Professional Motion Picture Production and Distribution NEWS
Disney's The Lion King Reigns Once Again
By StudentFilmmakers.com
posted Sep 19, 2011, 16:21
3D Release Takes Top Spot With $30 Million Domestic Gross; Beloved Tale Continues to Captivate Global Audiences on Screen and Stage
3D Release Takes Top Spot With $30 Million Domestic Gross; Beloved Tale
Continues to Captivate Global Audiences on Screen and Stage
(Burbank, CA) The Circle of Life continues as The Walt Disney Studios' The
Lion King 3D opened at #1 in theaters this weekend with an estimated gross of
$30 million. The Lion King is now the third highest-grossing animated film of
all time at the domestic box office. This release of The Lion King marks the
fifth biggest September opening in industry history, the second biggest September
opening in Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures history, and the first reissue
to open #1 in 14 years. The film will remain in theaters for a limited engagement
ahead of its Blu-ray™ and Blu-ray 3D™ premiere on October 4.
Meanwhile, the London production of the hugely popular stage show recently
celebrated its 5000th performance on September 13. The award-winning musical
is also preparing to launch its Spanish premiere in Madrid, the largest stage
musical ever presented in Spain. Opening October 21 at Lope de Vega Theatre,
it is the first time the musical has been performed in the Spanish language.
Since opening in 1997, The Lion King has been performing to sold-out crowds
on Broadway with a remarkable 5,757 shows thus far.
"The Lion King has proven again and again the transcendent power of great
stories and characters," said Rich Ross, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios.
"From the screen to the stage, this timeless classic continues to touch
the hearts of audiences of all ages around the world."
Notable Facts:
- First released in 1994, The Lion King is the third highest-grossing animated
film of all time with $358.6 at the domestic box office (includes all releases),
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—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.
Resources:
http://www.waltdisneystudios.com/
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