If you loved the first and second films in The Lion King saga you are sure to love the much less serious 1½ version. This tale is told from a slightly different point of view. This is The Lion King tale of Timon and Pumba told by Timon and Pumbaa themselves. It takes us all the way back to the beginning of the infamous tale of Simba and then a little farther back even then. We get to experience the whole story all over again from the “real hero’s” point of view.
This film fills is all the little gaps you never even knew existed in the original films story. It is actually incredibly clever the way everything falls into place. Each pivotal and unforgettable moment in the original film is somehow related to something Timon and Pumbaa did or didn’t do. It is quite comical really. I was rather impressed with the creativity of it all.
Timon and Pumbaa are such beloved characters it would have been a shame not to give them their own film. In fact, I’m almost positive Timon insisted on it!
The voice talents are the originals so it really adds to the character of the film. Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, Ernie Sabella, Julie Kavern and Jerry Stiller all added their wonderful voices to the film and created something wonderful. The entire team whom worked on the film did an outstanding job all the way around.
The Blu-ray portion of the combo was beautiful. Pristine and classic all the way around. The brilliant coloration of the film was designed perfectly to be incredibly pleasing to the eye along with holding the attention of a young audience with no problems what so ever. The film was very clear and vibrant. The high definition quality was very nice and enjoyable to watch. It was a beautifully made film.The DVD portion was also nice, but lacked a bit of the clarity and charm the HD feature held. Still a great film, but not on par with the Blu-ray.
Special Features
Disc 1- Blu-ray™ Feature Film + Bonus
-Timon & Pumbaa’s Vacation Safari (This was a nice educational part of the film. Timon and Pumbaa put on a little sheet screen and give you a quick rundown of the Safari Animals. Children will find this entertaining and will learn something in the process. Such as the difference between and Alligator and Crocodile.)
– DVD Features
Disc 2- DVD Feature Film + Bonus
-Deleted Scenes (There are several of these actually. Of course they are all still rough drawings. They all had their charm, but I see why they did not find a place in the final product.)
– Timon: Behind The Legend (This is a silly documentary of Timon’s life and how if became a “star.” It’s a bit silly.)
– Before The Beginning: The Making Of The Lion King 1½ (I always enjoy the “making of” portion of the extras. They are so interesting and this one is no different.)
– Grazing In The Grass Music Video (Raven performing)