Re-release Of Disney’s THE LION KING 3D Makes List At No. 10 Of All-Time Top Grossing Films

The 3D re-release of THE LION KING has moved Disney’s animated film to No. 10 on the list of all-time top grossing films at the domestic box office. The classic has now grossed $98.7 million worldwide, $79.7million in North America and came in at #3 this weekend with $11,057,000 million.

All-Time Top 10 Domestic Grossing Films:

1. Avatar Fox $760,507,625 2009
2. Titanic Paramount $600,788,188 1997
3. The Dark Knight WB $533,345,358 2008
4. Star Wars Fox $460,998,007 1977
5. Shrek 2 DW $441,226,247 2004
6. E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial Uni. $435,110,554 1982
7. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace Fox $431,088,301
8. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest BV $423,315,812
9. Toy Story 3 BV $415,004,880 2010
10. The Lion King BV $408,193,776 1994
11. Spider-Man Sony $403,706,375 2002
*BoxOfficeMojo

Its highly anticipated home entertainment debut kicks off October 4, celebrating the Diamond Edition release of THE LION KING in high-definition Blu-ray™ and Blu-ray 3D™.

“THE LION KING is the best-selling home entertainment release of all time-and this is THE LION KING like never before,” said Bob Chapek, president of distribution, The Walt Disney Studios. “The all-new 3D format immerses viewers in the epic settings and puts them face-to-face with these beloved characters. We’re showcasing one of the all-time favorite Disney movies in theaters and making it available in Blu-ray hi-def and in Blu-ray 3D-it’s the must-see, must-own title for everyone.”

Nearly a decade since THE LION KING last appeared on the big screen, the theatrical release invited new generations into the “Circle of Life.” The 3D-only presentation was a planned wide domestic release-the biggest since the film’s 1994 debut-and the film’s first-ever 3D release.

The Blu-ray debut marks the first time THE LION KING has been available in any form since 2004. Featuring pristine high definition picture and sound, the Blu-ray creates an incredible at-home experience with a host of picture and sound enhancements, interactive features and bonus content, including a new set of hilarious animated bloopers

Notable Facts:

• First released in 1994, The Lion King is the highest-grossing traditional hand-drawn animated film of all time and the highest-grossing film from Walt Disney Animation Studios.
• The Lion King is the top-performing home entertainment release ever. The Blu-ray debut marks the first time it has been available in any form since 2004.
• The Lion King is Disney’s best-selling soundtrack. It received Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (10x platinum). Only four other soundtracks in history have been certified Diamond.
• Best of The Lion King, a collection of songs from and inspired by the films and the show, is currently the #3 soundtrack on iTunes.
• The Lion King has won 2 Academy Awards®, 3 Golden Globes®, 6 Tony Awards® and 3 Grammys®, among other accolades, including over 70 major theatrical honors worldwide.
• The stage show has been seen by more than 60 million people worldwide, grossing over $4.6 billion in 18 productions across 14 countries, spanning 5 continents and 8 languages.
• Current productions include Broadway, North American Tour, Las Vegas, London, Hamburg, Tokyo and Singapore.
  The Lion King opened on Broadway in 1997 and in January 2011 became its seventh longest-running show ever; it continues to be one of the highest-grossing on a weekly basis.
• The North American tour recently completed a record-breaking, sold-out, 32-show premiere engagement at the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier in Montreal, grossing more than $7 million – the highest-grossing theatrical production in the venue’s history.

 

ABOUT THE LION KING
An unforgettable story, breathtaking animation, beloved characters and award-winning music sets the stage for The Lion King, a Disney classic that follows the adventures of Simba, the feisty lion cub who “just can’t wait to be king.” But his envious Uncle Scar has plans for his own ascent to the throne, and he forces Simba’s exile from the kingdom. Alone and adrift, Simba soon joins the escapades of a hilarious meerkat named Timon and his warmhearted warthog pal, Pumbaa. Adopting their carefree lifestyle of “Hakuna Matata,” Simba ignores his real responsibilities until he realizes his destiny and returns to the Pride Lands to claim his place in the “Circle of Life.” The all-star vocal talents – including Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Whoopi Goldberg, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Ernie Sabella, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Robert Guillaume, Cheech Marin and Moira Kelly’s rip-roaring comedy and uplifting messages of courage, loyalty and hope make this a timeless tale for all ages. Produced by Don Hahn and directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff from a script by Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts and Linda Woolverton, The Lion King is rated G by the MPAA.