Mufasa: The Lion King – Now available on digital

Now available on digital at retailers such as Amazon, Movies Anywhere, Fandango at Home and Apple TV is Disney’s latest movie release, Mufasa: The Lion King. The film will be available on Blu-ray, 4K Ultra and DVD on April 1, 2025.

The film features the voice talents of Aaron Pierre, Donald Glover, Mads Mikkelsen, as well as Beyonce and her daughter Blue Ivy Carter, to name a few.

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.

This film is a prequal of sorts to the original Lion King story/film. It’s how young Mufasa came to be king of the Pride Lands, who would later pass his kingdom down to his son, Simba. It also shows how the relationship between Mufasa and “Scar,” whose original name was Taka, came to be.

First and foremost, the animation in this film is breath taking! It’s so realistic looking. I was in awe over everything, from the single strands of hair blowing in the wind to the running water that looked so real that I wanted to jump in and swim.

My husband watched this movie with me. We couldn’t help but compare it to the original Lion King movie (1994). The original film was fantastic, but as far as the illustration is concerned it cannot even compare to this film. The original is clearly illustration. This film looks like its a live action film, except animals can’t talk in real life (of course).

Even if you are not a fan of the Lion King franchise, you will be blow away by the cinematography and animation in this film. It’s mind blowing!

I really enjoyed the story it’s self. I didn’t know that Mufasa and Scar were not biological brothers. That sort of makes sense because Scar didn’t seem too heartbroken when Mufasa died in the original film, and he was clearly upset over Simba taking over the Pride Lands.

I love seeing my favorite characters as realistic looking animals. Pumbaa and Timon are equally as funny in this film. Zazu, the Hornbill bird, is equally as funny.

The soundtrack in this film is pretty good too. So far none of the songs are playing on repeat in my head (like Hakuna Matata and Can You Feel the Love Tonight), however, I have only seen this film once thus far. I’m sure after I watch it again some of the songs will stick in my head. I definitely plan on watching this film again.

I honestly didn’t know that singer Beyonce and her daughter voiced characters in this film. Those choices surprised me.

I appreciate that Disney is turning a lot of their films into live action films (or close to it as in this case).I especially appreciate the origins story. It’s also renewed my interest in seeing the original film again.

Often prequals and sequels can’t hold a candle to the original, but the film makers of Mufasa: The Lion King, did a fabulous job. This film is worth seeing.

There are some bonus features for this film you might want to check out too.

Bonus Features*

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.

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” – 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 

Protect the Pride – Learn how Disney and The Lion Recovery Fund are working to protect the pride and conserve lions in the wild.

*Bonus features may vary by product and retailer

This film runs just shy of two hours and is rated PG.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures are to credit for the making of this film.

Be sure to check them out on social media.

X: @DisneyStudios

YouTube: @Disney

Facebook: @Disney

Instagram: @Disney

Be sure to check out the official hashtag #Mufasa to see what others have to say about the film.

Below is the film’s trailer for your enjoyment.

Did you see Mufasa: The Lion King? What did you think about it? Feel free to comment and share your thoughts. I always love to hear from readers.

 

Kimberly

*I received a free copy of this film in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.