When I saw this movie up for pre-order on iTunes, it brought me straight back to a time in my life when I watched it nearly every day, sometimes more than once, and when I wasn't doing that, I was acting out scenes or writing random "Lion King" stories. Only nine years old when it first came out, I would have gone to the theater multiple times if I was able to drive myself (my parents were only amenable to one viewing), and when it came out on VHS, my mom bought it right away as an incentive for me to finish my homework early for once. In short, everyone has their own special movie from their childhood, and this one was definitely mine. It still holds up today as one of Disney's all-time greatest classics, and when you revisit it years later, it's easy to see why. Nobody can argue with the timeless themes of love, family, and carefree youth that must eventually transition to adult responsibility, no matter how scary it might seem. I must admit that the film's tragedy struck me deeply as a kid, and now, at age 26, there are actually certain scenes that I can't bring myself to watch. (Funny how time and age can make certain realities hit you harder, when childhood innocence is no longer there.) Despite that, it is still a nostalgic favorite that will always, ALWAYS have a special place in my heart. The soundtrack is on my iPad--I mean, come on, those are full-blown classics--and if nothing else, it's a pleasure hearing the memorable voice of Jonathan Taylor Thomas as young Simba. Hard to believe how long ago it really was...and yet everything about the movie is every bit as good as it was back in 1994. So, will I be buying this when it's re-released in October? You bet!
