THE LION KING: Diamond Edition Presides Over Blu-ray Today

TODAY, Disney releases THE LION KING: Diamond Edition on Blu-ray 3D & Blu-ray Hi-Def Combo Pack! In celebration, we  present you with some Art Tips from the animators and directors, Coloring and Activites Pages, Wild Crafts, Fun Food Ideas, and a discount offer for purchase!

“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.”

ART ATTACK!

Calling all wannabe animators! Want some expert advice on improving your artistic skills? Get creative and follow these top tips from the animators and filmmakers of The Lion King 3D…

1. TIP ONE: PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT… The Lion King animator Tony Bancroft says: “You don’t become a NFL football star from throwing a football just once. You have to practice and practice and practice. If you want to become an artist or an animator, you need to study art as much as possible. Practice really does make perfect!”
2. TIP TWO: STUDY THE CLASSICS… Supervising lead animator Mark Henn says: “If you want to become a musician, you need to sit down and listen to a lot of music. If you want to become an animator, it’s important to sit down and watch a lot of animated movies. Studying the classic Disney animations like The Lion King, Dumbo and Beauty And The Beast is a great way to improve your animation skills.”
3. TIP THREE: LET YOUR IMAGINATION RUN WILD! The Lion King co-director Roger Allers says: “Animation is a very slow process, so it’s not for the impatient. However, don’t be discouraged. Animation takes a long time but there is a great thrill of seeing something come to life. I love animation because you get to use your imagination. You get to play and pretend and invent things, so let your imagination run wild!”
4. TIP FOUR: BUY A SKETCHBOOK… Animator Tony Bancroft says: “If you want to get better at art, buy a sketchbook and take it with you wherever you go. Draw your family at home, draw the dog in the backyard or go to the zoo and draw any animals you see there. You never know when inspiration will hit you, so keep it with you at all times.”
5. TIP FIVE: LEARN THE BASICS… Supervising lead animator Mark Henn says: “If you want to be an artist, work on your artistic skills and get a good art education. Even computer-generated films start with a drawing or a painting. You need to have a good sense of design, color and perspective, so learn all the basics and go from there.”
6. TIP SIX: EXPERIMENT… Animator Tony Bancroft says: “Use whatever you can to practice and experiment with animation and art. You don’t have to draw all the time. Why not use a camera instead? Or try your hand at sculpture? Experiment and try different methods to discover what you’re best at.”
7. TIP SEVEN: DON’T GIVE UP… Producer Don Hahn says: “A lot of people feel that you either have artistic talent or you don’t – but that’s not the case. People don’t draw at birth. Everyone has some artistic talent, but you have to hone it and develop it. It’s about learning your craft and practicing as much as possible. Keep at it and don’t give up!”
8. TIP EIGHT: GO ONLINE… Animator Tony Bancroft says: “There are lots of great artist blogs online. Not only will you be able to get inspiration by seeing great artwork, but you’ll also find that a lot of artists share their secrets. They share how they do things, they share their process and they share their thinking. I have seen phenomenal blogs that are educational and inspiring at the same time. Go online and check them out!”
9. TIP NINE: USE ANYTHING… Supervising lead animator Mark Henn says: “Buy a watercolor set or a paint set. Pick up a lump of clay. Doodle with some crayons. Sketch with some pencils. Play around with some chalk. Use anything that gets you stimulated, but keep practicing and have fun with art.”
10. TIP TEN: DON’T BREAK THE BANK… Animator Tony Bancroft says: “A lot of people think, ‘To be a great artist, I have to buy an expensive book or an expensive piece of software.’ But a pencil and a scrap of paper will do. Just work with what you’ve got.”
11. TIP ELEVEN: PICK UP A BOOK… Supervising lead animator Mark Henn says: “There are a ton of great books out there on animation and art. If you can’t afford to buy them, don’t worry… Go to the library and study them there!”
12. TIP TWELVE: KEEP YOUR DREAMS ALIVE! The Lion King co-director Rob Minkoff says: “There are so many opportunities and so many ways to get involved with animation right now. If you love it, it’s important to pursue it. Go and buy a sketchbook, start drawing, start animating and get into art classes at school. Keep your dreams alive and don’t let anyone tell you that you’ll never make it as an animator. You can do it if you try hard!”

Feel inspired? Just click on the images below to download your fun activity and recipe pages and get those creative juices flowing!

COLORING AND ACTIVITY PAGES

WILD CRAFTS

FUN FOOD IDEAS

Save $5 on THE LION KING : DIAMOND EDITON by clicking the image below:

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—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.

THE LION KING : DIAMOND EDITION comes out TODAY on Blu-ray 3D & Blu-ray Hi-Def Combo Pack