Disney will unveil its long-awaited converted 3D version of “The Lion King” at 6 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 20) during this year’s D23 Expo in Anaheim, Ca.
Then the studio will introduce the animated classic publicly at its own El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood and a national limited three-week theatrical engagement Sept. 16 – Oct. 6. That will follow a two-week engagement of a 3D version of “Beauty and the Beast” exclusively at the El Cap Sept. 2-15.
Both movies will be released on Blu-ray 3D on Oct. 4.
At the last D23 Expo in 2009, Disney introduced the 3D conversions of “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2” and showed scenes from “Beauty” which was to be released theatrically in early 2010. It was at the height of interest in 3D following the release of “Avatar.”
But the theatrical release of a double-bill of “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2” in the fall of 2009 proved to be less than spectacular, grossing only $30 million domestically and $32 million worldwide.
The release of “Beauty and the Beast” was subsequently delayed several times before finally being announced for Blu-ray DVD earlier this year.
Prices for the theatrical 3D presentations of “The Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast” at the El Capitan range from $10 – $23 and include a stage show and breakfast with Belle at “Beauty” and breakfast and a stage show appearance by Timon at “Lion King.”
— By Scott Hettrick