gridoon2018
Leonard Maltin calls "The African Lion" the best of Disney's True-Life Adventures, but, after having seen a few of them lately, I do not agree. If anything, it proves that the African lion is just too damn lazy to center an entire movie around, so the filmmakers make it just one part in the gallery of animals they examine. The first half is too leisurely, even ponderous, but the second does have some amazing footage and exciting action. Perhaps none more impressive than the "locust blizzard" at the end. **1/2 out of 4.
jazerbini
I saw this documentary in 1960 at age 11 and never forgot it. It was very well done. It is wonderful. I watched with my father who is gone for 28 years. I was so impressed with the beauty of the species that spent collecting everything I could about animals. The scenes are beautifully shot and encourage children to like and, of course, preserve animal life. Fantastic, wonderful. Just the initial presentation of the documentary to paint the map of Africa and its different regions, it is a lesson in Geography.In the following years despite developments in technology not seen documentaries that level which makes it even more valuable. It is an example of a job well done.Unfortunate not copy for sale there.
runamokprods
Feature length documentary, part of Disney's True-Life Adventure series. This was the best reviewed of the series – both at the time of it's release and in more recently reviews - and it really is quite good. While the music is over-the-top, and some of the narration is a bit Disney 'cute', a lot of the narration is really informative, and a lot of the wildlife photography is amazing, especially considering when it was done. It's not really about Lions as much as the whole African world they lord over. There's some footage of Mt. Kilimanjaro, and a locust swarm that's flat out breathtaking.NB: On the same disc is 'Bear Country', an Oscar winning 30 min short.
moonspinner55
Disney documentary is one superb piece of work! Chronicles wildlife in Africa, centering on the King of the Beasts but also includes fascinating glimpses of rhinos, hippos, vultures, and even locusts(whose swarm is vividly captured). Three years in the making, film is an excellent primer for curious children, also terrifically entertaining for the adults.