'Mufasa: The Lion King" is now available on digital and also 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD
Category: Blu-ray's and DVD'sCategory: Television and Streaming
This “live action” prequel to the hit 2019 animated film The Lion King is filled with heart, spirit, and above all – family. Family is at the heart of this story. Mufasa: The Lion King tells the story of how Mufasa became the king of Milele and how his family continues the Circle of Life.
Alert – sensitive viewers will most likely need to keep some tissues handy as there are many sentimental scenes and scenes of terror. Although this movie is filled with those scenes, it is an entertaining addition to the franchise.
The story begins with Simba’s daughter Kiara being looked after by Rafiki while Simba and Nala are away as she gives birth to a new cub. Left alone and wanting her parents, Rafiki distracts her with the story of her grandfather and how he came to Milele.
When Mufasa was a cub he was swept away by a great flood and washed far from his parents and home. He was rescued by cub from another tribe. Taka always wanted a brother but his father the king refused to acknowledge Mufasa as his son. So the queen cared for the little lost cub and brought him up to be strong and worthy. She also gave him courage to go out and look for his real family and follow the words of his mother.
Then a pride of outsiders, white lions who were outcasts from their own prides, attacked and the son of the king was killed. Soon Mufasa and Taka were sent away to start a new bloodline in Milele, with Taka being king. His father instructed him to fulfill his destiny and instructed Mufasa to take care of his son.
Along the way they meet Sarabi, a young lioness who, along with her protector Zazu, are wandering around after being separated from their pride. Mufasa takes them with him and Taka as they travel toward Milele. Joining them is a young Rafiki who is intent on finding Milele as well, as he is looking for his family too.
The story unfolds while Rafiki is telling this epic adventure to Kiera, Timon, and Pumba as they await the birth of Simba and Nala’s cub and their reunion with Kiera.
The visuals are beautiful in this “live action” story filled with heart, hope, and destiny. As Rafiki says, “The eye never forgets what the heart has seen.”
Taka sees Mufasa as his brother. When he falls for Sarabi, he asks his brother for advice, which he gives him. Mufasa is supposed to look after Taka and does what he can for his “brother.” But when Sarabi shows more interest in Mufasa than Taka, Taka’s jealousy gets the better of him and he becomes a danger to them all.
As mentioned earlier, there are many scenes of terror and death. This is scary at times and emotional at other times. The ending is satisfying though.
Spoiler alert: They do make it to Milele, Sarabi and Mufasa get together, Taka’s betrayal is addressed and his name is changed to Scar due to the scar he received when he saw the error of his ways and saved Mufasa, and after the storytelling by Rafiki comes to an end, Kiera is reunited with her parents and introduced to her new baby brother.
The movie is filled with life-saving scenes, scenes of treachery, scenes of danger, and also scenes of love. Family is number one and the whole reason for making this movie.
Additional features include song selections, outtakes, a “making of” feature, and some fun Easter eggs which are called Ostrich eggs in this case.
Another brief bonus touches on the Lion Recovery Fund that helps protect lions in Africa.
There are several deleted scenes that were not completed and not included in the film however after watching them there are two that – in my opinion – should have been kept in: “What do you feel in there” includes Rafiki telling Mufasa “No matter how far you walk destiny will follow.” Another incomplete scene is about a dream Taka has about his father.
The Lion King was a worldwide hit when it was produced in 2019 and there have been several films in this franchise. Mufasa: The Lion King brings everything together and full circle, filling in pieces of the whole story, just like The Circle of LIfe. The movie is rated PG.
The movie is available on digital, DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K.
Fans of Mufasa, Simba, and the whole gang can also get the three-movie set that includes the original animated feature, the “live action” version and this new prequel.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.
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