The Lion King: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

A yes, if you never bought the orignial soundtrack and just got into the music and movie with the rerelease of the DVD. It's a great buy as you get the new song you will have heard as well as all the original songs that fill this movie.

A no, if you like millions of people own the original soundtrack and aren't that crazy about a very short song of the "Morning Report" and can't get all excited about a CD having 3 versions of the same song on it.

It still is a great overall soundtrack though. It has "Circle of Life", "I Can't Wait to Be King" "Hakuna Matata" and all the other songs you will remember from the movie. It has the insturmentals and the Elton John versions of the main songs from the movie. The only special thing though is the addition of two songs and one of them being short and isn't even that thrilling.

So the choice is yours. If you already own this it isn't worth buying again. You can hear the Morning Report in the DVD version and not feel like this is a must have either way. If you have never had this before definitely get this as you may as well get extra songs to listen to if you are going to get the soundtrack anyway.

It is very disapointing that Disney didn't go more out here to truly make this a special edition for Lion King fans. Like maybe putting the edited out part that Timon had in Hakuna Matata that we find in deleted scenes on the DVD, or the Timon version of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" Just something to really add something new and "SPECIAL" to this CD. It comes off more as a cheap ploy to milk more money on things people have by making them want to buy it again and all I can say is get this if you don't have the original soundtrack already but otherwise don't bother as it just doesn't offer enough that is differnet or truly special.


it should be really special   October 6, 2003
 4 out of 7 found this review helpful

It's sad to see that disney REcords loses a good chance to bring an album that makes the difference between a special and a regular edition. Instead of the special edition album of Beauty & the beast, here are nothing that makes say "wow, I have to buy it". What are the new pieces? The song morning report and -why? Do we need this?- another version of Can you feel the love tonight.
It's a shame. I personally think that this is one of the best scores of Hans Zimmer and also one of the best of Disney Records, and the original is 5 of 5, but you'll see: I'm from chile, and in Latin America, the spanish edition of The original Lion king soundtrack had a different album art -astonishing and better than the original -and...AND READ WITH ATTENTION: WITH ONE MORE TRACK THAT WASN'T IN THE ORIGINAL. It was a score selection called Hienas! (Hyens!, in english), unreleased to this date, five minutes long -maybe more- and really a good one.
By including this one, the spanish album doesn't have the Elton john version of I can`t wait to be king, but WHO CARES? When we buy a soundtrack, we want the music that was part of the film, no a lot of songs not perfomed or rearranged for the album.
Buy thos one only if you don't have the original. If not, cry for a real Special edition soundtrack.


If you like this soundtrack, you will absolutely LOVE...   August 16, 2003
 5 out of 6 found this review helpful

Any discs from Karl Jenkins' "ADIEMUS" project. Very similar style to Zimmer's instrumental work on the Lion King. Maybe closer to the Broadway music of the Lion King. Check it out!


Absolutely sensational.   July 15, 2003
 3 out of 4 found this review helpful

Hands down, one of the most popular soundtracks of all time, if not one of Disney's greatest. Hans Zimmer's imaginative score mesmerizes in a way that transports his audience in another place; here he has brilliantly put us dead center in the vast savannah's and African atmosphere, uplifting the film's overall look and feel. Whether his immense scores are providing a hiyena chase, to backing a whole stampede, he balances the captivating suspense and adventure, keeping us on the edge of our seats. His pieces on the film are as deep and surreal as the animation. Elton John's collaboration with Tim Rice is risky, yet they pull it off even when past Disney successors Howard Ashman and Alan Menken have scored it big before, keeping the classical Disney musical tradition alive. An amazing collection of voice acting is cast for the film, and I must applaud for the actors who have raised their talents by performing an art they do not normally do--sing. This especially is awarded to Jeremy Irons, who's raspy accented bite to his voice snarks villianous power to his song "Be Prepared," a dark and perfect example of his character Scar. Another wonderful feature is Rowan Atkinson's Zazu character who's portions of generation tradition uptightness symbolizes his dedication in his duties, but is overruled by the ambitions of his future master to the addicting and catchy "I Just Can't Wait To Be King". This lively song bounces on the playful vulnerabilities of young children, with the help of energetically crisp pure voices of Jason Weaver(young Simba), and Laura Williams(young Nala). This is one of my favorite uptempo Disney songs ever. Elton John's version gives the pop taste a rock and roll flavor. "The Circle Of Life" is breathtaking, taking the story and putting it into a much grand perspective, not to mention the memorable gathering of herds in the beginning of the film. "Hakuna Matata" is a definite childhood favorite, meaning "no worries," giving that warm fuzzy feeling of carefree enjoyment that will stay in the hearts of Disney fans for years to come. Its anticipating prelude, comedic and theatric middle, and jazzy ending makes it a loveable song. Then lastly, is the romantic "Can You Feel The Love Tonight?" with its humorous beginning and end featuring comic relief pair Timone and Pumba (Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella). Elton John's magically moving version is much better, with its floating ballad melody and meaningful lyrics, agreeably deserving it an Oscar and Golden Globe. Even as a solo single, it ranks among the unforgettable Disney duets in the past, such as Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. Bottom line, this soundtrack is overall triumphant with love and glory, and at the same time cleverely flourished with humor and spunk, keeping the beauty and magic of a truly original Walt Disney masterpiece. Even released years ago, it's never too late to get your kids dazzled. A definitive buy.