The Lion King: Digital Online

  Walt Disney Studios' 32nd animated feature film, "The Lion King," was released on June 16, 1994, to overwhelming worldwide enthusiasm. It quickly became Disney's most successful animated film to date.

  The earliest version of "The Lion King" story was developed in 1989. The project's original title was "King Of The Jungle." Surprisingly, it was not originally intended to be a musical. Unlike most Disney animated features, which are adaptations of fairy tails or literary classics, "The Lion King" was based on entirely original material.

  It quickly found it's way to much critic acclaim, and into the hearts of millions around the world.

  "The Lion King" received Two Thumbs Up from Siskel and Ebert when it was reviewed on June 11, 1994.

  "The Lion King" has also received many awards for it's accomplishments; including Academy Awards for Best Music - Original Score and Best Music - Song - "Can You Feel The Love Tonight", as well as earning nominations for Best Music - Song - "Hakuna Matata" and Best Music - Song - "Circle of Life".

  "The Lion King's" acclaim does not end with the Academy, however. It has gone on to win Golden Globe awards for Best Motion Picture in the Comedy/Musical category, Best Original Score in the Motion Picture Category, and Best Original Song in a Motion Picture for "Can You Feel The Love Tonight". It was also nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song in a Motion Picture for "Circle of Life".

  The wonderful songs of "The Lion King" have won Grammy Awards for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance with "Can You Feel The Love Tonight", as well as Best Instrumental Arrangement with Accompanying Vocals for "Circle of Life", and Best Musical Album for Children. While going on to receive acknowledgement for Most Performed Song from a Film for "Can You Feel The Love Tonight", and the Robert Musel Award for the Most Played Song, again for "Can You Feel The Love Tonight".

  "The Lion King: The Broadway Musical", still playing to sold out houses in three countries, has won Tony awards for Best Musical, Best Director in a Musical [Julie Taymor], Best Costume Design, Best Lighting Design, Best Scenic Design, and Best Choreography as well as being nominated for Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, Best Featured Actor in a Musical, Sam Wright, Best Featured Actress in a Musical, Tsidii Le Loka, and Best Orchestrations. That's no less then 11 Tony nominations, including Best Musical, which it went on to win!