy lives on, despite his death. Mufasa's spirit is also seen watching over the presentation.
He Lives in You | "The Lion King II: Simba's Pride"
Nala refuses since she's already been betrothed to Simba, prince of the Pride Lands as an infant by their parents, Sarafina, Mufasa and Sarabi and flees the Pride Lands to find help.
Nala (The Lion King) | Musical
The film features various cameos, including by Blue Ivy, Jay-Z, Kelly Rowland and artists featured on the album.
The Lion King: The Gift | "Black Is King"
The vocalizations of the Tyrannosaurus were additionally mixed in with puma screams. Bird squawks were used for the Pteranodon. Spivak also provided the numerous screams of the various sailors. Fay Wray herself provided all of her character's screams in a single recording session. For budgetary reasons, RKO decided not to have an original film score composed, instead instructing composer Max Steiner to simply reuse music from other films. Cooper thought the film deserved an original score and paid Steiner $50,000 to compose it. Steiner completed the score in six weeks and recorded it with a 46-piece orchestra. The studio later reimbursed Cooper.
King Kong (1933 film) | Post-production