If there's one double disc DVD release that's likely to vie for the biggest selling of 2003, it's this one. The Lion King is one of Disney's biggest grossing - and most fondly remembered - animated movies. You can tell, because the investment of time, money and genuine enthusiasm into this DVD release is formidable. The letdown is how it's all laid out.

The Mane Attraction

As a fan you may prefer to watch the original theatrical version on disc one, but now there's a chance to see the film with a whole new song added. The Morning Report is not the strongest song of the movie, but it's a lot better than many recent Disney efforts, and there's a featurette on disc one where producer Don Hahn takes us through the reasons why it was originally dropped.

Feel The Roar

Enveloping, soaring Dolby and DTS 5.1 sound mixes are available for both versions of the movie on disc one. Complemented by a beautiful image transfer rich with deep detailed colours, you have one of the best presentations of traditional animation you're ever likely to see.

A Maze Of Amazement

If there is one problem with the features-stuffed disc two, it's the navigation. There is so much material on offer (scroll down if you don't believe us) that Disney has put together a number of options to take you though it all. As a result you'll often find yourself visiting material you've already seen. A few well edited documentaries would have been a better idea. The best thing you can do is select an option where you can play groups of featurettes as one programme, although not even this covers everything that's available.

Trust The Audience

The quality of the featurettes is generally good, but the emphasis is more on analysing the success of the movie rather than the animation process behind it. Disney has a much loved hit movie here, and should trust the audience to stay with them for longer than a few minutes at a time. The one antidote to this is the feature commentary, which will offer something of substance to animation fans.

Still Essential

There are some grumbles but they are worth making. The navigation desperately needs to be simplified, and Disney should better segregate the material clearly intended for young children and the stuff that's for serious animation fans. Still, put a little effort in and this disc set rewards.

DISC ONE SPECIAL FEATURES

DISC TWO SPECIAL FEATURES

This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-N5 DVD player.