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Review of "The Lion King 1 1/2" by

The Lion King 1 1/2 image
The Lion King 1 1/2

Walt Disney Home Video

$29.99 Suggested Retail Price

One of the most successful animated features in Disney history was "The Lion King." This one probably should have left it at that. This small story is supposed to be the pre-quel to The Lion King II, a direct-to-home-video release from 1998. You can learn how as a clumsy youth Timon left his home and mother to search for a perfect home. On the way he found a perfect friend, his warthog pal Pummba, and they both moved into the perfect home. One day they run across the young Simba. Timon & Pummba teach the lion to eat bugs instead of them and the three of them are having a lazy and lovely time. One day Simba finds his childhood sweetheart, the lioness Nala. Once again he falls for her and together they go back to fight the good fight and defeat his Uncle Scar and the weasels.

All the original voices are back this time and they are still wonderful performers. Two new characters and voices have been added. Julie Kavner voices Timon's mom and Jerry Stiller is the voice of Timon's Uncle Max.

The extras include deleted scenes from the original "The Making of The Lion King," and a new song that is sung by Raven. You can play games like a virtual safari called "Hidden Mickey Hunt." There is even a quick take-off on The Millionaire game with TV hostess Meredith Vieira helping you to play this new game, "Who Wants To Be King?" The most fun is a documentary bit about Timon where Peter (Mission Impossible) Graves interviews friends and relatives about the famous meerkat Timon.

This is a DVD aimed at children who will love the simplistic story and remember the old cast. The two new meerkat characters are both good, giving some background to Timon.

For the adults out there, be sure to see the original "The Lion King," which was made for you and me. Also, if you can treat yourself to the wonder of the Broadway stage show by the same name, do it! It took years for the production to get to our town, and I loved it! Someday I hope they finally break loose with a DVD of the stage show. I can't afford to see the theatrical productions more than once.

As I said, get this video for the kids. You can't go wrong here.


Rainbo Electronic Reviews published this review in our May, 2004 issue.



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