The Art of The Lion King [Hardcover]

Christopher Finch (Author), James Earl Jones (Foreword), Penelope Niven (Foreword)

Book Description

Lush, color artwork from Disney's new animated film--in all stages, from conceptual to finished, is accompanied by a narrative that retells the story of the film and an afterword revealing the inspiration behind the art. 25,000 first printing.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Disney aims for a smash hit this summer with The Lion King , the first original animated screenplay it has ever produced. This book incorporates the film's artwork and screenplay, plus a foreword by James Earl Jones (who plays the Lion King's father) and an afterword discussing the African themes and landscape that inspired the art.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

The resurgence in Disney animation in recent years has been accompanied by a concurrent rise in Disney merchandise, the latest example of which is this tie-in to the studio's new cartoon epic, The Lion King. The handsome coffee-table book follows the movie's story of the lion cub Simba's journey to assume the mantle of kingship by means of hundreds of beautifully reproduced production stills, sketches, animation drawings, and background paintings depicting the appealing characters and African settings. The last quarter of the volume is devoted to an afterword offering a behind-the-scenes, step-by-step account of the project from conception to screen. The studio-sanctioned text glosses over such unpleasantries as the removal of the film's original director, who had envisioned a less traditional, more Afrocentric saga. In any event, it's the bountiful gallery of artwork that's the real selling point of the book. Early in its release as of this writing, The Lion King seems to be on its way to becoming Disney's biggest-grossing release ever, so there's bound to be an eager audience for this lavish tome. Gordon Flagg

Product Details

• Hardcover: 193 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion; 1st edition (June 2, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786860286
• ISBN-13: 978-0786860289
• Product Dimensions: 13.2 x 10.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #174,702 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice companion with lots of storyboard art, March 17, 2009

By 

Parka (Singapore) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Art of The Lion King (Hardcover)

Length:: 0:26 Mins

The Lion King was the first movie I watched in the cinema. Although I can't remember anything about the movie today, I do remember that I liked it very much. I was 13 back then.

The Art of the Lion King is an oversized art book containing concept art, colour pencil storyboards and film stills. Some of the film stills when blown up over two pages still look fabulous. The concept art is amazing, specifically the stylized character designs and some of the background paintings.

The art is arranged according to story acts, and there are a lot of storyboards. Unfortunately, the accompanying text are only the plot lines.

Right at the end is the afterword, which is actually the production process of the movie. Here are stories on how Lion King was scripted, research done (including a trip to East Africa), things happening behind the scenes like the duties of the cleanup artists, using CAPS (computer software) to animate the film, creating special effects like rain or fire and other special effects.

It's a nice companion to the movie.

(More pictures are available on my blog. Just visit my Amazon profile for the link.)

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING ART ANIMATION, July 3, 2005

By 

Gail Cooke (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Art of The Lion King (Hardcover)

"The Lion King," Disney's 32nd animated film proved to be a smashing success, appealing to young, old, and those in between. As it filled movie houses, Disney mania swept the country again. The breathtaking visual effects that fascinated so many are brought to stunning life in "The Art of the Lion King" by Christopher Finch.

This lavish folio-size volume traces the creative process utilized in making the film, from black and white sketches to glorious full-color reproductions and even splendid fold-outs, one exhibiting the surreal beauty of the African natural world.

Actor James Earl Jones, the voice of Mufasa the Lion King in the film, contributes the foreword, while the text is by Christopher Finch, author of "The Art of Walt Disney."

Those fascinated by the art of animation and those touched by the story of Mufasa, Simba and Scar will treasure this color and fact filled memento.

- Gail Cooke

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic example of concept art for anybody!, February 17, 2004

By 

Adele Thomas (Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Art of The Lion King (Disney Miniature Series) (Hardcover)

Apart from the fact that my copy was close to pocket size, i thought that this book was fantastic. Not only does it come filled with amazing concepts, it also is accompanied with the Lion King Storyline. As an illustrator and student animator, it is a wonderful addition to my resources. The sketches through to the complete full colour images are for any Lion King fan, artists or just someone wanting a beautiful coffee table book. If your from overseas like myself and cannot get these kind of books in Australia, i reccommend Amazon and their associate stores. Buy this, its great.