The Art of the Lion King

by Christopher Finch

Book Overview

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... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786861843
• ISBN13: 9780786861842
• Release Date: October 1995
• Publisher: Disney Editions
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 4.3" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

Very good visual companion to the best Disney movie!

"The Lion King" is, as clichéd as it may sound, my all-time favorite film in the Disney animated canon, so I'm glad I got its art book in early preparation for its 30th anniversary in 2024. The execution of this book is unique in that, instead of having the text detail the film's development from start to finish, it summarizes the plot of "The Lion King" itself as various story sketches, concept illustrations, background paintings, and film stills accompany each scene in chronological order. Therefore, the only place where you can really find behind-the-scenes details is James Earl Jones's foreword. Though that's a nitpick. As cool as it would have been for the book to talk about stuff like George Scribner's involvement with the project back when it was called "King of the Jungle", or Rob Minkoff and Roger Allers' supervision on the film we eventually got, the biggest stars of "The Art of The Lion King" should be, well, THE ART. All of the aforementioned types of production art I listed are unsurprisingly amazing stuff to observe, especially whenever they take up an entire page spread. BUT BUYERS BEWARE! As I've read from other reviews on here, it's sorta a game of chance whether you'll end up with the full-size print or the "miniature" version, the latter of which I ended up with. The mini print has the advantage of being small enough to carry with you when you're on-the-go. However, I'd occasionally have to squint my eyes to look at certain details to the art, like direction notes on a complex storyboard with Rafiki. Regardless, I definitely recommended this visual companion to fellow "Lion King" fans!

Misleading description. This is the tiny version. Not large book!

Only get it if you want the mini!

NOT the edition I wanted - small version, misleading listing

Very misleading listing, two very different books are listed under the exact same name and description. I'm not happy with this, it's the tiny version not the gorgeous large one.

This is not what I ordered.

I ordered the large copy of this book and I got the small flip book for the film. Is there any way for me to get the real copy of the book I need?

AMAZING ART ANIMATION

"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

Wonderful graphics, including ones the public never sees

This book is one of the most exquisite things to come out of The Lion King. The graphics are beautiful. Most of the pictures are ones that are used for the storyboard and layout scenes. I reccommend it to anyone who loves The Lion King, or just Disney in general. Order with confidence - the book is worth much more than its price tag. It is also much more convient than the larger, more expensive version which I believe is no longer being produced.

Great book for animation art lovers.

This book is great if you like to see all the art work that was created during the development of the movie as well as the finished scenes. They show you a lot of the concept art that was used so that you get a sense of how ideas developed and gives you a glimpse behind the scenes. The book is mostly pictures with less explanatory text than you usually see in similar books. So it's mostly a book to look at as opposed to reading. It's great if you enjoy looking at animation art.