The Lion King saga continues with the new Barry Jenkins-directed prequel/sequel that chronicles the original king of Pride Rock.
The Circle of Life continues as Mufasa: The Lion King goes from digital VOD to an eventual physical release Blu-ray, but it will soon be streaming on Disney+. Our Chris Bumbray found the family film to be quite an enjoyable watch as he said in his review, “I might have even slightly preferred it to the 2019 Lion King, as at least it tells a marginally different story and doesn’t rely on nostalgia for a much better film to entertain its audience – even if I can’t help but think Jenkins was capable of delivering a much better film than this were he given the chance.” Variety now reports that Mufasa: The Lion King will start streaming on Disney+ starting March 26.
This streaming date precedes the home video release. Mufasa: The Lion King was recently reported to make its way onto 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on April 1. Here’s the list of bonus features included. The press release states that content may vary by product and retailer.
- Full-Length Sing-Along – Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the movie with on-screen lyrics.
- Finding Milele: The Making of Mufasa: The Lion King – Join visionary director Barry Jenkins and the cast of Mufasa: The Lion King on an epic journey to create a brand-new chapter in the story of The Lion King. Explore how the story was developed and the technology used to make Mufasa’s world come to life.
- Songs of the Savanna – Director Barry Jenkins and songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda sit down to discuss the excitement and challenges of creating the music for Mufasa: The Lion King.
- Ostrich Eggs with Timon & Pumbaa – Timon and Pumbaa reveal fun facts and some of the hidden references in the movie.
- Protect the Pride – Learn how Disney and The Lion Recovery Fund are working to protect the pride and conserve lions in the wild.
- Outtakes – Watch the cast having fun in the recording booth.
- Deleted Scenes:
- Who’s the Mole Rat?
- What Do You Feel in There?
- Have Faith in Her
- Taka’s Dream
- Music Video: “I Always Wanted a Brother” IRL – Join Lin-Manuel Miranda and the cast of Mufasa: The Lion King as they perform “I Always Wanted A Brother” backstage at a film shoot.
- Song Selections:
- Milele (First Rain)
- I Always Wanted a Brother
- Bye Bye
- We Go Together
- Tell Me It’s You
- Brother Betrayed
The official synopsis for Mufasa: The Lion King: “Exploring the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands, “Mufasa: The Lion King” enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.“
