MELISSA MARTINEZ
PRIDE STAFF WRITER

Do you remember picking up your dog and singing incomprehensively at the top of your lungs while you held your poor pup in the air? This signature stance derives from none other than Disney’s 32nd classic film, “The Lion King,” that made its debut into the world and our hearts in 1994.

The critically acclaimed animated classic was tremendously successful in the box offices and was quite popular, winning three Golden Globes for Best Original Score for a Motion Picture, Best Original Song for a Motion Picture and Best Motion Picture in Comedy/Musical as well as two Oscars for Best Musical Score and Original Song.

With the “The Lion King” in theaters this September, 90s kids as well as children everywhere were given the opportunity to relive their childhood and experience the tragic but musically genius adventure in a way no one has ever experienced before: in 3D. A friend and I went to the opening weekend and we weren’t able to contain our joy as soon as “Circle of Life” started playing. We, along with many 5-year-olds and their stressed out parents, watched in awe as Mufasa and Simba came to life right before our very eyes.

Though I have seen this movie countless times, the experience of watching it restored and three-dimensional was something I never thought I would be able to witness. Colors and scenes danced out right in front of me, and the elimination of the unpopular song addition titled “Morning Report” to the DVD version was delightful. Watching Mufasa’s infinite wisdom, Scar’s evil antics and the silliness of Timon and Pumba brought back memories of a childhood when my biggest concern was me falling asleep before Rafiki got Simba back to Pride Rock in time before the hyenas took over—a time before school, work and adult responsibilities consumed my life.

Though the viewing is limited, the experience of reliving my childhood was irreplaceable.

Photo courtesy of digital.lionking.org